Texthelp: Use Read&Write, OrbitNote, and Equatio

You can use Texthelp tools to make content more accessible and better understand words and math. Texthelp tools are free of charge for all students, faculty, and staff.

Table of Contents

Installing Chrome Extensions

All Texthelp tools (Read&Write, OrbitNote, and Equatio) are available as Google Chrome browser extensions.

Installing the Read&Write Chrome Extension

  1. Sign into Google Chrome
  2. Visit the Read&Write for Google Chrome web store page
    1. Select Add to Chrome

Installing the OrbitNote Chrome Extension

  1. Sign into Google Chrome
  2. Visit the OrbitNote Chrome Extension web store page
    1. Select Add to Chrome

Installing the Equatio Chrome Extension

  1. Sign into Google Chrome
  2. Visit the Equatio Chrome Extension web store page
    1. Select Add to Chrome

Pinning the Extension(s) to Your Google Chrome Toolbar

You can pin extensions to make them visible at all times in your Google Chrome toolbar, which appears in the upper right corner of your browser.

  1. Select the puzzle piece Extensions icon The puzzle piece icon, Extensions, is highlighted. It is to the left of to the user icon and Customize and control Google Chrome icon. at the top right of Google Chrome
  2. Select the pin icon Pin icon in the Extensions menu to add the extension to your Google Chrome toolbar 

Using Equatio in Your Browser

Equatio offers an option to use the software without downloading an extension or desktop application. Instead, it can be used in your browser.

  1. Navigate to Equatio
  2. Select Sign in with Google
    1. Choose your UMN account to sign in

Installing Desktop Applications

You can use Texthelp tools in desktop applications on Windows and Mac computers and iPads.

Note: You must have a University of Minnesota email address to be eligible. 

  1. Visit the Texthelp website
  2. Select the Products dropdown menu
    1. Select Read&Write, OrbitNote, or Equatio
  3. Scroll down and select the button that says Try for the applicable technology
    1. Choose your operating system (Windows, Mac, etc.)
    2. The technology will download and add a file to your computer
  4. Access the folder where the download was saved (often the Downloads folder)
    1. Double-click the Read&Write, OrbitNote, or Equatio icon
    2. Select accept in all of the dialog boxes and follow the on-screen directions
    3. Log in using your UMN email address to gain access

Accessing Read&Write, OrbitNote, and Equatio at the University

You can find Texthelp tools in-person around the University of Minnesota.

The Disability Resource Center - Read&Write, OrbitNote, and Equatio have been installed on UMN Disability Resource Center computers.

OIT Computer Labs - Read&Write, OrbitNote, and Equatio have been installed in all Office of Information Technology-managed computer labs.

Getting Support

If you are registered with the Disability Resource Center and need support with a TextHelp product, please call 612-626-1333 or email [email protected] for assistance.

For all other support requests, please use TextHelp's Software Support Center or email [email protected].

Additional Resources

Texthelp

University of Minnesota

Video Resources

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