FAQ
Quick answers to common questions. For details, follow the links.
What is Readwave?
A system-wide read-aloud tool for Windows. Select text in any app, press a global hotkey (Ctrl+Alt+R by default), and a neural voice reads it. Press the same hotkey again to stop. See Getting Started.
Which apps does it work in?
Any Windows app where you can select or copy text — browsers, PDF readers, terminals, email clients, code editors, documents, and more. Readwave reads your selection (or clipboard) wherever you are.
Do I need an internet connection?
No, not for the free voices. The four built-in voices (Ava, Miles, Emma, George) run fully offline on your machine. You only need the internet for Pro Smart Reading (and cloud voices, coming soon). See Privacy.
Do I need WSL turned on?
No. Readwave runs fully native on Windows. You can leave WSL off.
How do I stop reading?
Press the hotkey again (Ctrl+Alt+R by default) — the same key starts and stops. Or use the stop control in the player bar.
Can I change the hotkey?
Yes. Open Settings → Shortcut and press the combination you want. Do this if another app already uses Ctrl+Alt+R.
How many words can I read for free?
20,000 words per week on the free plan. The counter resets every Monday at 00:00 local time. A usage meter on the Home screen shows how much you've used. Pro removes the limit. See Plans & Billing.
What do I get with Pro?
Unlimited words and Smart Reading (summarize / translate / simplify before reading) — translation lets you listen to 40+ languages in one you understand. Studio-grade cloud voices are coming soon. Pro is $8/mo or $69/yr with a 14-day free trial. See Plans & Billing.
Is my text private?
On the free/local path, yes — text is synthesized on-device and never leaves your computer. Pro Smart Reading sends text to a cloud service to do its work (and studio cloud voices will, once available). See Privacy.
Why is the first read slow or CPU-heavy?
The neural voice model warms up once on the first read after launch. Subsequent reads are fast and light. This is normal — see Troubleshooting.
I don't hear anything — what's wrong?
Most often it's the output device. Check Settings → Output device and make sure it points to the speakers/headphones you're using. Full checklist in Troubleshooting → No audio.
It says "Engine offline." What do I do?
The speech engine starts automatically with the app. Give it a moment, and if it doesn't clear, restart Readwave. If your antivirus blocked it, allow it. See Troubleshooting.
Can I make it pronounce names and acronyms correctly?
Yes. Add a rule on the Pronunciations screen (for example, SQL → sequel). It applies to every read, everywhere.
Does my queue and history survive a restart?
Yes. Your settings, voice, pronunciations, queue, history, and usage all persist across restarts.