How to Add a Color Overlay to Any Website

Learn how to use Helperbird's add a color overlay to any website. Complete guide for improving web accessibility and reading support.

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What is a Color Overlay?

A color overlay adds a transparent colored layer on top of the entire webpage. It is like looking through a sheet of colored plastic or glass.

Many people find that a tinted overlay reduces the harsh contrast of black text on white backgrounds. This can make text appear calmer and easier to read.


Who is This For?

This feature is helpful for:

  • People with dyslexia who benefit from colored overlays
  • Anyone with Irlen Syndrome or visual stress
  • People who find bright white screens uncomfortable
  • Anyone who experiences eye strain or headaches when reading online
  • Students who need to read for long periods

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: Open the All Features Section

Scroll down to the bottom of the Helperbird menu. You will see a section called All Features.

Click the arrow next to All Features to expand it and show all available features.


Step 3: Find Dyslexia Support

Look through the list of features until you see Dyslexia support.

It has a purple icon with a brain symbol on it.


Step 4: Open Dyslexia Support

Click on Dyslexia support to open it.

A panel will appear with two tabs at the top: Tools and Settings.

Make sure the Tools tab is selected. This is where you will find the Overlay toggle.


Step 5: Turn on Overlay

In the Tools tab, look for Overlay.

Click the toggle switch next to it to turn it on. The toggle will turn green when it is enabled.

A colored tint will immediately appear over the entire webpage.


Step 6: Customize the Overlay

To adjust the overlay color and intensity, click on the Settings tab at the top of the panel.

Here you can choose different colors and adjust how strong the overlay appears.


Overlay Settings

In the Settings tab, you can customize the following:

  • Color – Choose a color for the overlay. Popular choices include yellow, blue, pink, and green. Different colors work better for different people, so try a few to find what is most comfortable for you.

  • Brightness – Adjust how strong the overlay is. A lower brightness makes the overlay more transparent, while a higher brightness makes the color more intense.

Tip: Many people with dyslexia or Irlen Syndrome find that certain specific colors work best for them. If you have worked with a specialist who recommended a particular overlay color, you can match it here. Try different colors and brightness levels to find what feels most comfortable for your eyes.


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

Taylor Coffee

Taylor Coffee

Firefox user

I've been meaning to write this review for a while now. My daughter is newly diagnosed with dyslexia and I heard an interview with Robert on a Newstalk podcast and sought it out. I wasn't sure if I had it installed correctly on her laptop and Robert was on straight away to help. He was amazing. This app has changed everything for my daughter. Everything is accessible to her and everyday tasks and schoolwork are so much easier. She also has visual stress so the coloured overlay feature is a game changer for her. I would highly recommend this app to anyone, she couldn't be without it now!

James Summer

James Summer

Helperbird user

I really liked the ease of setting up and also accessing the tool while you are on chrome. I had no trouble, and within a week found myself using it without even noticing.

Daniel C.

Daniel C.

Account Executive

So many useful features! This app is as helpful as it's name.

Courtney Hood

Courtney Hood

Helperbird user

Helperbird helps enhance my studying and research efforts by allowing me to add sticky notes and highlight important stuff on websites, or e-books. I can also easily remember to read articles later.

Jared B.

Jared B.

Marketing Director

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

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