Convert Text to MP3
The past few months, I've had several questions from folks about converting text-based documents into audio - and vice versa. I haven't found a fantastic voice to text solution just yet, but I did stumble upon this script to convert virtually any text into an mp3. (And it's easy!)
I know that I never get through everything I'd like to read during the day - this script will turn articles, blogs, documents, etc. into an audio file that you can take with you to the gym or on your commute. It works beautifully - if you want proof, I converted the script instructions below for you. Download here. This is for Mac users only and comes via Liana Lehua at Apple Phone Show. She also has instructions for Windows, though neither of us has tested to see if it works...
First, convert the file to .txt (plain text) . If you're on a web page, for example, you can simply copy and paste the story into Text Edit (this application comes standard on all Macs).
1. Make sure the document you want to use is converted to plain text and that your document is saved with the .txt extension.
1. Open Automator.
2. Add an action by searching for and dragging “Get Contents of TextEdit Document” from the menu on the left to the blank box on the right.
3. Add action: “Text To Audio File” and complete the fields: System Voice, Save As, and Where.
4. Add action: “Rename Finder Items (Make Finder Item Names Sequential)”. In the first drop down box, select “Make Sequential”. Select “Add number to existing name”. Place number “after name”, and separated by “dash”
5. Add action: “Import Audio File”. Select “AAC Encoder” and check the “Delete source files after encoding.”
6. Save the Automator workflow as “Text to Speech”. Go to File - Save as plug-in, and select Script Menu to save.
Now you are finished with Automator and only have a few more steps to complete. Continuing with the process:
7. Open the document in TextEdit.
8. If needed, make any modifications to the text at this time.
9. Select the Scripts menu located in your menu bar. It looks like a scroll or curly “S” and choose the “Text to Speech” workflow.
