Balabolka (text-to-speech)
Balabolka is a free text-to-speech (TTS) tool for Windows. It reads text aloud from a range of sources, including documents, emails, websites and copied text. It’s especially helpful for people with visual impairments, dyslexia or those who prefer learning by listening.
Key features
- Adjust the voice’s speed, pitch and pronunciation using Microsoft’s Speech API (SAPI).
- Create custom pronunciation rules to correct or improve how words are read aloud.
- Use any text-to-speech voice installed on your computer.
- Supports many text formats, including DOC, DOCX, EPUB, HTML, PDF, PPT, PPTX and RTF.
Access instructions
- For University-managed devices running Windows, you can install this software from the Software Center.
- For personal devices, download the software from the Balabolka website (cross-plus-a.com).
Available to everyone
You can use this service on University-managed and personal devices.
App-based
Compatible with Windows.
Free to use
This service is free to use.
Access instructions
- For University-managed devices running Windows, you can install this software from the Software Center.
- For personal devices, download the software from the Balabolka website (cross-plus-a.com).
Related tools
Guides and help
How-to guides and set up
- Balabolka quick start guide (PDF) (colostate.edu)
Training and best practice
- Balabolka: Introduction and Overview (video) (youtube.com)
Contact for support
If you’re experiencing technical issues and need advice, please contact IT Services.
Service commitments
Support
- This service is managed by a third party.
Standards
- Our service performance and standards have been produced in consultation with our customers. We regularly monitor the delivery, performance and availability of facilities and services.
We appreciate feedback as it helps us review and continually improve our service.
Page last reviewed: 12 May 2025