Read Out Loud
Adobe Acrobat Standard and Professional versions will read PDF files to you! This feature is called Read Out Loud and it is easy to use. Using the feature is a two-step process. First the feature is activated; next you command it to read.
To use the feature open a PDF:
1. Click on View>Activate Read Out Loud.
2. Click on View>Read Out Loud>Read This Page Only or Read to End of Document.
The Read feature will remain activated until you close Acrobat. There a number of keystroke combinations which will also control the Read Out Loud feature. Adobe provides additional information and instructions to change the default settings for Read Out Loud.
The voice is not stimulating, and the listening comprehension process requires some extra level of concentration. Even so, listening to a PDF document while driving is far superior to trying to read one!
Don’t forget: Windows also has a “narrator” function that will read out loud to you. For information on turning it on and using it in Windows XP, go here and for Vista go here.