How to Open PDFs with Helperbird in Google Drive, Classroom or Gmail,
Install Helperbird Google Docs and Slides add-on. Add accessibility features to your Google Workspace documents and presentations.
Helperbird now works seamlessly with Google products like Drive, Gmail, and Docs, allowing you to open PDFs directly in Helperbird’s built-in PDF reader.
With this integration, you can use all your favorite accessibility tools - from text-to-speech to color overlays and dyslexia-friendly fonts - without having to leave Google’s interface.
How to Enable Helperbird in the “Open with” Menu
Step 1: Install the Helperbird Google Docs Add-on
Go to the Google Workspace Marketplace and search for Helperbird.
Click Install and follow the steps to grant permissions.
Tip: You may need admin approval if you’re using a work or school Google account.
Step 2: Make Sure You Have the Helperbird Extension Installed
Helperbird’s Chrome extension must also be installed to open PDFs in Helperbird.
If you don’t have it yet, you can get it from the Chrome Web Store.
Once installed, make sure you’re logged in to your Helperbird account.
Step 3: Open a PDF in Google Drive or Gmail
Open any PDF in Google Drive or Gmail. You’ll see a button at the top labeled “Open with”.
Step 4: Choose Helperbird from the List
Click Open with, and you should now see Helperbird as one of the connected apps.
Select Helperbird, and the PDF will open in Helperbird’s reader, giving you access to all your accessibility tools - like reading mode, font customization, and highlighting.
Please Note
- If you don’t see Helperbird listed, double-check that both the Helperbird Google Docs Add-on and Chrome extension are installed.
- You might need to refresh Google Drive or Gmail after installing them for the first time.
- Make sure you’re signed in with the same Google account used to install the add-on.
Example
Here’s what it looks like when Helperbird appears in your “Open with” menu:
Video Tutorial
Need Additional Help?
If Helperbird doesn’t show up or you run into any issues, reach out to our Helperbird support team.
We’ll walk you through it and get you reading your PDFs with ease.
