Dyslexia-Friendly Text Formatter
Reformat text with the spacing, line length and contrast settings that reading research supports, and generate the CSS, with an honest note on which claims have evidence behind them.
Last reviewed by the Radiatus Cloud team
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Spacing has better evidence than typeface
Studies of readers with dyslexia consistently find that increased letter, word and line spacing improves reading speed and accuracy, and the effect appears in readers without dyslexia too. The evidence for special dyslexia typefaces is considerably weaker: controlled comparisons generally find no advantage over a plain sans-serif at the same spacing, and several find the specialised faces slower. What is being credited to the typeface is usually the spacing that came with it.
Line length and alignment matter
Long lines make it harder to find the start of the next one, which is a specific difficulty for readers who lose their place. Between 45 and 75 characters is the usual guidance, and shorter is better here than the upper end. Justified text creates uneven word spacing and rivers of white space running down the paragraph, both of which disrupt tracking, so ragged-right alignment is preferable despite looking less tidy.
Pure black on pure white is not the best contrast
Maximum contrast causes a glare effect that some readers find uncomfortable, and off-white or cream backgrounds are frequently preferred. This is a preference rather than a universal improvement, and it varies enough between individuals that the honest recommendation is to let the reader choose. Any single fixed scheme, including a dyslexia-friendly one, will suit some readers and not others.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do dyslexia-specific typefaces help?
The evidence is weak. Controlled comparisons generally find no advantage over a plain sans-serif at matched spacing, and some find the specialised faces slower. The benefit usually attributed to them appears to come from the spacing they ship with.
What does have good evidence?
Increased letter, word and line spacing, which improves reading speed and accuracy in multiple studies, including for readers without dyslexia. Shorter lines and left-aligned rather than justified text also have reasonable support.
Why avoid justified text?
Because justification stretches word spacing unevenly and creates rivers of white running down the paragraph, both of which disrupt the eye movements involved in tracking a line. Ragged right is less tidy and easier to read.
Should I use a cream background?
Many readers prefer it to pure white, since maximum contrast causes a glare effect some find uncomfortable. Preferences vary enough between individuals that offering a choice is better than imposing any single scheme.
Is this only for dyslexic readers?
No. Most of these changes measurably help everyone, which is the usual pattern with accessibility work. Generous spacing and a sensible line length improve reading for readers with no diagnosed difficulty at all.
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How to Use
Paste text to preview it with dyslexia-friendly formatting and get the CSS.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Results are for educational and utility purposes.