Browser accessibility
We've highlighted the accessibility features of some popular browser to help you make the most of your studies.
Popular pages on the Library website
Google Chrome
Google Chrome has some in-built accessibility features that may help with reading e-books. ‘Reading Mode’, accessed by right-clicking anywhere on the screen, will create a separate tab containing the text that you’re reading. On this tab, you can alter:
- Font size
- Font style
- Page colour
- Line height
- Letter spacing
Chrome also offers a translation tool. This will automatically translate any text on the webpage but will not necessarily translate the e-book text.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge has several in-built accessibility features, which could help with reading e-books. ‘Read Aloud’, accessed by right-clicking anywhere on the screen, will bring up a panel with a play button. This feature will read anything on the screen, whilst simultaneously highlighting the relevant text. You can alter the speed of this narration, as well as choose from a variety of accents. This is especially useful in conjunction with their translation tool.
‘Immersive Reader’ works similarly but allows for further personalisation. When available on a webpage; in the top right corner, you will see a circle symbol with three horizontal dots in the centre. This will bring up ‘Reader Mode’ which allows you to alter:
- Text size
- Text spacing
- Font
- Column spacing
- Page colour
You are also able to use the ‘Read Aloud’ feature on here in conjunction with the translation tool which will translate all the text on the page to a wide range of languages. If needing to focus on one or more lines, choose the ‘Line focus’ tool.
Safari
Safari has an in-built reader function, although you may find that this doesn’t work with ad-heavy web pages. To access this tool, look for a rectangle with two horizontal lines underneath, on the left-hand side of the domain, select ‘Show Reader’. You should also see the option to ‘Hide Distracting Items’, which allows you to individually remove text, pictures etc. from the page.
The Reader format will allow you to alter:
- Font
- Background colour
- Text size
Safari also has the option to translate text or have it read aloud. To do this, highlight any text and right click. To initiate the read aloud feature, select ‘Speech’ and then ‘Start Speaking’.
Firefox
Firefox has a built-in Reader View which works in a similar way to Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. This is accessed via the book page icon in the top right corner. You may find that this is not available on all webpages or e-books. When clicked, it will bring up the text in a separate tap which will allow for modifications such as:
- Font size
- Font style
- Font colour
- Font weight
- Line, word and character spacing
- Text alignment
- Page colour
This also includes an in-built Read Aloud feature. The speed and voice can be altered. To access Firefox’s translation tool, highlight text on a webpage and right click to see the ‘Translate’ option.
Key browser extensions
Browser extensions are a great way to help with reading online. This list highlights some popular ones to consider:
- EPUBReader
- Read Aloud
- Tranquility Reader
- Speechify
- OpenDyslexic
Each browser will have their own version of these; we recommend exploring your options to see what works best for you.
To find extensions on Edge, Chrome and Firefox, click on the puzzle piece icon in the top right corner of the page. On an Apple device/using Safari, select ‘Safari’ in the top left corner of the page, and click ‘Safari Extensions’. This will open the App Store.