10 Annotation and Reading Tools for Dyslexic Students

Reading shouldn’t feel like a struggle. 

However, for students with a learning disability such as dyslexia, even basic reading or note-taking can become a frustrating task, marked by skipped lines, forgotten sentences, and words that simply don’t stick.

That is where the right learning platforms can make a big difference in improving literacy skills.

Whether it’s a browser extension that highlights important text or assistive technology like text readers and spelling aids, tech can help dyslexic learners stay on track without getting overwhelmed.

In this blog, we have put together a list of 10 useful annotation and reading tools for dyslexic students that actually work. From colorful annotations to distraction-free reading modes and text-to-speech apps, these tools are built to strengthen reading skills and support how dyslexic students learn best.

Let’s get into it.

Why Dyslexic Students Need Specialized Tools?

Reading with dyslexia isn’t just about reversing letters or reading slowly; it is a combination of things that make learning harder. 

Students may struggle to match letters to sounds, maintain focus, or develop reading fluency without targeted support. Some deal with visual stress, where the words seem to blur or move, while others struggle with decoding, which means breaking words down into readable parts.

Add in poor working memory, and without graphic organizers or visual supports, long paragraphs and complex instructions can become overwhelming pretty fast.

That is why advanced learning platforms designed for dyslexic learners are essential.

Simple features like formatted color-coded highlights, engaging flashcards or summaries, and phonemic awareness tools can go a long way in helping students absorb information while making learning fun. 

Tools with reading strips, dyslexia-friendly fonts, text-to-speech software or distraction-free reading modes (such as Reader Mode) help dyslexic learners regain control. And when everything is saved and synced, such as scanned worksheets using optical character recognition, it becomes easier to study and stay organized.

Top Annotation Tools for Dyslexic Students

Here is a list of top annotation tools for dyslexic students:

1.  Web Highlights 

Web Highlights functions as both an annotation and reading tool for dyslexic students, blending digital literacy with visual organizers. It features a browser extension and web app that enable students to highlight, tag, and annotate any content they read, whether it is a website, online article, or PDF. This tool is beneficial for dyslexic learners who require both reading support and note organization in a single, intuitive platform.

Platform

Chrome Extension, Web App, Edge, Firefox, Mobile app

Install PDF & Web Highlighter on your browser

Install our browser extension to highlight & annotate Websites & PDFs – free, easy to use, no sign-up required.

Install PDF & Web Highlighter on your browser

Features

• Highlight and annotate any web page or PDF inside the browser
• Add notes and tags to organize content
• Works with local PDF files after a one-time setup
• Save articles in clean reader mode for distraction-free reading
• Set email reminders and bookmarks to revisit saved highlights
• Collaborate or share highlights with others and export Chrome bookmarks
• Export highlights to Notion, Obsidian, Capacities, and Markdown
• Supports offline access and cross-device sync
• Import Kindle highlights and convert them into study flashcards
• Shareable links for collaboration

Top 3 Features of Web Highlights

1. Formatted Highlighting & Note Structuring

Web Highlights automatically keeps your highlights formatted, whether they’re bullet lists, subheadings, or quotes. This helps dyslexic readers break text into smaller chunks, making it easier to process and understand.

2. Distraction-Free Reader Mode

Reader Mode strips away clutter like ads and sidebars, helping users focus only on the main content, which is key for reducing distractions during reading.

3. Color-coded Highlighting with Tags

Students can highlight in different colors based on theme, subject, or priority, and then add tags to them for easier review and increased productivity.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Great for visual learners
• Multiple highlight colors
• Great for organizing research with tags and folders
• Helps students stay organized across multiple educational platforms
• Excellent free version with unlimited offline highlights and bookmarks
• Offline access to multiple features
• Cross-device sync

Cons

• Web Highlights is built around tags instead of folders. If you prefer using folders, that could be a downside.

How It Helps with Dyslexia

• Reader Mode removes distractions, making it easier to concentrate on the main text.
• Formatted highlighting helps break down long chunks into readable sections.
• Color-coded highlights + tags support visual memory.
• Flashcards with spaced repetition improve recall over time.
• Works with PDFs, articles, and Kindle, so everything is in one place.
• Kindle import lets students review highlights from ebooks in a more readable layout.
• Email reminders help with follow-through, especially for students who forget to revisit study material.

