How to Set Up a Dyslexia Friendly Computer

Setting up a computer that works with your dyslexia, rather than against it, can transform how you read, write, and learn. Many people struggle with standard screens because fonts are hard to parse, colours create glare, and text seems to move or jumble together. The good news is that with the right configuration, your computer can become a genuinely supportive tool.

This guide walks you through practical steps to set up a dyslexia friendly computer. You'll learn about fonts, colours, spacing, and digital tools that make a real difference.

Choose the Right Font

Your choice of font matters far more than most people realise. Standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman can feel cramped and confusing. Letters blend together, and similar shapes (like 'b' and 'd') become harder to distinguish.

Dyslexia-friendly fonts are designed with larger, clearer letterforms. OpenDyslexic is one of the most popular choices, with weighted bases that anchor each letter and prevent the visual floating sensation some dyslexic readers experience. Other solid options include Dyslexie, Lexie Readable, and Comic Sans (yes, really - it's surprisingly effective for many people).

When you set up a dyslexia friendly computer, install these fonts system-wide so they work across all applications. On Windows, download font files, right-click them, and select "Install for all users". On Mac, open Font Book and drag the font files into your library.

Set your default font to one of these in your applications. In most word processors, you can change the default font through preferences. Aim for 12-14pt as your baseline size.

Adjust Colour and Contrast

Bright white backgrounds can cause visual stress for many dyslexic readers. Text seems to vibrate, blur, or shift. You don't need to suffer through this.

Create a warmer, less aggressive screen environment by:

• Using a cream, light grey, or soft yellow background instead of pure white
• Choosing text colour carefully: dark grey or navy often works better than black
• Ensuring strong contrast between text and background (though avoid pure black on pure white)
• Testing your choices during reading tasks to see what feels comfortable

Most operating systems now include built-in display settings. Windows has Night Light (Settings > System > Display > Night Light), which adds warmth to your screen throughout the day. Mac has Night Shift (System Preferences > Displays > Night Shift). These tools reduce blue light, which can contribute to eye strain.

For a more comprehensive approach, colour overlay tools can help significantly. Dyslexly offers customisable colour overlays that you can apply across your entire screen or to specific websites and documents. This means you get consistent colour support whether you're working in emails, PDFs, or web pages.

Increase Spacing and Line Height

Crowded text is harder to read. When lines sit too close together, letters from one line can visually interfere with letters from the next line. This is sometimes called "visual crowding", and it's one of the most common reading challenges for dyslexic people.

Increase line spacing in your documents to at least 1.5 lines, and preferably 2 lines or double spacing. In Microsoft Word, select all text, then go to Format > Paragraph > Line Spacing. Choose "Double" or enter a custom value like 2.0.

Also increase letter spacing slightly. This gives each letter more room to "breathe" and be recognised as an individual character. In Word, select Format > Font > Advanced > Spacing, and increase it by 1-2pt.

For web browsing, the spacing settings built into most browsers are limited. This is where a dedicated tool can make a real difference. Dyslexly allows you to adjust line spacing, letter spacing, and word spacing across websites, so you get consistent support whether you're reading news articles, educational content, or emails.

Enable Text-to-Speech and Reading Support

Reading support tools can reduce cognitive load and increase comprehension. Text-to-speech allows you to hear words as you read them, which helps with pronunciation, spelling recognition, and staying focused on meaning rather than decoding.

Windows and Mac both include built-in screen readers, but they're often basic and slow. Better options include:

• Built-in Immersive Reader in Microsoft Office and Edge
• Natural Reader (works across many applications)
• Specialized browser extensions that provide reading support

When you set up a dyslexia friendly computer, configure at least one of these tools so it's easy to activate. Most work by highlighting text as it's read aloud, which helps you follow along and link sounds to written words.

Many people find that hearing text whilst reading it bridges the gap between decoding (struggling with individual letters) and comprehension (understanding meaning). This combination is powerful for learning and retention.

