How to Use the PDF Reader in Helperbird

Learn how to use Helperbird's use the pdf reader in helperbird. Complete guide for improving web accessibility and reading support.

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What is the PDF Reader?

The PDF Reader is a built-in tool that lets you open and read PDF documents directly in your browser with extra accessibility features. It includes tools for note-taking, annotations, voice typing, translation, and more.


Who is This For?

This feature is helpful for:

  • Students who read PDF textbooks and lecture notes
  • Researchers who work with academic papers
  • Anyone who needs to annotate PDF documents
  • People who want text-to-speech for PDFs
  • Anyone who needs to translate or summarize PDF content

Step 1: Open a PDF in Helperbird

When you view a PDF in your browser, look for the green "Open PDF in Helperbird – Click to Open" button at the bottom of the page.

Click this button.

The PDF will open in Helperbird's reader interface with all tools available.


Step 2: Navigate and Read

Once your PDF is open, you will see page numbers at the top for easy navigation.

Use the arrow buttons or type a page number to jump to a specific page.

You can also zoom in and out using the zoom controls.


Step 3: Take Notes

To open the note-taking panel, click the Notepad button in the top toolbar.

This opens a split view with your PDF on the left and the Notepad on the right.

In the Notepad you can:

  • Type notes – Write your thoughts as you read
  • Voice Typing – Click the microphone icon to dictate notes instead of typing
  • Grammar/Spell Check – Click the "A" with checkmark icon to check for errors
  • Print – Click the print icon to print your notes
  • Download – Save your notes or the annotated PDF
  • Add text to PDF – Click the Add text to PDF button below the text editor to insert your notes as a text box on the current PDF page

Step 4: Use Quick Tools

Click the Tools menu button (the round dots button labelled "More options") in the top navigation bar to access quick tools:

  • Immersive Reader – Open the PDF in a clean reading mode
  • Translate – Open the current page, or just the text you have highlighted, in Immersive Reader with translation switched on in your saved language
  • Summarize – Get a quick summary of the PDF content
  • Extract text (OCR) – Pull text from the PDF to use elsewhere

Tip: The PDF Reader combines all of Helperbird's powerful tools in one place, making it perfect for studying, research, and document review. Use voice typing for quick note-taking, the Add Textbox button to add text boxes directly on the PDF, and the Drawing Tools to mark up pages with freehand pen, shapes, and arrows.


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

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The free version of this is so great and helpful to a LOT of people...but the upgraded version is next level:)

Mia Laudato

Mia Laudato

Helperbird user

My son has dyslexia and has been struggling with parts of distant learning over the last year. We recently discovered this software and he is loving everything about it, especially with the ease of following directions and completing his assignments! We have used several other tools but this has everything a dyslexia person needs all in one bundle! The upgrade is definitely worth it to make our daily struggles, on the computer, run much smoother. I also greatly appreciate customer support (helpdesk). They went above and beyond to make sure we were all set up on the computer for my son to most successful.

Melissa Motz

Melissa Motz

Teacher

So far ive got nothing but amazing things to say about this extension. It helps everyday life so much!

Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Helperbird user

This chrome extension is absolutely amazing. I'm a Primary school teacher and it helps children with a broad range of needs. It's so easy to set up. I love the way it syncs across devices so set up is seamless across all the children's computers. The customizable features are a game changer for allowing children to enjoy reading and accessing the web in our school. The best application I have ever seen for school children. Looking forward to trying the iPad application soon.

Luke Mccarthy

Luke Mccarthy

Teacher

this extension is amazing and has helped improve my productivity robert has also been a very nice person to deal with when I have issues the live chat feature is amazing and quick for a response it's a really great Chrome extension that helps a lot way worth the money I pay per month and is also just great to support great people making accessibility tools

Jack Salem

Jack Salem

Helperbird user

love it! I want it on Word and on all my applications now...

Vernon Dickey

Vernon Dickey

Helperbird user

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