We have collected the most frequently asked questions about ReallyEasyReader here.

If you fail to find your answer here, please try looking in our KnowledgeBase or failing that, create a Support Ticket.

How fast should I read?

The speed at which you should read depends on your understanding of the text you are reading.

If you are learning new concepts that are complicated then you will need to read more slowly to allow the information to sink in.

If you are reading around a subject that you already know to increase your knowledge then you will be able to read much faster.

Try reading some of the examples at different speeds, start with "Alice in Wonderland" (easy) and then try "Areopagitica" (hard).

This will show you the differences you need to understand to control your reading speed.

If you try to read a complicated text too quickly you will run into problems understanding it.

However if you read a simple document too slowly then you will get bored and lose your concentration.

A little practice with different speeds will quickly teach you how to select the right speed for you.

As a general rule, set the speed to slightly higher than is currently comfortable.

How skilled do I need to be to speedread?

To use ReallyEasyReader, you must be able to read whole words.

When we learn to read, we learn to identify letters and compose words, similarly, we identify words by splitting them into letters.

As our reading develops we start to read and identify the whole word in one go.

You need to have reached this stage to use ReallyEasyReader for speed reading (otherwise you can still use it for learning to read at slow speeds).

If you can easily read the paragraph below, ignore the horrible spelling, and recognise the words to see what it says, then you are definitely ready to use ReallyEasyReader.

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by itslef but the wrod as a wlohe.

How many words can I read at one time (span)?

The number of words read in each fixation is called the span. Everyone is able to read one word at a time.

If your read one word each fixation at 500wpm, then increase the span to two words, you will increase your reading speed to 1000wpm. 3 words -> 1500wpm, 4 words -> 2000wpm, etc.

Test yourself, can you read each of the following lines in one go?

Example
Two span
Now three words
Moving up to four
Reaching up to five next

If you had to move your eyes sideways to read the whole line, then you have found you span limit.

Start your practice with the size below as this allows you to develop you skills before over-reaching yourself.

You personal maximum wpm speed will be reached with a span of 1, this is the aim of practice.

To move beyond this barrier, you must increase your span.

Again practice make perfect, every time you try a new larger span, bring the speed down to allow yourself to get used to seeing all the words displayed at once.

Slowly increase the speed as you become more accustomed to reading every word displayed in one go.

Using this simple technique, you can achieve startling reading speeds and keep them.

Why are the default colors Yellow on Blue?

We have tried and tested a vast number of different color schemes as we have developed the Reader.

Yellow on Blue seems to be the most successful and preferred setting by almost everyone.

Yellow is in the middle of the visual spectrum and creates the most response from the receptors in our eyes, sky blue is a color we have learned to ignore, unless we choose to see it.

If you find a different color scheme is better for you, then we would be very interested to hear about your finding, especially if you suffer from color blindness or other visual distortion.

My document looks weird when I try to read it...

ReallyEasyReader can load DOC, PDF, TXT and HTML files directly, all other documents need to be opened in their native application and then use Copy and Paste to load them into the Reader.

Does ReallyEasyReader have punctuation breaks?

We have seen and tested the suggestion of putting brief breaks into the reader based on punctuation in the text.

The only way we have found to adequately describe the effect of this, is that it is the reading equvalent to slamming on the breaks of a car 3 times a second at 60 miles an hour and the faster you go, the more uncomfortable it gets.

How can I use ReallyEasyReader to Learn?

ReallyEasyReader when used to its full potential can be the most useful tool available to you when studying.  Your reading speed can double in the first few minutes of use and continue to rise dramatically with practice.

You will be able to cover twice as much material in the same time or cover the same in half the time, depending on how you want to view it.

You can use ReallyEasyReader to read required materials, go over typed up notes and review electronic course material. ReallyEasyReader can help you at every stage of the learning curve from initial reading to last minute revision before an exam.

ReallyEasyReader is best used for learning in a quiet relaxed environment without distractions.

Before using ReallyEasyReader to study make sure your surroundings are peaceful. 

