How to Simplify Text on Any Website with Helperbird

Learn how to use Helperbird to simplify complex text into plain, easy-to-understand language. A complete guide to the Simplify feature.

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What is Simplify?

The Simplify feature rewrites complex or technical text into plain, easy-to-understand language. It keeps the meaning of the original text but uses simpler words and shorter sentences so the content is easier to read.


Who is This For?

This feature is helpful for:

  • People with reading difficulties or dyslexia
  • English language learners who find complex text hard to understand
  • Students reading academic or technical content above their reading level
  • Seniors who prefer plain language
  • Anyone who finds jargon-heavy websites confusing
  • People with cognitive disabilities who benefit from simpler text

Step 1: Open Helperbird

Click the Helperbird icon in your browser toolbar. It looks like a small owl and is usually in the top-right corner of your browser.

This will open the Helperbird menu.


Step 2: Select Text on a Webpage

Go to any webpage and use your mouse to highlight the text you want to simplify. Click and drag to select a sentence, paragraph, or larger section.


Step 3: Simplify the Text

With your text selected, open the Helperbird menu and choose Simplify. Helperbird will process the selected text and rewrite it in plainer language.


Step 4: Read the Simplified Text

A panel will appear showing the simplified version of the text. The meaning stays the same, but the words and sentences are easier to read.

You can copy the simplified text to your clipboard or close the panel when you are done.

Tip: Simplify works great with text-to-speech. Simplify a passage first, then have Helperbird read it aloud for even easier comprehension.


Video Tutorial


Need Additional Help?

If you have any questions or run into any issues, please contact the Helperbird support team. You can reach us at Helperbird support. We are happy to help you get the most out of Helperbird.

What People Are Saying

Join over 1,000,000 people who use Helperbird every day.

Helperbird does so many things that are game changing for me! By far the two most important are the font changes and the highlight ruler. I can change fonts to something dyslexia friendly. The ruler helps me stay on the line I'm trying to read. These two things change the blur into words! Tech support has been great when I have had problems!

Firefox user

Firefox user

Helperbird user

Where to start! Firstly, I'd like to thank Robert (the developer) for his generosity - the app is extremely cheap as apps go. It is very apparent that this app is a labour of love - Robert is constantly working on it and improving things, adding new features, etc. As someone with ADHD and ASD, I have always had to piece-meal together the features I need to help me study effectively - half a dozen different apps / extensions, and even then they don't quite meet my expectations. Helperbird, however, offers SO MUCH more, and all in one place - you can finetune your experience to your heart's desire. The features I particularly love are summarise, simplify, sticky notes, highlighting, and the amazing immersive reader with TTS. I can't sing Helperbird's praises enough. Thank you, Robert, for such a thoughtful - and genuinely helpful - app. You are empowering the neurodivergent everywhere.

Firefox user

Firefox user

Helperbird user

I purchased this for my daughter who has been having a lot of difficulty accessing the online work set remotely by her teachers during our National Lockdown because of Covid-19. Her dyslexia was really hindering her ability to complete tasks and keep up which in turn led to increased anxiety levels...a really horrid place to be in during a global pandemic! Helper bird has been a vast help and I fully recommend it and wish more schools knew about it. Thank You Helper Bird.

Michelle Howard-Price

Michelle Howard-Price

Assistive technology specialist

Saw it mentioned at Cast last night! Love Immersive Reader.

Taylor Coffee

Taylor Coffee

Firefox user

Just added it and it feels like my eyes are flowing through text!

bondziotek

bondziotek

Helperbird user

Great features on the free side.

bookmouse

bookmouse

Helperbird user

Helperbird logo: Stylized owl with large yellow eyes and a beige face, against a green background.

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