Opening Alternate Formats

Depending on what the book publisher provides us, the file type for your digital book may vary. Here's how to open the files based on their file type.

File Types

• ePub
• PDF
• Word Document

ePUB (.epub)

This is the standard file type that publishers are starting to move toward. There are a couple of ways to open and access ePUB files:

Using Thorium Reader

Thorium Reader is a free ePUB reading app with built-in read-aloud.

• Download and install Thorium Reader here: Download Thorium Reader.
• There may be a window that pops up that talks about features. You can read those if you’d like; otherwise, close the window to get to the main app.
• Click "Import publication" in the top-right corner, then find and open the .epub file that was sent to you.
• Click "Activate Text To Speech" (speaker icon) to turn on the reader.
• It will start reading from the top. Click the sentence you want to begin reading instead.

Using Read&Write for Chrome

• Have the Read&Write for Chrome Extension installed and logged in already: Instructions for Downloading Read&Write for Chrome.
• Go to epub.texthelp.com.
• Verify that the Read&Write toolbar opens at the top of the page.
• Click "Choose File" in the top-right corner of the page, then find and open the .epub file you received.
• To have it read aloud, highlight the first word or sentence to be read and click the "Play" button on the Read&Write toolbar.

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PDF (.pdf)

This is a common file type that publishers still use sometimes.

Using Microsoft Edge

• Open the file in Microsoft Edge by right-clicking the file and selecting "Open with..." then "Microsoft Edge".
• Right-click the first word to read and select "Read aloud".
• The speed, voice options, and navigation will be at the top of the page.

Using the Read&Write App

Please note that the app can be a little clunky at times.

• Scroll down on this page and download the Read&Write app for your device's version: Read&Write student resources
• Install as normal and then open the app.
• A toolbar will appear at the top of the screen. When prompted, choose to log in with "Read&Write for Education" and log in with your starid@go.minnstate.edu account.
• Once logged in, you can click the "PDF Reader" button on the toolbar and open the PDF file. It looks like a piece of paper with the letters PDF on it.
• By default, you can start the reader by clicking the first word you want to read.

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Word Document (.docx)

Word files are considered the most accessible due to their ease of display.

Using Word for Web

• This is if you use Microsoft Word through OneDrive in an internet browser.
• Have the .docx file downloaded into your OneDrive and open it in a new tab.
• Click "View" then "Immersive Reader" in the top toolbar.
• Once open, click the green play button.

Using Read&Write with Word for Web or Google Docs

• If you're using the Read&Write Google Chrome extension, you can open Word documents in the Word app in OneDrive or Google Docs, and use the toolbar as normal.

Using the Word App

• This is for if you use the Word app installed on your computer.
• Have the .docx file downloaded onto your computer (not OneDrive).
• Double-click the file to open it in Word, or in Word, use "File" then "Open".
• Once open, highlight the sentence you want to start reading, then click "Review" and "Read Aloud" in the top toolbar.

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