Clear answers about Dyslexly — reading tools, privacy, schools, and installation.
Dyslexly is a free Chrome extension that adjusts how web pages look and sound for dyslexic readers. It applies OpenDyslexic font, spacing controls, colour overlays, line focus, and read-aloud on ordinary websites. Optional Dyslexly Pro adds writing tools such as word prediction and dictation.
Dyslexia affects how the brain processes written text — letters can appear to move, blur, or crowd together. Dyslexly reduces that visual load with a dyslexia-friendly font, adjustable spacing, tinted overlays, and tools that keep your place while reading. Text-to-speech lets you hear words while following along on screen.
Yes. Core reading features — OpenDyslexic font, spacing, colour overlay, line focus, reading ruler, syllable highlighting, and selection read-aloud — are free with no account required. Dyslexly Pro is an optional paid tier for writing and productivity tools such as word prediction, dictation, and per-site settings.
OpenDyslexic is a free typeface designed so each letter has a heavier bottom, which helps stop letters from flipping or rotating in your mind. Many dyslexic readers find it easier to tell similar characters apart (such as b, d, p, and q). Dyslexly can replace page fonts with OpenDyslexic on any site you visit.
Some readers experience visual stress on bright white backgrounds — text can appear to shimmer or float. A semi-transparent colour tint (often yellow, blue, or green) lowers contrast glare and makes lines easier to track. Dyslexly lets you pick a preset or custom overlay colour and adjust intensity.
Line focus dims everything on the page except the line your cursor is on, so your eyes stay on one row of text at a time. Dyslexly also offers a reading ruler — a horizontal band that follows the mouse. Both tools reduce skipping lines or losing your place in long paragraphs.
Dyslexly works on most public web pages — news sites, email, Wikipedia, Google Docs, shopping sites, and school portals. Browser-internal pages (such as chrome:// settings), some heavily locked-down iframes, and PDFs opened outside Dyslexly’s PDF viewer may have limited support.
Both are Chrome accessibility extensions. Dyslexly focuses specifically on dyslexia reading comfort — OpenDyslexic, overlays, line focus, and read-aloud are free without signup. HelperBird covers a broader accessibility feature set, often with subscription tiers for advanced tools. Choose based on which reading adjustments you use daily.
Yes. Schools and colleges can deploy Dyslexly via managed Chrome browsers or ask students to install it from the Chrome Web Store. Annual site licences cover unlimited students at one location — contact [email protected] for setup guidance, invoices, and licence keys.
Yes, with adult supervision for younger children. The reading tools are the same ones many students use for homework and research. Parents and teachers can enable only the features a child needs. Dyslexly does not require a child to create an account, and browsing activity is not sent to our servers.
Irlen Syndrome (also called visual stress) is a perceptual condition where certain lighting, contrast, or white backgrounds make reading uncomfortable — sometimes causing headaches or fatigue. Coloured overlays are a common coping strategy. Dyslexly’s tint overlay is designed for exactly this kind of visual stress, though it is not a medical diagnosis or treatment.
Visit dyslexly.com/download or search “Dyslexly” in the Chrome Web Store, click Add to Chrome, and confirm. The Dyslexly icon appears in your toolbar — click it to turn features on and adjust settings. No account or payment is needed for free reading tools.
Dyslexly is built for Google Chrome and other Chromium browsers that support Chrome extensions (such as Microsoft Edge and Brave). It is not available for Firefox or Safari at this time. Install from the Chrome Web Store or your browser’s extension marketplace if it accepts Chrome extensions.
Dyslexly is designed with privacy by default. Reading settings stay in your browser via Chrome storage; we do not receive the URLs you visit or page content. Our website processes only what you submit (email signup, checkout, support messages) under our privacy policy at dyslexly.com/privacy. Contact [email protected] for data requests.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) in the UK can fund assistive software for eligible university students. Dyslexly is working with disability assessors to support DSA recommendations. Ask your needs assessor to include Dyslexly Pro in your report, or email [email protected] for documentation to share with your advisor.
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