How to Use the Helperbird Notepad

Learn how to use Helperbird's Notepad. Write and edit text with accessibility support for all learners and educators.

The Helperbird Notepad is your distraction-free writing space with built-in accessibility features. Write, edit, and manage documents with tools designed to make writing easier for everyone.


Opening the Helperbird Notepad

Step 1: Open Helperbird

Click the Helperbird icon in the top right corner of your browser to open the extension.


Step 2: Locate the Notepad Button

In the Quick Actions area at the top of Helperbird, find the Open Notepad button. It's the blue icon with a pencil symbol.


Step 3: Launch the Notepad

Click the Open Notepad button. The Notepad will open in a new tab, ready for you to start writing.

Tip: The Notepad opens in a clean, distraction-free view so you can focus on your writing without any clutter.


Creating a New Document

Step 1: Open the Helperbird Notepad

If you haven't already, open the Helperbird Notepad using the steps above.


Step 2: Click the New Button

At the top of the Notepad toolbar, click the New button (the circular icon on the left). This creates a fresh, blank document.


Step 3: Start Writing

Your new blank document is ready. Just click in the text area and start typing. The Notepad includes a full formatting toolbar with options for bold, italic, lists, alignment, and more.

Tip: Your documents are automatically saved as you work, so you don't have to worry about losing your progress.


Opening Existing Documents

Step 1: Access the Notepad

Open the Helperbird Notepad from your Quick Actions.


Step 2: Click the Open Document Button

In the Notepad toolbar, click the Open document button (the folder icon next to the New button).


Step 3: Select Your Document

A list of your saved documents will appear. Click on any document to open it in the editor. Your document will load with all your previous content and formatting intact.

Tip: You can switch between documents anytime without losing your work. Each document saves independently.


Saving and Managing Documents

Step 1: Save Your Work

After writing or editing, click the Save button in the Notepad toolbar (the floppy disk icon). Your document saves instantly to your Helperbird account.


Step 2: Copy a Document

To duplicate a document, click the Copy button (the two overlapping squares icon). This creates an exact copy you can edit separately from the original.


Step 3: Delete Documents

To remove a document you no longer need, click the Delete button (the trash icon). The document will be permanently removed from your collection.

Tip: Make copies of important documents before making major edits. It's an easy way to keep different versions of your work.


Using Text Statistics

Step 1: Open Text Statistics

While working on your document, click the Text statistics button in the Notepad toolbar (the icon with "AI" on it).


Step 2: View Your Document Stats

A popup will appear showing detailed statistics about your document:

  • Words: Total word count
  • Characters: Total character count (including spaces)
  • Sentences: Number of sentences
  • Reading time: Estimated time to read (in minutes)
  • Speaking time: Estimated time to speak aloud (in minutes)
  • Writing time: Time spent writing (in minutes)

Step 3: Use the Insights

Use these statistics to track your progress, meet word count requirements, or estimate how long your content will take to read or present.

Tip: Text statistics update in real-time as you write, making it easy to hit specific word count goals for essays, articles, or reports.


Importing Notes

Step 1: Click Import Notes

In the Notepad toolbar, click the Import Notes button (the chat bubble icon).


Step 2: Select Your Note Source

An import dialog will appear showing available notes from your Helperbird collection or localhost. Click on the note you want to import.


Step 3: View Your Imported Notes

The imported notes will appear in your document as linked references. You can click on the links to navigate between notes, making it easy to organize research or reference materials.

Tip: Import notes are perfect for keeping all your research in one place while working on longer writing projects.


Exporting Your Documents

Step 1: Click the Download Button

When you're ready to export your document, click the Download button in the Notepad toolbar (the download arrow icon).


Step 2: Choose Your Export Format

A menu will appear with four export options:

  • Download to Word: Saves as a .docx file for Microsoft Word
  • Download to Markdown: Saves as a .md file for plain text with formatting
  • Download to Google Docs: Creates a new document in your Google Drive
  • Download to Text file: Saves as a .txt file with no formatting

Step 3: Save Your File

Click your preferred format. The file will download to your computer (or save to Google Drive if you chose that option). You can now use your document anywhere you need it.

Tip: Export to Markdown if you're publishing online or to blogs. Use Word format for school assignments or professional documents. Google Docs is perfect for collaborative editing.


Video Tutorial


Need Additional Help?

Ran into a snag while getting started? 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

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Huge fan of the zoom feature. It trumps the native zoom in your browser since the zoom level you set actually stays with you no matter what page you go to, which is very helpful and meshes well with the other features the app offers.

Taylor Kirkpatrick

Taylor Kirkpatrick

Helperbird user

Wow what great tool, I love it! Keep up the excellent work. Add more fonts in the future and cant wait for the ios version!!

A Google User

A Google User

Helperbird user

Amazing tool, love the new overlay feature!!

James Connel

James Connel

Helperbird user

so useful and helpful!! i can actually retain so much more info in my head now. thanks man, you are so awesome and i appreciate all the kind words. thank you. :)

A Google User

A Google User

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

omg i can actually read now

Spin F.

Spin F.

Helperbird user

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