Another way into text when reading is hard.
Sorrel is not a medical tool or a screen-reader replacement. It is a small Mac utility for moments when listening is easier than staring at the page.
Tired eyes
Turn long screen reading into audio when your eyes need a break.
Study load
Listen to copied notes, readings, article excerpts, and selectable PDF text.
Attention drift
Use audio and sentence highlighting when visual reading keeps slipping.
Proofreading
Hear missing words, repeated phrases, and awkward sentences in your own drafts.
Cleaner than raw Speak Selection. Simpler than a reading platform.
Use Sorrel when you want
- A clean paste-and-play reader for copied text.
- Markdown, links, citations, and footnotes stripped before audio.
- System Voice playback without an account or subscription.
- A pay-once Mac utility instead of a reading platform.
Use another tool when you need
- OCR for scanned PDFs or images.
- A full screen reader like VoiceOver.
- Cross-device libraries, mobile apps, or audiobook workflows.
- Commercial voiceover export and production controls.
Local by default, with clear limits.
With System Voice playback, the reading text stays on your Mac. Sorrel reads the clipboard only when you paste, click Replace & Play, press the optional hotkey, or invoke a command.
Cloud voices are optional. If you choose one, the filtered text is sent to that provider over HTTPS using your own key. Purchase and license delivery use Gumroad and Sorrel's license service.
Reading questions.
Can Sorrel read PDFs?
Yes, when you can copy/select the PDF text. Scanned PDFs, images, DRM pages, or copy-protected files need OCR or another tool first.
Is Sorrel for dyslexia or ADHD?
Some people use audio when reading is tiring, slow, or hard to stick with. Sorrel does not diagnose, treat, or make medical claims.
Can I follow along visually?
Yes. Sorrel highlights the current sentence while reading so you can listen and follow the text.
Try Sorrel with the next wall of text.
Free for 14 days. Then $9.99 once. No subscription.
macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later · signed and notarized macOS build