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Balabolka is a versatile Text-To-Speech (TTS) application that uses all computer voices installed on your system. This powerful software provides a straightforward way to convert text into speech, making it a reliable solution for all your reading needs.
The software can read clipboard content and view text from CHM, DjVu, DOC, EPUB, FB2, HTML, ODT, PDF, and RTF files. You can customize font and background colors, and control playback from the system tray or with global hotkeys.
Balabolka supports multiple versions of Microsoft Speech API (SAPI), enabling you to adjust a voice’s parameters, including rate and pitch. This gives you fine-grained control over the voice’s sound, making it a versatile tool for all your reading needs.
The user can apply a special substitution list to improve the quality of the voice’s articulation. This feature is useful for changing word spelling. Pronunciation correction rules operate using regular expression syntax.
The software allows synchronized text storage through external LRC files or MP3 tags embedded in audio files. Text is displayed synchronously when you play an audio file with computer-based players or modern digital audio players, similar to song lyrics. The on-screen text can be saved as a WAV, MP3, MP4, OGG, or WMA file.
Supported Languages in Balabolka:
English, Bulgarian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Czech, Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian
Balabolka – Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Converts text into speech using installed Windows speech engines, making it useful for listening to documents, eBooks, and web content. | ✗ The quality of speech output depends on the installed text-to-speech voices and may differ from one system to another. |
| ✓ Supports numerous document formats, including TXT, DOCX, PDF, EPUB, HTML, and RTF, allowing users to read a wide variety of files. | ✗ The interface prioritizes functionality over modern design, which may appear dated to new users. |
| ✓ Can save narrated text as audio files in formats such as MP3, WAV, OGG, and WMA for offline playback. | ✗ Advanced configuration options and pronunciation settings may take new users time to learn. |
| ✓ Offers extensive customization options, including voice selection, speech rate, pitch, pronunciation rules, and reading pauses. | ✗ Realistic AI-generated voices are not included by default and typically require compatible third-party speech engines. |
| ✓ Free for personal and commercial use, making it a practical text-to-speech solution for students, educators, and professionals. | ✗ Converting large documents or creating lengthy audio files can be time-consuming, depending on the selected voice and system performance. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Balabolka used for?
Balabolka is a free text-to-speech program that reads digital text aloud using voices installed on Windows. It is useful for listening to documents, eBooks, and other written content.
Which file formats does Balabolka support?
It can read text from formats including CHM, DjVu, DOC, EPUB, FB2, HTML, ODT, PDF, and RTF, making it useful for listening to different types of documents.
Can you convert text into MP3 or WAV audio files?
Yes. You can save synthesized speech in audio formats such as MP3, WAV, OGG, and WMA for playback or offline listening.
Can you change the voice, speaking speed, and pronunciation?
Yes. You can adjust voice parameters such as speech rate and pitch, select installed speech voices, and use pronunciation substitution rules to improve how particular words are spoken.
What’s New in Balabolka 2.15.0.921:
Release Date 2026-10-10
- Fixed the use of Yandex SpeechKit.
- Resources for Bulgarian, Korean, and Vietnamese languages were updated (thanks to Kostadin Kolev, Kyunghan Bae, and Nguyễn Ninh Hoàng).
Official Homepage – https://www.cross-plus-a.com
Supported Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11.
