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 floating pink menu button on the right side of the screen to access quick tools:

  • Extract Text – Pull text from the PDF to use elsewhere
  • Summarize – Get a quick summary of the PDF content
  • View in Immersive Reader – Open the PDF in a clean reading mode
  • 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 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

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

Simplemente increíble. Nunca he tenido una extensión con tantísimas opciones juntas. Como profesor, siempre la recomiendo a las familias de estudiantes con dificultades para mantener la atención, a la hora de leer, y otras necesidades específicas, aunque pienso que puede ser de uso para cualquiera. ¡Un 10!

Firefox user

Firefox user

Profesor / Teacher

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

Vernon Dickey

Vernon Dickey

Helperbird user

The update fixed opening issue of the app!! Tip: the Helperbird app, the width can be changed.

Firefox user

Firefox user

Helperbird user

Really makes reading easier for dyslexics.

Máiréad Jones

Máiréad Jones

Helperbird user

I am an assistive technology consultant for 30 school districts. I am adding Helperbird to the list of reading resources that I have available.

Denise Young

Denise Young

Parent

Love the new ruler. Thank you so much and cant wait for the Google docs add on.

A Google User

A Google User

Helperbird user

Helperbird logo: Stylized owl with large yellow eyes and a beige face, against a green background.

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