Read&Write software is a literacy support tool that helps with reading and highlighting text, increasing focus while reading, reading text out loud, proofreading spelling, learning new words, and more. Read&Write is available for free to all Mines students, staff, and faculty.
Read&Write has different tools depending on your operating system. If you are using Windows, please visit the Read&Write for Windows page.
Installing Read&Write
- Read&Write is available for users without admin rights to install on their Mines-managed computers.
- To install on a Mac, go to the "Self Service" icon in the dock or by searching Spotlight.
- In Self-Service, search for TextHelp Read&Write and click on the Install button under the icon.
- If you have admin rights or need to install on a non-Mines computer, you can follow the Read&Write download instructions.
- If you need help installing Read&Write, please submit a Software Help Request.
Using Read&Write
The best way to learn to use Read&Write is to explore the documentation and videos provided by Texthelp, the company that makes Read&Write.
If you need training or have questions about how to use Read&Write, please submit a request for a consultation using Report a Digital Accessibility Issue.
Where is Read&Write available?
- Read&Write can be downloaded and installed on your personal computer using your Mines Microsoft credentials (mines.edu email address and password).
- Read&Write is also installed on all lab computers on campus and on the virtual lab desktop.
- Read&Write is available in the Testing Center.
You do not need to sign in to use Read&Write on a lab computer or Testing Center computer.
Features available on Mac
Reading Tools
- Text-to-speech: Reads text aloud and highlights the word being read
- Dictionary: Defines words in text and reads words aloud
- Picture dictionary: Look up symbols to help remember words
- PDF reader: Opens PDFs so you can read them aloud or use other Read&Write tools
- Daisy reader: Opens books in the DAISY format and reads them aloud
Writing Tools
- Prediction: Provides suggested words as you type, and can read suggestions aloud
- Check it: Checks for grammar, spelling, and other word errors
- Verb checker: Helps with selecting the right tense of a verb
- Spell check: Checks spelling and reads words and definitions aloud
Study Tools
- Highlighters: Use highlighters to color-code and collect text from documents
- Vocabulary list: Build a vocabulary list from highlighted and dictionary words
- Research folder: Build a list of information and links from websites
Focus Tools
- Screen masking: Improves focus by tinting or highlighting sections of your screen
Document Conversion Tools
- Screenshot reader: Converts images of text to text that can be copied or read aloud
- Scanning: Convert scanned images to documents with text that can be copied or read aloud
- Audio maker: Convert text into an audio mp3 file
Web Tools (requires online access)
- Web Search: Launches a Google search from your default browser
- Translator: Translates words from and to multiple languages