How to Enable and Use Keyboard Shortcuts in Helperbird

Learn about Helperbird keyboard shortcuts. Speed up your accessibility workflow with quick keys Support accessibility for everyone.

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What are Keyboard Shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts let you quickly activate Helperbird features by pressing key combinations instead of opening the menu and clicking. For example, you could press a few keys to instantly start text-to-speech or turn on Reading Mode.

Shortcuts are disabled by default because some websites have their own keyboard shortcuts that might conflict with Helperbird's.


Who is This For?

This feature is helpful for:

  • People who want faster access to features
  • Anyone who prefers using the keyboard over the mouse
  • Power users who use Helperbird features frequently
  • People with motor difficulties who find keyboard navigation easier
  • Anyone who wants to be more efficient

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 Options Menu

Click the gear icon in the top-left corner of the Helperbird menu.

This will open the Options panel with various settings and options.


Step 3: Enable Shortcuts

In the Options panel, look for Shortcuts with a toggle switch next to it.

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

You can now use keyboard combinations to quickly access Helperbird features.


Step 4: View All Shortcuts

To see all available keyboard shortcuts, click on Shortcuts in the Options panel.

A Keyboard shortcuts panel will appear showing all available shortcuts. Each shortcut shows the feature name and its key combination.

Important: On Mac, shortcuts use Option (⌥) + key. On Windows and Linux, shortcuts use Alt + Shift + key.


All Keyboard Shortcuts

Here is the complete list of every keyboard shortcut available in Helperbird.

FeatureMacWindows / Linux
General
Turn Helperbird On/OffOption + .Alt + Shift + .
Notes & Annotations
Create a Sticky NoteOption + SAlt + Shift + S
Reading
Reader ModeOption + RAlt + Shift + R
Immersive ReaderOption + IAlt + Shift + I
Auto ScrollOption + AAlt + Shift + A
Colors & Tints
Overlay TintOption + OAlt + Shift + O
Text ColorOption + TAlt + Shift + T
Link ColorOption + LAlt + Shift + L
Background ColorOption + BAlt + Shift + B
Paragraph BackgroundOption + GAlt + Shift + G
Text & Paragraphs
Paragraph WidthOption + XAlt + Shift + X
Paragraph ColumnsOption + YAlt + Shift + Y
Highlight ParagraphsOption + ZAlt + Shift + Z
Word SpacingOption + FAlt + Shift + F
Font SizeOption + UAlt + Shift + U
Text AlignmentOption + JAlt + Shift + J
Line HeightOption + KAlt + Shift + K
Letter SpacingOption + QAlt + Shift + Q
Custom FontOption + NAlt + Shift + N
Text Stroke (Emphasize)Option + 5Alt + Shift + 5
Images & Visuals
Magnifier (Zoom)Option + 1Alt + Shift + 1
Tooltip DescriptionsOption + 2Alt + Shift + 2
Hide ImagesOption + 3Alt + Shift + 3
Hide GIFsOption + 4Alt + Shift + 4
Saturation ControlOption + 6Alt + Shift + 6
Accessibility
High Contrast ModeOption + 7Alt + Shift + 7
Dark ReaderOption + DAlt + Shift + D
Emphasize LinksOption + 8Alt + Shift + 8
Cursor SizeOption + 9Alt + Shift + 9
Spell CheckOption + 0Alt + Shift + 0
Reduce MotionOption + MAlt + Shift + M
Dyslexia RulerOption + DAlt + Shift + D
Tools
Extract TextOption + EAlt + Shift + E
TranslateOption + CAlt + Shift + C
ScreenshotOption + VAlt + Shift + V

Tip: Start by learning a few shortcuts for the features you use most often. You can always view this list inside Helperbird by clicking Shortcuts in the Options panel.


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.

Insightful functionality. Well done.

David Linde

David Linde

Helperbird user

The free version of this is so great and helpful to a LOT of people...but the upgraded version is next level:)

Mia Laudato

Mia Laudato

Helperbird user

Where to start! Firstly, I'd like to thank Robert (the developer) for his generosity - the app is extremely cheap as apps go. It is very apparent that this app is a labour of love - Robert is constantly working on it and improving things, adding new features, etc. As someone with ADHD and ASD, I have always had to piece-meal together the features I need to help me study effectively - half a dozen different apps / extensions, and even then they don't quite meet my expectations. Helperbird, however, offers SO MUCH more, and all in one place - you can finetune your experience to your heart's desire. The features I particularly love are summarise, simplify, sticky notes, highlighting, and the amazing immersive reader with TTS. I can't sing Helperbird's praises enough. Thank you, Robert, for such a thoughtful - and genuinely helpful - app. You are empowering the neurodivergent everywhere.

Firefox user

Firefox user

Helperbird user

this extension is amazing and has helped improve my productivity robert has also been a very nice person to deal with when I have issues the live chat feature is amazing and quick for a response it's a really great Chrome extension that helps a lot way worth the money I pay per month and is also just great to support great people making accessibility tools

Jack Salem

Jack Salem

Helperbird user

The best in its class - SUPERB - It does everything I need for my aging eyes.

Jen Ridge

Jen Ridge

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

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

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