How to Access the PDF Reader in Helperbird

Learn how to use Helperbird PDF support. Read and annotate PDFs with accessibility tools Support for all learners and educators. This guide explains how to use the PDF reading features in Helperbird. When a PDF is detected in your browser, a popup will ask if you want to open it in Helperbird's PDF reader.

Helperbird's PDF Reader makes working with PDF documents easier with built-in tools for reading, annotating, note-taking, and more. Open any PDF and access powerful features like voice typing, translation, text extraction, and summarization.


Step 1: Open PDF in Helperbird

When viewing 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 to open the PDF in Helperbird's reader.

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


Step 2: Navigate and Take Notes

Once your PDF is open, you'll see page numbers at the top for easy navigation. To open the note-taking panel, click the Notepad button in the top toolbar.

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

Note-Taking Features:

Voice Typing: Click the microphone icon to start dictating your notes instead of typing. Great for quickly capturing thoughts while reading.

Grammar/Spell Check: Click the "A" with checkmark icon to check your notes for spelling and grammar errors.

Print: Click the print icon to quickly print your notes.

Download Options: Click the download icon in the toolbar to see your options. You can download your notes separately, download the original PDF, or download the PDF with your annotations included.


Step 3: Annotate Your PDF

Click the Add Textbox button in the top toolbar to start adding text boxes and annotations directly onto your PDF pages.

Click the Add Textbox button again to add more text boxes where you can type your annotations.


Step 4: PDF Text to Speech

Use the playback controls to manage your annotation workflow:

  • Play: Continue adding annotations
  • Pause: Temporarily stop annotation mode
  • Stop: Exit annotation mode

Step 5: Use Quick PDF Tools

Click the floating pink menu button on the right side of the screen to access quick tools for working with your PDF:

Extract Text: Pull text from the PDF to use in other documents or applications.

Summarize: Get a quick summary of the PDF content to understand key points faster.

View in Immersive Reader: Open the PDF in an immersive reading mode with enhanced readability features.

Translate: Translate the PDF content into different languages.

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 mark up important sections, and the Drawing Tools to draw shapes, arrows, and freehand marks directly on the PDF.


Video Tutorial


Need Additional Help?

Ran into a snag while using the PDF Reader? No worries at all! Just reach out to our friendly Helperbird support team, and we'll help you smooth things out in no time.

What People Are Saying

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

Great features on the free side.

bookmouse

bookmouse

Helperbird user

Excellent company and so easy to deal with. Robert showed great patience and answered every question I put. I use it for immersive reading and it is an excellent app. Well done.

Seamus

Seamus

Firefox user

Let me tell you, I didn't know how badly I needed this until I got it. It was much like when I got glasses, I had just assumed that was how everyone saw the world...then it wasn't. Thank you Helperbird for the efforts you put forth in this lovely extension for everyone to use. The fact that you can use so much on the free just goes to show that this is something to help aid people not just some money grab. However with the pricing it still couldn't be a money grab. Thank you all again for the efforts you put forth so others can enjoy the internet more fully.

Matthew Burns

Matthew Burns

Health care worker

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

bondziotek

bondziotek

Helperbird user

This is my first google review ever! I have to share that the accessibility and support for independent access for students that Helperbird provides, is a game changer. It is constantly being updated with new features based on feedback and it is extremely user friendly. The ability to customize the settings allows students to have control over their own learning, aligning with Universal Design for Learning. Looking forward to sharing with students and fellow educators on a daily basis. Thanks, Helperbird team!

Kelli Suding

Kelli Suding

Assistive technology specialist

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

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