Pricing

• Basic – Free
• Premium – $3.49/month, $34.99/year, $139.99/lifetime (US prices)
• Ultimate – $3.99/month, $39.99/year, $144.99/lifetime (US prices)

Customer Support

• Blogs
• FAQs
• Email support
• Tutorials
• Extensive documentation

Average Rating

4.8 / 5 (3.7K ratings), 100 000 + users on Chrome Web Store

2. Glasp 

Glasp is a social web annotation tool that allows users to highlight content from articles, tag it, and share key takeaways with others. It is particularly beneficial for students who learn from audio clips, word webs, and observing others’ thought processes in collaborative environments.

Platform

Chrome extension, Safari extension, Edge, Firefox, iOS app, and Android app

Features

• Highlight any online article or web content
• Add notes 
• Tag and categorize highlights
• View other users’ public highlights
• Create summary feeds 
• Social sharing
• Export to markdown and CSV

Top 3 Features of Glasp

1. Public Highlighting Feed

See what others are highlighting in the same article for peer-supported learning and topic discovery.

2. Note-Taking with Tags

You can add short notes and tags to each highlight. This helps with organizing thoughts around a specific topic.

3. Export Options

Export highlights and notes in markdown or CSV format, which can be helpful for compiling revision materials.

Pros

• Simple interface
• Great for collaborative or social learning
• No login needed to explore public content

Cons

• No PDF annotation
• No reader mode or visual overlays
• Limited customizations

Why It Helps with Dyslexia

• Clean highlighting interface makes it easier to focus on important points.
• Tag-based note organization helps learners group topics visually.
• Public highlights can offer cues on what to focus on, useful when students don’t know where to start.
• Simple layout with no cluttered menus reduces overload for dyslexic students.

Pricing

• Free plan
• Pro – $10/month
• Unlimited – $25/month

Customer Support

• Email-based support
• Help center on the website
• Community support

Average Rating

The average rating of Glasp is 4.5/5 on the Chrome Web Store.

3. Helperbird 

Helperbird is an all-in-one accessibility extension designed to support students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. It offers a wide range of features; however, the number of features can feel overwhelming if you’re just looking for a clean, distraction-free reading or highlighting tool.

Platform

Chrome Extension, Microsoft Edge Extension, Firefox, Safari, and Web App

Features

• Dyslexia-friendly fonts 
• Text-to-speech with adjustable speed and voice
• Screen masking and line focus
• Font resizing, spacing, and background adjustments
• Immersive Reader (via Microsoft)
• OCR reader for scanned text
• Translation and dictionary tools

Top 3 Features of Helperbird

1. Dyslexia Fonts & Customization

Students can choose from fonts like OpenDyslexic and Lexend, change spacing, or adjust font size to make text easier to read.

2. Text-to-Speech Reader

Any webpage or Google Doc can be read aloud with voice controls, helping auditory learners keep up with content.

3. Screen Masking & Color Overlays

Students can apply colored overlays or use multisensory learning aids to reduce glare and support focus during reading.

Pros

• Customizable reading experience
• Works on most websites and Google tools
• Offers a free plan with useful basics

Cons

• Can feel cluttered due to too many options
• Interface isn't as simple as other tools
• Requires setup time to customize for best use

Why It Helps with Dyslexia

• Dyslexia-friendly fonts improve readability and reduce decoding stress.
• Color overlays and line focus help with visual tracking issues.
• Text-to-speech gives students another way to access content.
• Font spacing and sizing tools allow learners to adapt reading environments.

Pricing

• Free Plan
• Helperbird Pro – $30/year
• Helperbird Pro Unlimited – $1500/year
• Pro Unlimited + – Custom plan

Customer Support

• Help guides
• Tutorials
• Web Support
• Email Support

Average Rating

The average rating of Helperbird is 4/8/5 according to G2.

4. Weava 

Weava is a browser-based annotation and highlighter tool built for students who need a simple way to collect, color-code, and organize their research. It is best for visual learners who rely on color to make sense of large amounts of text, especially across PDFs and websites.

