Text to Audio on Mac | Transform Text into Audio Easily

Written by Faizan

Full Stack Developer

Discover how to enable text to Audio on Mac, customise voices, and enjoy audio content effortlessly. Boost productivity and accessibility today!

Turning text into audio on your Mac, also known as text-to-speech (TTS), is an incredibly handy feature that can enhance productivity, improve accessibility, and make multitasking a breeze.

Whether you're listening to emails during a commute or having a favorite novel read aloud while relaxing, converting text to audio can transform the way you consume content.

This guide will walk you through the process of converting text to audio using your Mac's built-in tools, third-party apps, and even advanced methods for more customised options.

Benefits of Text to Audio on Mac

MacOS’ in-built TTS functionality isn’t just a nifty extra; it offers tangible benefits for various users, including:

Accessibility: Enables visually impaired users to access written content seamlessly.

Multitasking: Allows you to listen to documents, web pages, or emails while performing other tasks.

Language Learning: Helps language learners practise pronunciation and improve comprehension.

Proofreading: Hearing text read aloud can help spot errors that may go unnoticed when reading visually.

Now, let's explore the tools and techniques available on Mac for converting text to audio.

1. Using Built-In Text-to-Speech on Mac

Your Mac comes equipped with a reliable TTS feature that requires minimal setup. Here's how to enable it and take advantage of its capabilities:

Step 1. Enable Text-to-Speech

Open System Preferences and select Accessibility.

Navigate to Spoken Content and check the option that says, “Speak selected text when the key is pressed.”

To customise the shortcut, click Options, then select a key combination that suits you.

Step 2. Adjust Settings

Under the System Voice menu, you can choose from a variety of voices and languages.

• Click Customise to download additional voice options.
• Modify the Speech Rate slider to adjust the pace of speech.

Step 3. Start Listening

Highlight the text in any document, email, website, or app, then trigger the TTS shortcut. Press the shortcut again to stop playback.

While the built-in feature is perfect for simple tasks, it has limitations, such as no options for saving audio for later use. For more advanced capabilities, consider third-party apps.

2. Third-Party Text-to-Speech Applications

Third-party TTS apps offer enhanced features such as improved natural voices, improved file format support, and the ability to save audio. Below are some of the most popular options:

Transcripter

Transcripter is a powerful and intuitive text-to-speech tool designed to meet diverse needs.

• Offers high-quality natural voices for a seamless listening experience.
• Supports multiple file formats and allows you to save audio files.
• Perfect for professionals, students, and anyone looking for advanced TTS capabilities.

Invicta TTS

Invicta TTS is a lightweight and user-friendly tool available for free in the App Store.

• Features a simple interface where you can directly paste text for playback.
• Offers essential controls like play, pause, and adjust voice settings.
• Limited to English but works perfectly for basic TTS needs.

Capti Voice

Capti Voice is a robust browser-based TTS software with offline capabilities.

• Reads Microsoft Word documents, PDFs, web pages, and eBooks out loud.
• Multilingual support with natural voices ensures a smooth experience.
• Requires a subscription for premium features, though the free version is quite capable.

Natural Reader

Natural Reader is a versatile TTS app available for multiple platforms, including Mac.

• Supports a wide range of formats like PDF, Word, and emails.
• Premium versions offer OCR functionality to read text from images.
• The floating bar feature makes it easy to read text from third-party apps.

Using one of these apps broadens your options, whether you want more voice customization, better text-handling capabilities, or the ability to save audio files.

3. Advanced Methods with Terminal

For users who want a more technical approach, MacOS provides a Terminal command called say that converts text into audio files. This method grants flexibility in output format and is excellent for developers, educators, or those creating audio content.

Step 1. Open the Terminal App

Open the Terminal app using Spotlight search (Cmd + Space).

Step 2. Export Audio Files

To convert text into an audio file, type the following command into Terminal and press Enter:

say "Hello, this is a sample text-to-audio conversion" -o output.aiff

This command creates an audio file named output.aiff. Replace the text within quotation marks as needed.

Step 3. Change Voices or Languages

You can specify a voice by editing the command:

say -v Samantha "This voice is excellent."

Samantha is a built-in Mac voice, but you can explore others by navigating to Accessibility > Spoken Content > Customise Voices.

For additional customization:

• Change the speech speed using -r, e.g., say -r 200.
• Import text files using -f, e.g., say -f input.txt.

Although this method lacks a graphical interface, it’s ideal for saving audio clips or integrating TTS into automation workflows.

4. Tips for Choosing the Best TTS Software

To find the right TTS software for your needs, consider these factors:

1. Language Support

If you're reading multilingual content, apps like Natural Reader or Capti Voice may be better suited, as the built-in Mac TTS supports limited languages.

2. Use Case

• For basic needs, the built-in Mac TTS works well.
• If you frequently listen to documents or articles, try Invicta TTS or Capti Voice for more control.
• For professional audio production, the Terminal's say command provides advanced flexibility.

3. Budget Considerations

While apps like Invicta are free, others, like Capti Voice, require a subscription for premium features. Assess how often you'll use the app when deciding.

Final Thoughts

Converting text to audio on a Mac doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With built-in tools like text-to-speech, third-party apps for customisation, and advanced methods like Terminal commands, there’s an option for everyone. Start by enabling Mac's native TTS, and then explore other software options or advanced workflows if needed.

For those looking for powerful software solutions, don’t forget to check out tools like Natural Reader and Capti Voice!

Elevate your productivity and accessibility with these solutions and enjoy the convenience of listening to your text anytime, anywhere.

Text to Audio On Mac FAQ

What is text-to-speech on Mac?

Text-to-speech (TTS) is a feature on Mac that reads written text aloud using computer-generated voices. It's designed to improve accessibility, allowing users to listen to on-screen content instead of reading it.

How do I enable text-to-speech on my Mac?

To enable text-to-speech on your Mac, follow these steps:

Open System Settings and go to Accessibility.

Select Spoken Content from the options.

Toggle on the features you need, such as "Speak Selection" or "Speak Screen".

Once activated, you can use keyboard shortcuts to have text read aloud or highlight text to hear it.

Can I customise the voice for text-to-speech?

Yes, you can! Mac offers a variety of voices, including different accents and languages. To customise:

Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content.

Click Voices to explore the available options.

Choose your preferred voice and adjust the speaking speed to match your needs.

What are the benefits of using text-to-speech?

Text-to-speech offers several advantages:

• Enhances accessibility for people with reading difficulties or visual impairments.
• Makes multitasking easier, letting you listen to text while working on other tasks.
• Reduces screen strain by enabling you to consume content without prolonged reading.
• Helps language learners by improving listening skills through native-sounding voices.

Are there third-party apps for text-to-speech on Mac?

Yes, many third-party apps provide additional features for text-to-speech. Popular options include:

• NaturalReader for a smoother voice experience.
• Voice Dream Reader, great for reading documents and web pages.
• Speechify, which focuses on productivity and multi-device integration.

These apps often come with extra functionality like advanced voice controls, highlighting, and better language support.