How to Use the PDF Reader in Helperbird
Learn how to open and read PDFs in Helperbird with built-in note-taking, annotations, voice typing, translation, and summarization tools.
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What is the PDF Reader?
The PDF Reader is a built-in tool that lets you open and read PDF documents directly in your browser with extra accessibility features. It includes tools for note-taking, annotations, drawing, voice typing, translation, summarization, and more — all in one place.
Who is This For?
This feature is helpful for:
- Students who read PDF textbooks and lecture notes
- Researchers who work with academic papers
- Anyone who needs to annotate PDF documents
- People who want text-to-speech for PDFs
- Anyone who needs to translate or summarize PDF content
Step 1: Open a PDF in Helperbird
When you view a PDF in your browser, look for the green "Open PDF in Helperbird – Click to Open" button at the bottom of the page.
Click this button. The PDF will open in Helperbird's reader interface with all tools available in the toolbar at the top.
Step 2: Navigate and Read
Once your PDF is open, you will see page numbers at the top for easy navigation.
Use the arrow buttons or type a page number to jump to a specific page. You can also zoom in and out using the zoom controls in the toolbar.
Step 3: Take Notes
Click the Notepad button in the top toolbar to open the note-taking panel.
This opens a split view with your PDF on the left and the Notepad on the right.
In the Notepad you can:
- Type notes — Write your thoughts as you read
- Voice Typing — Click the microphone icon to dictate notes instead of typing
- Grammar/Spell Check — Click the "A" with checkmark icon to check for errors
- Print — Click the print icon to print your notes
- Download — Save your notes or the annotated PDF
- Add text to PDF — Click the Add text to PDF button below the text editor to insert your notes as a text box on the current PDF page
Step 4: Use Quick Tools
Click the Tools menu button (the round dots button labelled "More options") in the top navigation bar to access quick tools:
- Immersive Reader — Open the PDF in a clean reading mode
- Translate — Open the current page, or just the text you have highlighted, in Immersive Reader with translation switched on in your saved language
- Summarize — Get a quick summary of the PDF content
- Extract text (OCR) — Pull text from the PDF to use elsewhere
Step 5: Download Your PDF
Click the Download button (download icon with arrow) in the toolbar to save your PDF.
An options menu will appear with two choices:
- Original only — Download the original PDF without any changes
- With my changes — Download the PDF with all your text boxes, drawings, and formatting included
Tip: The PDF Reader combines all of Helperbird's powerful tools in one place, making it perfect for studying, research, and document review. Use voice typing for quick note-taking, the Add Textbox button to add text boxes directly on the PDF, and the Drawing Tools to mark up pages with freehand pen, shapes, and arrows.
For the full start-to-finish walkthrough, see How to Annotate and Export a PDF with Helperbird.
Video Tutorial
Need Additional Help?
If you have any questions or run into any issues, please contact the Helperbird support team. You can reach us at Helperbird support. We are happy to help you get the most out of Helperbird.
