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Use the published document reader

Find text, jump to headings, tables and figures, adjust reading appearance, and use optional on-device speech in a hosted DocAccessible document.

Updated

For
Document readers and publishers checking the reading experience
Typical time
3 minutes
Try the public reader example

Before you start

  • Access to a hosted HTML document or an authorized viewing link
  • JavaScript for the reading controls; optional speech needs a browser-reported on-device voice

Procedure

Step by step

  1. Open Reading tools

    Open the Reading tools disclosure above the document. The tools operate on the hosted HTML version, rather than editing the PDF or adding tags to the source.

  2. Jump to a heading, table, or figure

    Choose a destination under Navigate document. The page moves to that item and focuses it. The menus reflect existing published structure; a disabled menu means there are no indexed items of that kind.

  3. Find a passage

    Enter a word or phrase under Find in document and choose Find. Use a listed result, Previous match, or Next match to reach a passage. Up to 100 matching passages are shown; narrow the phrase when the result list is truncated. Clear removes the search.

  4. Adjust the reading appearance

    Choose Text size, Line spacing, and Reading width. These changes apply to the current reading session. Reset appearance returns to the defaults. Tables and forms keep the space they need, and the published content stays unchanged.

  5. Use optional read-aloud

    When a local voice is available, choose On-device voice and Reading speed before starting. Start reading begins at the document’s beginning; Pause reading, Resume reading, and Stop reading control playback. Stop before changing the voice or speed. Back to reading tools returns focus to the controls after the document.

What search and speech include

Search works on visible document text and returns passages, not a count of every repeated word. It does not search other documents or read text that exists only inside an image. Hidden text, navigation, and form entries are excluded from the reader’s text index and speech.

The search index exists in the current page. Reading preferences are not saved as a cross-device account setting and do not alter the original file, published version, or other readers’ view.

If read-aloud is unavailable or stops

The reader lists only voices the browser identifies as on-device. If none are available, it explains that state instead of silently using a remote or default voice. Check your device’s local speech settings, try another available local voice, or use your screen reader.

Speech support and voice languages depend on the browser and device. Read-aloud starts from the beginning and is a reading aid, not an accessibility evaluation or a replacement for your assistive technology. Leaving the page stops playback started by these controls.

Check the underlying document before publication

Navigation is useful only when the document has meaningful headings, table relationships, and figure descriptions. Missing or incorrect structure still needs correction and review. Test the exact published version with keyboard, zoom, mobile reflow, and representative assistive technology.

Reading tools do not bypass a private document or protected link’s access requirements and do not establish WCAG or PDF/UA conformance.

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