How to Listen to a Web Page Without Distractions

How to Listen to a Web Page Without Distractions

You listen to a web page without distractions by putting the current reading line in a focused overlay and hiding the rest of the layout. In Flow TTS that overlay is Theater mode. It does not change what gets queued. It changes what you look at while the in-page player is already working. Listening to web pages in Chrome is the broader job. This post is only the overlay.

What is Theater mode?

Theater mode is a full-screen reading view. The page stays underneath, dimmed. The line being spoken sits in the center. Nearby lines sit above and below it, smaller and faded, so you can see what just played and what is next without seeing menus, ads, or comments.

The header shows that you are in Theater mode and whether the queue is Auto mode or Flow mode. That is a label, not a second extractor. If the queue is noisy, fix the queue with selected text or a Flow Template, then open Theater mode again.

Theater mode is not a medical focus tool. It will not treat ADHD or improve attention. It only removes page chrome from the screen while you listen.

How do you turn Theater mode on?

The overlay is opt-in.

1. Open Flow TTS Settings.

2. Open the Appearance tab.

3. Turn on Show Theater Mode Button.

4. Open a readable page and start the in-page player.

5. Click the Theater mode button on the player.

If the button is missing, the Appearance setting is off. If the button is there but disabled, there is nothing in the reading queue — for example Flow mode on a page with no matching flow. Start Auto mode on a clean article, or switch to a page that has a flow, then try again.

If the overlay says No readable lines yet, the player has not built a queue. Start playback or change modes, then reopen Theater mode.

What can you do inside the overlay?

The current line is the one you hear. Click a nearby line to jump there. The footer has previous, play or pause, next, a scrubber through the queue, a counter such as `3/20`, and close.

Keyboard shortcuts, when you are not typing in a field:

• Space plays or pauses
• Left and Right move to the previous or next line
• Esc closes Theater mode

After a couple of seconds the header and footer fade so the line can sit alone. Move the pointer, tap, or press a key and they come back.

The page behind the overlay does not scroll while Theater mode is open. If you have reduced motion turned on in the system, the overlay skips the motion and just appears.

Play still needs an account signed in with an email one-time code. Free usage is 10,000 characters per day. Speech synthesis is local for supported installed or bundled models; accounts, usage, licenses, and model downloads use the network. See the privacy policy. Theater mode itself is not a premium unlock.

When should you skip Theater mode?

Skip it when you need the live page: comments, figures, code, or a form next to the text. Skip it when you only want one paragraph — selected text or hover-to-play is less ceremony. If starting the page is the hard part, use the ADHD reading workflow. If you need to follow print and audio together, use the dyslexia follow-along workflow and turn on current-node highlighting instead of, or before, the overlay.

Theater mode does not install voices, change speed, or fix pronunciation. Those stay in Settings.

Where Flow TTS fits

Flow TTS is a Chrome extension for listening to web pages with local models. Theater mode is the focused view of the queue you already have.

For first install and play, use Getting Started with Flow TTS.

FAQ

Does Theater mode change what Flow TTS reads?

No. It shows the current reading queue in a focused overlay. Auto mode and Flow mode still decide what is in that queue.

Is Theater mode included on the free plan?

Yes. It is a setting on Appearance, not a premium unlock. Playback still follows the account and daily character rules.

Why is the Theater mode button disabled?

There is no reading queue to show. Start Auto mode on a readable page, or use Flow mode only where a saved flow applies.

Can I control Theater mode from the keyboard?

Yes. Space plays or pauses, the arrow keys move between lines, and Esc closes the overlay. Shortcuts are ignored while you are typing in a field.