Turn your phone, stereo, instant messaging and any other mediums of distraction off.

Take a few moments to breathe deeply and relax.

Load the document you wish to read and set the speed you are comfortable with.

For initial reading you will most probably want to keep the speed down so that you can add bookmarks and flick between reader and full text view.

Once you have finished reading the document. Take a break.

With the basic concepts grasped, a second read through at a higher speed can be highly beneficial helping to lodge the information deeper into your mind.

When revising run through the entire document quickly and then return to the start taking each bookmark in order, switching to full text view to see them in context.

How can I use ReallyEasyReader for Research?

ReallyEasyReader is a very powerful research tool.

With ReallyEasyReader you can read large amounts of information in a much shorter time.

This allows you to research more in the same time or the same amount in less depending on how you want to view it.

Using ReallyEasyReader you can go through large electronic documents and bookmark points of interest quickly.

With your bookmarks in place you can go back through the document stopping at each bookmark.

You can then switch to full text view to view the bookmark in context or copy and paste the relevant text into another document.

In the professional version due for release soon, you can share bookmarks with other ReallyEasyReader users and also edit or annotate bookmarked text.

How can I use ReallyEasyReader at work?

Do you want to save money with a more efficient workforce?

If your average employee spends just 2 hours per week reading, ReallyEasyReader could save you more than 1 week of man hours per year.

If your staff are able to absorb information rapidly and easily they can devote their work time and your money to more revenue generating tasks.

Do you have to read lengthy emails and electronic documents on a regular basis?

ReallyEasyReader can help you read any form of electronic text.

Do you find yourself printing them out in order to be able to read them faster?

ReallyEasyReader breaks the barrier between screen and printed reading, enabling you to reader faster on screen than on paper.

Do you want to be able to spend less time reading but still cover as much ground?

Do you want to be able to read more but lack the time?

ReallyEasyReader can double your reading speed on first use, far more with practice.

Now you can read more in less time.

Do you need to bookmark points of interest?

The ReallyEasyReader bookmarking system allows you to tag points on interest in a document.

In the Pro version due for release soon, these bookmarks can be shared, edited and annotated .

How can I use ReallyEasyReader at home?

You can use ReallyEasyReader for pleasure as well as productivitiy.

With the large number of E-books available, many people use ReallyEasyReader to read for leisure.

With ReallyEasyReader you no longer need to scroll as you read, you can simply sit back and let the words flow before your eyes.

Remember, reading for pleasure should be pleasurable so keep the speed down and relax.

How can I use ReallyEasyReader On The Move.?

We are currently developing a PDA and Mobile Phone version of ReallyEasyReader to work on any Java enabled device.

Please make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter to be kept up to date with the status of the release of this version.

How can I use ReallyEasyReader with my children?

ReallyEasyReader was designed as an adult speed reading tool.

That said, we have found that many people have had sucess using it as a teaching tool for children.

ReallyEasyReader can help your children through all the stages of learning to read.

We are currently developing features for children and will be including them in the near future, these will include:-

See and Say - Word lists with pauses from UK National Curriculum for Reception to Year 6

Primary.Short Stories - Specially created short stories using the words in the See and Say word lists.

Links to required reading for UK Secondary Pupils including GCSE, A/S Level and A Level Texts. (where legally out of copyright)

Please make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter to be kept up to date with the status of the release of this version.

I have Dyslexia can ReallyEasyReader Help?

Dyslexic users have reported instant reading speed increases of 100s of percentie: from 90wpm to 400wpm.

I have ADD/ADHD can ReallyEasyReader help?

ADD and ADHD sufferers have reported mproved focus, greater concentration and longer, faster reading.

I have SSS can ReallyEasyReader help?

Yes, with easy creation of a color filter effect by simply changing the colors, ReallyEasyReader can be of real benefit to sufferers.

I have bad eyesight can ReallyEasyReader help?

With ReallyEasyReader you can set the size, type and color of the font to anything you like.

Most people find they can read without glasses by using these settings.