Review long documents
Paste a draft, import a PDF, or open a text file and listen through it while the current word is highlighted in the editor.
Free Mac text-to-speech reader
Listen to long text without turning it into another chore.
Simple Voice Reader reads pasted text, TXT, RTF, and PDF files aloud in a focused Mac app. It is for people who want to review drafts, listen through long documents, export spoken audio, or give their eyes a break without setting up a larger media workflow.
Free
Pending Mac App Store release
TXT / RTF / PDF import
Word highlighting
Audio export
Use case
Reading is not always the best way to process text.
Some documents are easier to understand when you can listen, pause, change speed, and keep your place visually as the words are spoken.
Control the listening pace
Choose an American English voice, set the speed from 0.75x to 2.0x, pause when needed, and resume from the current position.
Export spoken audio
Render audio without real-time playback, choose a destination, and use Smart Chapter Export when a document has recognizable chapter structure.
Screenshots
Built as a reader first.
The main screen keeps the text front and center, with voice, speed, font, import, export, and light or dark appearance controls close by.
Features
Focused controls for listening, not clutter.
Simple Voice Reader is intentionally direct: get text into the app, pick how it should sound, listen, pause, resume, or export.
Speak from the cursor
Place the cursor anywhere in the text and start speaking from that point onward.
Real-time word highlight
The current word is highlighted while the text is read aloud so your eyes can track the audio.
American English voices
The submitted Mac build includes American English Kokoro voices and selected normal American English Apple system voices.
File import
Drop or choose TXT, RTF, and PDF files, or paste directly into the text editor.
Readable text controls
Choose a font and font size from the system fonts available on your Mac.
Export options
Export rendered speech to popular audio formats and choose the folder and file name that fit your workflow.
Fit and limits
Use it when listening beats staring at text.
The goal is not to replace full audiobook studios or cloud narration platforms. It is a practical Mac reader for everyday documents.
Good fit
Drafts, research notes, book chapters, PDF handouts, RTF files, plain text files, and any long passage where listening helps you stay with the material.
Not for
It is not a commercial audiobook mastering suite, voice marketplace, or editing timeline. It is a focused reader and exporter.
Privacy posture
Text-to-speech conversion with Kokoro and Apple system voices is performed on the user’s Mac. Simple Voice Reader does not send text, documents, or rendered audio to Walter Claw Software or to a cloud text-to-speech service. macOS may contact Apple only to download system voice assets selected by the user.
Read the privacy policy for details.
Product FAQ
Simple Voice Reader questions.
Short answers about release status, file types, voices, export, and support.
Is Simple Voice Reader available now?
The Mac App Store release is pending Apple review. The download link will be added after approval.
Will it be free?
Yes. The Mac App Store release is planned as a free download.
What can I import?
You can paste or type text directly, or import TXT, RTF, and PDF files.
Can I export audio?
Yes. Export lets you choose the file name, folder, and popular audio format. Smart Chapter Export can create separate files from detected chapters.
What voices are supported?
The submitted Mac App Store build supports American English Kokoro voices and selected normal American English Apple system voices.
Where do I get help?
Use the Simple Voice Reader support page or email support@walterclawsoftware.com.
Want a simple answer before downloading?
Email support with the kind of text you want to listen to, the file type, and whether you need live speech or exported audio. You will get a plain recommendation.