Reading Ruler & Color Overlay Online Free
Free online reading ruler and color overlay tool. Helps people with dyslexia, visual stress, and reading difficulty track text more comfortably. Line highlight, focus window, and colored overlays — all in your browser.
Use a visual reading ruler to reduce eye strain from dyslexia and visual stress
Features
How to Use
Paste or type the text you want to read into the text area.
Choose a ruler mode: line highlight to isolate one line, focus window to see a few lines, or underline for a simple guide.
Optionally add a color overlay — many people find yellow or blue reduces visual stress.
Adjust text size, line height, and letter spacing for comfort.
Move your mouse or finger over the reading area — the ruler follows your position.
Click "Lock Ruler" to fix it in place so you can read hands-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reading ruler?
A reading ruler (also called a reading strip or line guide) is a visual aid that highlights one line of text at a time while dimming the rest. It helps readers track text more easily, reducing skipping lines and losing your place.
How do color overlays help with reading?
Color overlays reduce visual stress (also called Meares-Irlen syndrome or scotopic sensitivity) by changing the contrast between text and background. Research shows that for some readers, specific colors make text appear more stable and comfortable to read.
Which color overlay is best?
There is no single best color — it varies by individual. Yellow and blue are the most commonly preferred. Try each option and choose the one that makes text feel most comfortable and stable to your eyes.
Is this only for dyslexia?
No. Reading rulers and overlays help anyone who finds on-screen reading tiring, including people with visual stress, ADHD, learning differences, or those who simply read large amounts of text. Many neurotypical readers also benefit.
Can I use this on my phone?
Yes. The tool is fully responsive. On mobile, the ruler follows your finger touch on the reading area. You can also lock the ruler in place.
Does it work with any text?
Yes. Paste any text — articles, homework, emails, ebooks, study notes — into the text area. The tool renders it with your chosen settings for comfortable reading.
We can — and it's free! Just send us a quick message with your idea. If you'd like to discuss it in detail, leave your email and we'll get back to you. You can stay anonymous.
