Switching from Read&Write to Helperbird
Coming from Read&Write by Texthelp? This guide maps Read&Write features to their Helperbird equivalents so you can find your favorite tools right away.
On this page
Welcome! If you are coming from Read&Write by Texthelp, you will feel right at home with Helperbird. Most of the features you know and love are here, sometimes with a different name. This guide will help you find everything quickly.
A note on accuracy: We used AI to help generate this comparison guide. We have done our best to make sure everything is correct, but if you notice a mistake or something that needs updating, please contact us at support@helperbird.com and we will get it corrected straight away.
Feature Comparison
Here is where to find your Read&Write features in Helperbird. We have linked to the help guide for each feature so you can get started right away.
Reading and Listening
| Read&Write Feature | Helperbird Feature | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Text to Speech | Text to Speech | How to use Text to Speech |
| Screen Masking | Dyslexia Ruler / Line Focus | How to use the Dyslexia Ruler |
| Reading Ruler | Reading Guide | How to use the Reading Guide |
| Immersive Reader | Immersive Reader | How to use Immersive Reader |
| Simplify | Simplify Text | How to Simplify Text |
| Reading Mode | Reading Mode | How to use Reading Mode |
Writing and Typing
| Read&Write Feature | Helperbird Feature | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Word Prediction | Word Prediction | How to use Word Prediction |
| Talk and Type (Dictation) | Voice Typing | How to use Voice Typing |
| Check It (Grammar) | Spelling and Grammar Checker | How to use Spell Check |
Dictionary and Vocabulary
| Read&Write Feature | Helperbird Feature | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Text Dictionary | Dictionary | How to use the Dictionary |
| Picture Dictionary | Immersive Reader (includes picture dictionary) | How to use Immersive Reader |
| Vocabulary List | Highlight Menu (select and look up words) | How to use the Highlight Menu |
Highlighting and Notes
| Read&Write Feature | Helperbird Feature | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Collect Highlights | Web Highlighter | How to Highlight Text |
| Annotations | Sticky Notes | How to use Sticky Notes |
| Voice Notes | Sticky Notes | How to use Sticky Notes |
Translation
| Read&Write Feature | Helperbird Feature | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Translator | Translate | How to Translate a Page |
OCR and Text Extraction
| Read&Write Feature | Helperbird Feature | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot Reader | OCR / Extract Text | How to use OCR |
PDF Support
| Read&Write Feature | Helperbird Feature | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| PDF Reader | PDF Reader | How to use the PDF Reader |
Read&Write Features Not in Helperbird
We want to be upfront. There are a few Read&Write features that Helperbird does not currently have:
| Read&Write Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Audio Maker | Read&Write can export text as audio files. Helperbird does not have this feature yet. |
Extra Features in Helperbird
Helperbird also has tools that are not in Read&Write. Here are some you might find useful:
| Feature | What it Does | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Color Overlay | Tinted overlay for the whole page to reduce eye strain | Color Overlay |
| Dyslexia Fonts | Switch any website to OpenDyslexic, Lexend, or other dyslexia-friendly fonts | Dyslexia Fonts |
| High Contrast Mode | Switch to high contrast themes for better visibility | High Contrast |
| Custom Colors | Change text, background, and link colors on any website | Custom Colors |
| Word and Letter Spacing | Adjust spacing between words and letters for easier reading | Word Spacing |
| Hide Images and GIFs | Remove distracting visuals from any page | Hide Images |
| Volume Booster | Increase volume beyond the normal max | Volume Booster |
| Paragraph Borders | Add visual borders around paragraphs for easier tracking | Paragraph Borders |
| Cursor Size | Make the mouse cursor bigger and easier to see | Cursor Size |
| Math Reader | Read maths equations with Immersive Reader | Screenshot Reader - it reads equations automatically, no maths mode to switch on |
| Screenshot Tool | Capture any part of a webpage | Screenshot |
| Auto Scroll | Hands-free scrolling through any page | Auto Scroll |
Getting Started
Ready to try Helperbird? Here are the quickest ways to get going:
- Install Helperbird: Download from the Chrome Web Store (opens in a new tab) or visit add it from helperbird.com
- Log in: Follow our Login Guide
- For schools: Have your admin deploy it via Google Admin Console and set the subscription key with JSON policy
If you are a school or district switching from Read&Write, we are happy to help with the transition. We can jump on a call to walk your team through everything.
Need Help?
If you cannot find something or need help getting set up, just reach out to our support team. We are always happy to help, especially if you are new to Helperbird.
You can also book a demo with us to see Helperbird in action: Book a Demo (opens in a new tab)
Printed from the Helperbird Help Center · Updated August 28th, 2026
Questions? We are happy to help — helperbird.com/support