RSVP reading mode
Displays text one word at a time using RSVP and ORP highlighting so your focus stays on a single point while reading.
Speed Reader
Speed Reader is a macOS app that uses RSVP to present text one word at a time for faster reading. It supports files, URLs, screenshots, and OCR, with multiple reading layouts and customizable speed and appearance.
Overview
Speed Reader is a macOS reading app built around Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP). It shows text one word at a time at a fixed location, with Optimal Recognition Point (ORP) highlighting, so readers can move through articles, books, PDFs, web pages, and other text sources more quickly than with traditional line-by-line reading.
The app is designed for macOS 14+ and is built with native technologies rather than Electron. It offers several reading surfaces, including a main window, a notch widget, a floating separate window, and a full-page Zen mode, along with OCR and content extraction tools for files, URLs, and captured screen areas.
Features
Speed control
Lets you adjust reading speed from 100 to 1000 WPM and change it in real time with keyboard shortcuts.
Multi-format support
Opens PDFs, EPUBs, DOCX files, Markdown, FB2, plain text, URLs, and images, with OCR for scanned documents.
Read from any URL
Extracts readable text from web pages and saves reading progress per URL, including cleaner handling for cluttered pages.
Screen capture and OCR
Captures any area of the screen and uses built-in OCR to turn on-screen text into readable content without copy-paste.
Flexible layouts and customization
Offers theme, font, ORP color, and reading-mode settings across the main window, notch widget, separate window, and Zen mode.
Use Cases
Web reading without distractions
Read articles and web pages by pasting a URL and letting the app extract the article text into RSVP format.
Document and book reading
Open PDFs, EPUBs, DOCX files, Markdown, FB2, or plain text when you want to move through documents faster on a Mac.
Reading text from the screen
Capture text from another app, an image, or a scanned document and read it without copying the text manually.
Different reading setups
Use the notch widget, floating window, or Zen mode when you want a reading surface that matches your workspace and level of focus.
Personalized or accessibility-focused reading
Adjust speed and appearance for a preferred pace or accessibility need, including users who need central field loss or peripheral reading assistance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports a wide range of content sources, including files, URLs, and screen captures.
- Offers multiple reading layouts so users can choose a workflow that fits different contexts.
- Includes OCR for scanned documents and images.
- Lets users fine-tune speed, appearance, and ORP highlighting.
- States that it is built natively for macOS rather than using Electron.
Cons
- The public pricing page is currently unavailable, so the exact pricing page details are not confirmed from source.
- The site does not provide detailed setup, import/export, or integration documentation in the collected material.
FAQ
How does Speed Reader work?
It uses Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) to show text one word at a time at a fixed location, which is meant to reduce eye movement and help you read faster.
What macOS version is required?
The homepage says it supports macOS 14+.
What kinds of content can I read with it?
The product supports files such as PDF, EPUB, DOCX, Markdown, FB2, plain text, URLs, and images via OCR.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. The homepage says it includes a 3-day free trial and then offers a lifetime license.
Are free licenses available for accessibility or medical use?
Yes. The homepage says users who need it for medical reasons, including central field loss or peripheral reading assistance, can contact the company for a free license.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity
- Platform
- macOS 14+
- Reading method
- Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP)
- Content sources
- Files, URLs, screen capture, and OCR
- Pricing note
- Homepage mentions a 3-day free trial and a lifetime license
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