Using Immersive Reader in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and OneNote: A Step-by-Step Guide
Immersive Reader in Microsoft Office makes reading documents, emails, and notes easier. With customizable features like font adjustments, grammar support, voice options, and reading focus, this tool is available in Word, Outlook, and OneNote.
Availability of Immersive Reader
Immersive Reader is accessible in these Office applications, though availability varies by device:
Application | Supported Platforms |
Word | Online, Windows Desktop, Mac, iPhone, iPad |
Outlook | Online, Windows Desktop |
OneNote | Online, Windows Desktop (with add-in), OneNote for Windows, Mac, iPad |
Additional features and applications (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Office Lens, Microsoft Teams) may also support Immersive Reader, but functionality differs by platform and version.
Enabling Immersive Reader
To open Immersive Reader:
- Go to the View tab.
- Select Immersive Reader.
This will display a focused reading view where you can customize text, grammar, and other reading settings.
Customizing Immersive Reader
In Word (Desktop Version)
The desktop version offers an Immersive Reader Ribbon with all settings in one place:
- Column Width: Adjust between Very Narrow, Narrow, Moderate, or Wide.
- Page Color: Choose from various background colors or create a custom one.
- Line Focus: Highlight one, three, or five lines while dimming the rest.
- Text Spacing: Toggle increased spacing for better readability.
- Syllables: Break words into syllables for pronunciation help.
- Read Aloud: Hear the text read aloud while words are highlighted. Adjust speed and voice settings via the toolbar.
Close Immersive Reader anytime to return to your document view.
In Word (Online Version)
The online version simplifies the interface:
- Text Preferences: Adjust text size, spacing, font, and theme.
- Grammar Options: Highlight syllables and parts of speech with customizable colors and labels.
- Reading Preferences: Enable Line Focus, Picture Dictionary, or the Translate feature (with multilingual support).
- Read Aloud: Always accessible. Highlight words as they’re read aloud, and adjust speed or voice.
Why Use Immersive Reader?
With its flexibility and powerful tools, Immersive Reader is ideal for improving comprehension, focus, and accessibility. Whether for learning, professional tasks, or personal use, it’s a valuable feature that adapts to your reading needs.