Platform

Chrome extension and iOS mobile app

Features

• Highlight websites and PDFs in multiple colors
• Organize highlights into folders and subfolders
• Add comments and notes 
• Export notes to Word or Excel
• Search and filter
• Collaborate with others using shared folders

Top 3 Features of Weava

1. Multi-Color Highlighting

Use color to group similar ideas or topics, which is helpful for dyslexic students who benefit from visual separation.

2. Folder Organization

All your highlights can be stored in folders with tags or notes, providing students with structure without the need to manage messy documents.

3. Commenting on Highlights

Add small notes or summaries next to each highlight so nothing gets lost in context.

Pros

• Easy to use for beginners
• Offers a clean dashboard for revision
• Simple color coding helps with visual grouping

Cons

• Occasional technical issues
• Collaboration requires a premium plan
• Can get messy without folder organization

Why It Helps with Dyslexia

• Color-coded highlights make it easier to separate key ideas or themes.
• Folder-based organization helps reduce overwhelm and keep track of materials.
• Inline notes give students the ability to summarize in their own words.
• The visual layout is clean and easy to scan, especially for those who struggle with reading wall-of-text content.

Pricing

• Free Plan
• Premium Plan – $3.99/month 

Customer Support

• Help center on the website
• Email support
• Video tutorials and onboarding help

Average Rating

The average rating of Weava is 4.1/5 on the Chrome Web Store. 

5. Kami

Kami is a PDF and document annotation tool designed for dyslexic students who work with worksheets, scanned documents, and class materials. While Kami supports a wide range of annotations and read-aloud tools, it primarily works with uploaded PDFs or documents, making it less useful for live web annotation.

Platform

Chrome extension and Web app

Features

• Annotate PDFs and documents 
• Text-to-speech
• Drawing, shapes, and markup tools
• Voice, video, and screen recording comments
• OCR for scanned documents
• Adjustable font size, color, and spacing
• Math and equation tools for STEM subjects

Top 3 Features of Kami

1. Document Annotation

Highlight text, draw, underline, or add comments directly on any PDF, useful for class handouts, homework, or scanned books.

2. Text-to-Speech

Read selected text aloud with adjustable speed and voice, helping dyslexic students follow along more comfortably.

3. Voice & Video Comments

Teachers (or students) can leave audio or video explanations instead of written feedback, making it easier for some learners to understand instructions.

Pros

• Simple to use
• Voice and video notes help clarify instructions
• Supports group work and collaboration

Cons

• Mostly limited to uploaded documents and PDFs
• Can be expensive for individual use

Why It Helps with Dyslexia

• Text-to-speech lets students listen instead of reading, easing eye strain and decoding fatigue.
• Voice and video comments provide audio explanations that are easier to understand.
• Drawing and markup tools help with visual expression and memory.
• Document annotations allow students to interact with class materials in their own way.
• Font controls give students the flexibility to adjust text for better readability.

Pricing

• Free Plan – Basic annotation tools
• Teacher Plan – $149
• School or District Plans – Custom pricing

Customer Support

• Help center with video tutorials
• Email and form support
• Google Workspace for Education guides available

Average Rating

Kami is rated 4.7/5 on Capterra. 

Reading Tools for Dyslexic Students

Not all dyslexic learners struggle in the same way. Some individuals require text to be read aloud, others benefit from increased spacing, and many struggle to stay focused on a single line at a time.

Here are five reading tools for dyslexic students that support comprehension, focus, and auditory learning, whether you're reading online, working in Google Docs, or reviewing homework.

1. Read&Write by TextHelp

Read&Write is a reading and writing support tool built for classrooms, especially those using Google Docs or Microsoft Word. It is ideal for dyslexic students who require both auditory and visual support while completing school assignments.

Platform

Chrome extension, Windows, and Mac app

Features

• Text-to-speech
• Screen masking and line focus
• Dictionary and picture dictionary support
• Predictive spelling help
• Vocabulary list builder
• Annotation and highlighting tools

Top 3 Features of Read&Write

1. Text-to-Speech

Students can hear content read aloud while following along visually, ideal for those who decode slowly or get overwhelmed by blocks of text.

