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How to Use Screenshot to Listen on Mac

The Screenshot to Listen feature lets you capture text from your screen and instantly listen to it using Speechify. This is useful when text is not selectable (for example, images, PDFs, or locked content).

Written by Mike B

How to Use Screenshot to Listen

  1. Open any app on your Mac where you want to listen to text.

  2. Press Option + X (⌥ + X) to activate Screenshot to Listen. (You can change this shortcut anytime in the Speechify Mac app settings.)

  3. Select the area of your screen that contains the text you want to hear.

  4. Speechify will automatically extract the text and start reading it aloud. The mini pill will then show up.

Pausing playback
Use the shortcut ⌥ Q at any time to play/pause playback. You can also tap the pause button on the Miniplayer.


​Cancelling playback
You can click the ‘x’ button on the mini-player to cancel playback.

Troubleshooting

If Screenshot to Listen is not working:

  • Make sure Speechify has screen recording permission enabled in macOS settings

  • Try capturing a clearer area with visible text

  • Restart the Speechify app and try again

  • Ensure you are selecting only the text area (not unnecessary screen elements)

Need more help?
Feel free to email us at [email protected]. To help us assist you faster, please include full details of your concern and a screen recording, if available.

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