🚀 Getting Started
What is Ludicrous Read?
Ludicrous Read is a speed reading tool that uses RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) technology to help you read faster by displaying one word at a time at your chosen speed. This eliminates eye movement and improves focus.
💡 Pro Tip: Most people can read 2-3x faster with RSVP after just a few minutes of practice!
First Time Setup (1 Minute)
- Install the extension from Chrome Web Store
- Pin it to your toolbar (see instructions below) ⭐ Important!
- Click the extension icon to open the menu
- Start reading! Try "Read Current Page" on any article
📌 How to Pin Ludicrous Read to Your Toolbar
This is the #1 most important step! If you don't pin the extension, you won't be able to find it easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Look for the puzzle piece icon 🧩 in the top-right of Chrome (next to your profile picture)
- Click the puzzle piece to open the extensions menu
- Find "Ludicrous Read" in the list
- Click the pin icon 📌 next to Ludicrous Read
- Done! The Ludicrous Read icon now appears in your toolbar
💡 Can't find the puzzle piece icon? Update Chrome to the latest version. On older versions, extensions appear directly in the toolbar.
📖 Reading Options
1. Read Current Page
Speed read the webpage you're currently viewing.
- Works on articles, blog posts, news sites
- Automatically extracts main content
- Skips ads, navigation, comments
2. Paste Text
Copy any text and paste it into Ludicrous Read.
- Great for emails, PDFs, documents
- Supports any text source
- Perfect for studying or research
3. Upload PDF Pro
Read PDF files directly in the speed reader.
- Preserves formatting
- Works with textbooks, reports, eBooks
- Requires Pro subscription
4. Upload EPUB Pro
Read EPUB eBooks at your preferred speed.
- Supports most eBook formats
- Great for fiction and non-fiction
- Requires Pro subscription
✨ Bionic Reading
What is Bionic Reading?
Bionic Reading bolds the first portion of each word, creating fixation points that guide your eyes through the text. This helps your brain read faster and with less fatigue.
How to Use Bionic Reading:
- Navigate to any webpage
- Click the Ludicrous Read extension icon
- Click "Bionic Reading"
- The text on the page transforms!
Bionic Reading Controls:
- Turn Off - Removes Bionic Reading
- Learn More (? button) - Opens detailed explanation
- Close (✕) - Hides the notification but keeps Bionic active
💡 Try it on this page! Click the Bionic Reading button to see how it works in real-time.
⚙️ Settings & Customization
Reading Speed (WPM)
Adjust your reading speed from 50 to 1000 words per minute.
- Beginners: Start at 250-300 WPM
- Average: 400-500 WPM
- Advanced: 600-800 WPM
- Ludicrous: 900+ WPM (hence the name!)
Color Schemes
Midnight (Free)
Dark background, perfect for night reading
Sepia (Free)
Easy on the eyes, reduces strain
Twilight Pro
Sophisticated dark blue theme
+ More Pro
Paper, Forest, Ocean themes
Font Options
- Courier New (Free) - Classic monospace
- Source Code Pro Pro - Modern, clean
- IBM Plex Mono Pro - Professional
- JetBrains Mono Pro - Developer favorite
Font Sizes
Choose from Small, Medium, Large, or Extra Large to match your preference.
Resume Reading Position Pro
Automatically remembers where you stopped reading on each page.
Track Statistics Pro
See your total words read, time saved, and reading habits.
⭐ Pro Features
What's Included in Pro?
- ✅ PDF Upload & Reading - Read any PDF at speed
- ✅ EPUB Support - Speed read eBooks
- ✅ Premium Themes - Twilight, Paper, Forest, Ocean
- ✅ Premium Fonts - Source Code Pro, IBM Plex, JetBrains Mono
- ✅ Resume Reading - Pick up where you left off
- ✅ Statistics Tracking - See your progress
- ✅ Priority Support - Get help faster
How to Activate Pro:
- Click Settings in the extension
- Click "Activate Pro" in the Pro Status section
- Click "Purchase" to choose a plan
- Complete checkout
- Enter your license key
- Done! Pro features unlocked
Pricing:
- Annual: $30/year (save 66%)
- Monthly: $7.50/month
⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts
While Reading:
- Space - Play/Pause
- ← - Rewind 5 words
- → - Skip 5 words
- ↑ - Increase speed (25 WPM)
- ↓ - Decrease speed (25 WPM)
- Esc - Close reader
💡 Pro Tip: Use the arrow keys to adjust speed on the fly while reading. Find your perfect pace!
🔧 Troubleshooting
Extension icon is missing from toolbar
The extension might not be pinned. Click the puzzle piece icon 🧩 and pin Ludicrous Read.
"No text found" error
The page might use dynamic content. Try using "Paste Text" instead, or refresh the page and try again.
Reader is too fast/slow
Use the speed controls or arrow keys to adjust. Settings are saved automatically.
Bionic Reading not working
Some sites use complex layouts that Bionic Reading can't process. Works best on articles and blog posts.
License key says "Invalid"
Make sure you're entering the complete key including "LR-" prefix. Keys are 19 characters total. Contact support if issues persist.
Settings aren't saving
Make sure Chrome sync is enabled, or click "Save" before closing Settings.
Still having issues?
Email us at support@ludicrousread.com with details about the problem.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ludicrous Read free?
Yes! Core features (Read Current Page, Paste Text, Bionic Reading, basic themes) are completely free. Pro features require a subscription.
Does speed reading reduce comprehension?
Not with RSVP! Studies show RSVP maintains comprehension while increasing speed because it eliminates regressions (re-reading) and improves focus.
How fast can I read?
Average readers start at 250 WPM. With practice, most people reach 400-600 WPM. Some achieve 800+ WPM while maintaining comprehension.
Can I use this for studying?
Absolutely! Use "Paste Text" for textbooks, or upload PDFs with Pro. Great for reviewing material quickly.
Does it work on all websites?
Works on 95%+ of sites. Some heavily-protected sites (banking, paywalls) may block extensions for security.
What about privacy?
Ludicrous Read processes all text locally in your browser. We never see or store what you read. See our Privacy Policy.
Can I get a refund?
Yes! We offer 30-day money-back guarantee on Pro subscriptions. Email support@ludicrousread.com.
Do you offer student discounts?
Not yet, but we're working on it! Email us from your .edu address to get notified when available.