2. Screen Masking

This reading tool for dyslexic students places a colored overlay or bar across the screen to help students stay focused on one line at a time.

3. Picture Dictionary

It supports reading strategies for dyslexic students by allowing them to click on a word and see an image that represents it.

Pros

• Designed with dyslexia and ADHD support
• Combines reading and writing support
• Easy-to-use

Cons

• Might feel heavy for students who only need basic features
• Pricing may be high for individual users

Why It Helps with Dyslexia

• Text-to-speech reduces decoding strain and improves comprehension.
• Screen masking keeps eyes on one line, which is helpful for focus and line tracking.
• Predictive spelling and picture support make it easier to express ideas and learn new terms as ways to help dyslexic students read.
• Audio notes provide students with an additional way to process instructions or feedback.
• Multiplatform support means students can use it across school apps.

Pricing

• Free Plan
• Individual Plan – $175/year
• Custom Plans available

Customer Support

• Email and chat support
• Webinars and professional development
• Integration help for schools

Average Rating

The average rating of Read&Write on Chrome Web store is 3.5/5.

2. NaturalReader

NaturalReader is a text-to-speech tool that turns written content into spoken audio. It’s best for students who understand better when they hear text rather than read it visually. As one of the more focused reading tools for dyslexic students, it works great for listening, but it doesn’t offer note-taking or annotation features.

Platform

Web app, Chrome extension, iOS, and Android app

Features

• Converts text to natural-sounding speech
• Supports PDFs, Docs, emails, and websites
• Adjustable reading speed and voice tone
• OCR for scanned documents or photos
• Custom pronunciation editor
• Cloud storage for saved documents

Top 3 Features of NaturalReader

1. Natural-Sounding Voices

Students can choose from over 100 voices in various languages, featuring realistic intonation that makes it easier to follow along without a robotic tone.

2. OCR & File Reading

Upload scanned homework, books, or worksheets and have them read out loud, especially useful for students who struggle with printed text.

3. MP3 Conversion

Turn long readings into audio files that students can listen to later, ideal for reviewing content during commutes or breaks.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• High-quality voice output
• Works across file types and websites

Cons

• No annotation or highlighting tools
• Limited organizational features
• Some advanced voices are paid

Why It Helps with Dyslexia

• Text-to-speech helps students who process spoken language better than written language.
• Reading speed control gives students more control over pacing.
• MP3 downloads allow for repeated listening and revision.
• Realistic voices make listening feel more natural and less tiring.
• Supports a wide range of formats, including scanned documents.

Pricing

Pricing not disclosed publicly. 

Customer Support

• Email support
• Help center and personal solutions
• FAQs
• Web support

Average Rating

The average rating of NaturalReader is 4.5/5 on TechRadar.

3. BeeLine Reader

BeeLine Reader uses a color-gradient reading format that helps guide your eyes from line to line. It is especially beneficial for students with reading disorders, offering visual support for tracking and decoding.

Platform

Chrome extension, iOS app, Android app, Firefox, and ePub

Features

• Gradient color text
• Compatible with eBooks and Word docs
• Multiple integrations
• Adjustable font size, line height, and gradient settings
• Reading mode
• PDF reading

Top 3 Features of BeeLine Reader

1. Color Gradient Text

Alternating color shades across each line helps the eyes track smoothly, reducing line skipping and visual fatigue.

2. Google Docs & Newsela Support

Students can activate BeeLine inside their classroom documents and reading platforms, making it useful for schoolwork.

3. Reading Display Controls

Students can tweak line spacing, text size, and color settings to match their comfort level.

Pros

• Unique visual reading aid
• Customizable display settings
• Simple browser setup

Cons

• No text-to-speech
• May not work on every website
• Requires separate tools for saving or reviewing content

Why It Helps with Dyslexia

• Color gradient text helps with line tracking and eye movement, reducing skipping and re-reading.
• Adjustable spacing and font controls let students reduce visual clutter.
• Reading comfort increases over time, especially for those who get overwhelmed by walls of text.
• Integrates with school tools, so students don’t have to change their workflow.

Pricing

Free trial available, but contact them for custom plans.

Customer Support

• Email and contact form
• Website support
• Support for school onboarding

Average Rating

The average rating of the BeeLine reader is 3/5 on Commonsense.