Organise Your Files and Use Simple Naming

Beyond screen settings, a well-organised file system reduces cognitive strain. Confusion about where files are stored creates extra stress and wastes time searching.

Create a clear folder structure with obvious names. Use simple, descriptive names for files rather than cryptic abbreviations. For example, use "2024 School Reports" instead of "SR24_v3_FINAL_ACTUALFINAL". Consistency matters: if you always put receipts in a "Finance" folder, you won't waste energy trying to remember where they are.

Use colour-coding in your file system where possible. Most operating systems let you assign colours to folders. This adds a visual organisational layer that can be surprisingly helpful.

Consider using a note-taking app designed with accessibility in mind. Apps like OneNote or Notion allow you to organise thoughts visually, add images, and structure information in ways that feel more natural than traditional documents.

Customise Your Operating System Settings

Both Windows and Mac include accessibility settings specifically designed to help with reading and focus. Spending time configuring these pays dividends.

On Windows, go to Settings > Accessibility and explore:

• Text size scaling (increase throughout the system)
• Mouse pointer size and colour (make it more visible)
• High contrast mode (use a pre-set theme that reduces visual noise)
• Focus tracking (highlight the active window)

On Mac, go to System Preferences > Accessibility and check:

• Display options (increase contrast, reduce transparency, enable colour filters)
• Zoom (enlarge the entire screen or specific areas)
• Voice Control (useful for reducing typing)

Also customise cursor settings. A larger, higher-contrast cursor is easier to track on screen, which reduces visual searching and eye strain.

Finally, set up your browser for dyslexia support. Visit the Dyslexly upgrade page to explore browser extensions and tools that work across websites and applications, applying consistent fonts, colours, and spacing wherever you're reading online.

Use Word Prediction and Spelling Support

Writing is often harder than reading for people with dyslexia, particularly spelling. Word prediction tools suggest words as you type, which speeds up writing and reduces spelling errors. Many modern devices include this, but it can be improved.

Configure your word processor's AutoCorrect settings to catch your personal spelling patterns. In Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Add your common misspellings so they auto-correct as you type.

Enable grammar and spell-checking. Set it to "real-time" so you get immediate feedback. This sounds like it might create more stress, but most people find it reduces anxiety because errors are caught before the work is shared.

For serious writing tasks, use a dedicated tool like Grammarly, which provides detailed spelling, grammar, and clarity feedback. It learns your patterns over time and can be set to less aggressive checking if feedback becomes overwhelming.

Conclusion

Setting up a dyslexia friendly computer is a practical, achievable process that starts with fonts, colours, and spacing, then extends into tools and system settings. The investment of an hour or two upfront pays back enormously in reduced frustration, improved reading speed, and better comprehension. Every person's needs differ slightly, so treat this as a starting point: experiment, keep what works, and discard what doesn't. Your computer should work for your brain, not the other way around.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best font for dyslexia? OpenDyslexic is widely recommended and free to download. Other good options include Dyslexie, Lexie Readable, and Comic Sans. The "best" font is the one that feels clearest to you personally, so try a few.

Can I use a standard computer without special software? Yes. You can improve readability significantly through operating system settings, font choices, and colour adjustments alone. However, specialised tools often provide more comprehensive support and easier customisation.

Is text-to-speech cheating? Absolutely not. Text-to-speech is an accessibility tool, just like glasses for someone with poor eyesight. It helps you access text and improve comprehension, not avoid reading.

How much does it cost to set up a dyslexia friendly computer? Many improvements are free: fonts like OpenDyslexic are free to download, and most operating systems include built-in accessibility settings. Some specialised tools are paid, but many free options exist too.

Will dyslexia-friendly settings help other people use my computer? Most settings are personal and apply to your user account only. Larger fonts or warmer colours might benefit anyone, but they're not mandatory. Your family and colleagues can use standard settings if they prefer.