Import multiple content types
Import PDFs, ePUBs, DOCX files, pasted text, and URLs, or share articles from Safari, X, Reddit, and other apps directly into FocalRead.
FocalRead
FocalRead is a speed reading app for iPhone and iPad that uses RSVP to show one word at a time and help readers move through PDFs, web articles, posts, and documents at an adjustable pace.
Overview
FocalRead is a speed reading app for iPhone and iPad built around RSVP, or Rapid Serial Visual Presentation. It shows one word at a time and uses a red ORP highlight to guide attention, with the goal of helping readers move through text faster while keeping comprehension in view.
The app is designed for reading PDFs, ePUBs, DOCX files, web articles, X posts, and Reddit threads. It supports direct import from files and from share flows in Safari, X, Reddit, and other apps, so users can move reading material into one place and continue at a chosen pace.
Features
RSVP reading mode
Read one word at a time using RSVP, with a red ORP highlight that marks the optimal recognition point for each word.
Adjustable reading speed
Choose a pace from 150 to 1000+ words per minute and start at a comfortable speed before increasing over time.
Saved progress
Resume books and articles where you stopped, with progress saved automatically.
Clips and bookmarks
Save favorite passages as clips and bookmarks for later reference.
Focus-oriented interface
Read in a focused interface designed for iPhone and iPad with a zero-distraction layout.
Use Cases
Reading saved files
Read longer documents in a distraction-light format when you want to keep your pace steady and revisit sections later.
Moving web content into one place
Send articles, posts, or threads from Safari, X, or Reddit into the app instead of switching between multiple readers.
Practicing faster reading
Increase reading speed gradually by starting at a comfortable WPM setting and working upward as the app suggests.
Reviewing important excerpts
Save important passages as clips or bookmarks when you need to remember key details from a book or article.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports several common reading sources, including files, web links, X posts, and Reddit threads.
- Offers adjustable speed controls, including a slow starting point and higher speeds for experienced readers.
- Saves progress so readers can return to the same place later.
- Includes clips and bookmarks for passages worth revisiting.
- Available on iPhone and iPad with a focused reading layout.
Cons
- The pricing page returns a 404, so the site does not currently publish plan details there.
- The public pages do not provide much information about team features, account tiers, or advanced workflow limits.
- Supported formats are described broadly, but the site does not give a full technical compatibility list.
FAQ
What does FocalRead do?
It uses RSVP speed reading, showing one word at a time with an ORP highlight so you can read PDFs, ePUBs, web articles, X posts, and Reddit threads in the app.
What content can I read in FocalRead?
The site says you can import PDFs, ePUBs, DOCX files, paste text, or save content from Safari, X, Reddit, and other apps into FocalRead.
Is FocalRead free?
Yes. The homepage says the app is free to download for iPhone and iPad.
What devices does FocalRead support?
FocalRead is presented as an iPhone and iPad app, and the site does not show a separate pricing page with plan details.
Can I adjust the reading speed?
The site describes speed settings from 150 to 1000+ words per minute and says you can start slowly and increase your pace as you improve.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Speed reading
- Platform
- iPhone and iPad
- Primary workflow
- Import text or links, then read one word at a time with RSVP
- Supported sources
- PDFs, ePUBs, DOCX, web articles, X posts, Reddit threads
- Source domain
- focalread.com
- Pricing
- Free to download; pricing details are not published on the site
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