Bold First Letters Reader – Free Bold-First Reading Converter

Paste text to highlight the first letters of each word. Adjust the amount of bold, font and spacing, then keep the layout you prefer.

What is bold-first reading?

Bold-first reading makes the start of each word heavier while leaving the rest at normal weight. This is similar to the Bionic Reading® method. It is formatting, rather than a separate font: you can use it with any of the three fonts above.

Fixation strength sets the proportion of letters in bold, from 30% to 70%, rounded up. The skip control leaves short words alone. Numbers, web addresses and email addresses stay unchanged. Apostrophes stay within words; hyphenated parts are handled separately.

Paste into Word or Google Docs

Choose Copy formatted text, then paste normally with Ctrl+V (⌘+V on Mac). Avoid “paste without formatting”, which removes bold. You can also download a DOCX or use Print / Save as PDF.

In Word, install your chosen font first. In Google Docs, choose Lexend or Atkinson Hyperlegible from More fonts; OpenDyslexic is replaced. Follow the Word guide or Google Docs guide.

Does it work?

Evidence is limited and mixed. A controlled study found no difference in reading times versus normal text: Snell (2024), Acta Psychologica, 247, 104304. Some people simply prefer this appearance. Try it and compare the same passage with bold-first switched on and off.

For another starting layout, try the ADHD font reader. You can change every setting.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free and private?

Yes. No account is needed. Text and files are processed in your browser; display settings are saved locally.

Does bold-first text work for everyone?

No benefit is guaranteed. Evidence is limited and mixed; compare the same passage with and without bold-first formatting and keep what you prefer. See Snell (2024), Acta Psychologica.

Will the bold stay in Word and Google Docs?

Normal formatted paste usually keeps bold. Plain-text paste removes it. DOCX export also includes bold runs. The chosen font must be available in the destination app.

Can I change how much is bolded?

Yes. Set fixation strength from 1 to 5 for 30% to 70% of each word’s letters. You can also skip short words and choose a bold weight.

Does it work with OpenDyslexic?

Yes. Bold-first formatting works with OpenDyslexic, Lexend and Atkinson Hyperlegible, including their spacing and colour settings. Lexend supports all three selectable weights; the other fonts use the closest available bold weight.

Bionic Reading® is a registered trademark of BRCG Casutt GmbH; this site is not affiliated.