4. Speechify

Speechify is another of the tools for dyslexia that offers realistic voices and mobile-friendly experience. It is a high-quality text-to-speech app for those who prefer listening to content while multitasking or reviewing on the go.

Platform

Android, Mac and Web app, Chrome extension and Edge Add-on.

Features

• Converts text to speech in natural-sounding voices
• Scan physical documents and read them aloud
• Sync content across devices
• Import from Dropbox, Google Drive, and more
• Listen at up to 4x speed
• Highlight while listening

Top 3 Features of Speechify

1. Human-Like Voices

Speechify’s premium voices are known for sounding less robotic, which helps enhance brain connectivity during long study sessions.

2. Mobile-Friendly Reading

Students can take photos of physical books or worksheets and convert them to audio, making them ideal for studying on the go.

3. Cross-Device Sync

Switch between phone, tablet, and laptop without losing your place, helpful for students reviewing in different settings.

Pros

• High-quality audio
• Works with multiple file formats
• Mobile-friendly

Cons

• Not ideal for visual learners
• Free plan has voice limits

Why It Helps with Dyslexia

• Text-to-speech is an alternative for dyslexic students who struggle with decoding words visually, one of the most effective reading strategies for dyslexic students.
• Natural-sounding voices reduce listening fatigue and make it easier to stay focused during longer study sessions.
• Scanning tools let students convert printed worksheets, textbooks, or notes into audio.
• Playback speed and sync across devices give students control over when, where, and how fast they learn, reducing pressure during revision.
• Support for PDFs and scanned images means students aren’t restricted to screen-based reading.

Pricing

Free plan available. Contact sales for custom plans.

Customer Support

• Email and help center
• Web support

Average Rating

The average rating of Speechify is 4.6/5 on Trustpilot.

5. Microsoft Immersive Reader

Microsoft Immersive Reader is a built-in reading support tool available across Microsoft apps. It’s best for dyslexic students who already use Microsoft tools and need reading aids like text spacing, line focus, and read-aloud features.

Platform

Chrome and Edge extension, Windows and iOS apps

Features

• Text-to-speech with natural voices
• Line focus and screen masking
• Adjustable text size, spacing, and background colors
• Highlights nouns, verbs, and adjectives
• Picture dictionary support

Top 3 Features of Microsoft Immersive Reader

1. Line Focus

This tool allows students to read one, three, or five lines at a time, helping reduce overwhelm and improve attention.

2. Text Formatting Options

Change font size, style, background color, and letter spacing to reduce visual stress or decoding issues.

3. Parts of Speech Highlighting

Color-codes different parts of speech so students can better understand sentence structure.

Pros

• Dyslexia-friendly layout options
• Free and available in education settings
• Strong focus and attention aids

Cons

• Limited to Microsoft tools
• Doesn’t work on all web content

Why It Helps with Dyslexia

• Line focus keeps the eyes from jumping lines and losing focus. 
• Adjustable spacing and fonts reduce visual strain.
• Syllable splitting helps with decoding unfamiliar words.
• Color-coding parts of speech supports comprehension.
• Read-aloud with highlighting helps students follow text with audio.

Pricing

• Free plan
• Standard – 3 million characters free per month, $10 per 1M characters
• Education/Non-profit – 3 million characters free per month, $5 per 1M characters

Customer Support

• Microsoft support center
• Help articles and how-to videos
• Active educator forums for setup tips

Average Rating

Microsoft's Immersive Reader does not have a numerical average rating, but it is widely praised for its effectiveness in improving reading comprehension.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right tools can make all the difference when reading feels frustrating or overwhelming. Every student with dyslexia has different needs. While some individuals require text to be read aloud, others prefer color-coded notes or a line-by-line focus.

The blog covers a wide range of annotation and reading tools for dyslexic students, from text-to-speech apps to PDF annotation and visual reading aids.

If you're looking for something that combines reading support and annotation organization in one simple tool, Web Highlights is worth trying. You can highlight websites and PDFs, organize everything with tags, and even switch to Reader Mode when the page feels too noisy.

It’s free to start, and genuinely helpful. Install Web Highlights here and see how it fits into your workflow.