Text to Speech software enables text files to be converted to the MP3 format. This software is often inexpensive, and can make computers more usable for the sight-impaired. Additionally, this software can make it possible to convert books to audio, enabling you to listen to your books on the go.


Step 1

Launch TextAloud. Note that there are many other solutions available for converting text to speech on computers, and that other programs may have options that differ slightly from those described here. TextAloud includes a 20-day free trial, and costs $29.95 to purchase in 2009. It is compatible with Windows 95 through Vista, but has not been tested with Windows 7 yet. For Mac users, a product called GhostReader is available through NextUp, the same company that markets TextAloud. GhostReader has very similar functionality, and is compatible with Mac OS 10.4 and later.

Step 2

Click the "Open" button, and browse to the text file that you wish to convert. Double click the file. A text preview will appear in TextAloud, allowing you to confirm that you have selected the correct file.

Step 3

Use the "Voice" drop-down menu to select the voice that will read the text file.

Step 4

Adjust the "Speed," "Pitch," and "Volume" sliders to adjust the voice, then click "Speak" to preview how the finished recording will sound.

Step 5

Click "Options," then click "Voices and File Options." Click the "File Options" tab. Use the drop-down menu to select "MP3" next to "Audio File Format." Adjust the bit rate to your liking; higher bit rates will sound better, but will take up more space on your hard drive or audio player. Click the "Browse" button to select the folder where your completed file should be saved, and click "OK."

Step 6

Click "Speak to File" to convert the text file to MP3. Click "OK." The resulting file will appear in the folder that you chose in the previous step.

Step 7

Double click the new audio file to begin playing it on your computer, or transfer it to your portable audio player.