Tip Sheet: OrbitDoc (Formerly known as Texthelp PDF Reader)

What is OrbitNote?

An extension that makes PDF accessible: Have questions read aloud, use highlighters on text and collaborate in a meaningful way.

 

Why would someone need it? 

If someone needs text read aloud for them, use of highlighting tools for organization and understanding, as well as the ability to work with others on one document.

 

Where is it used? (Desktop/Browser extension) 

Google Chrome extension

 

Please Note:  

  • Once the OrbitNote extension and app have been added, you will be prompted to select an account and grant permissions the first time you open a PDF. Once the account is verified and required permissions have been granted, PDFs will open in the OrbitNote. 

 

OrbitNote Install Instructions

Formerly Texthelp PDF Reader 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Visual

  1. Make sure you are signed into your Chrome browser with your YRDSB GAPPS account. 
 

For instructions on how to do this, please see this short guide.

YRDSB avatar in the top right corner of the Chrome browser

  1. In your Chrome extension bar, you should see the OrbitNote extension.
 

Note: If you do not see this extension, continue to step 3. If you do see it, please skip to step 6.

Chrome URL bar with a red box around the OrbitNote Chrome extension (OrbitNote icon is blue circles)

  1. Visit the Chrome Web Store and add the OrbitNote extension. Click Add to Chrome.

Chrome Web Store OrbitNote Add to Chrome

  1. Click Add extension to confirm.

Confirmation screen that asks if you want to add the OrbitNote Chrome extension

  1. Click the black puzzle piece in the extension bar and pin the OrbitNote extension so it appears in the bar.

Pin the OrbitNote Chrome extension to the URL barscreenshot shows OrbitNote icon pinned to Chrome web bar

  1. Click on the Chrome extension and select Sign in with Google.

A screen that asks the user to Sign in with Google

  1. Select your GAPPS account.

Select the correct Chrome account

  1. Click Allow to give OrbitNote access to your Google account.

Permissions for ObritNote and the Allow button

  1. The OrbitNote web page opens. You can search for a PDF in Drive or upload one from your hard drive. If you own the file, you will get access to all the OrbitNote PDF editing features. 

OrbitNote webpage

  1. Alternatively, go back to Google Drive and refresh the page. Open a PDF file that you own.

Sample text that OrbitNote will access

  1. Click “Open with” at the top and select OrbitNote.

"Open with" menu highlighting the OrbitNote tool

  1. The PDF opens in a new tab in the OrbitNote dashboard.

An article in the OrbitNote tool