> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rapidreader.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Reading & Playback

> Control your reading experience with keyboard shortcuts, touch gestures, and playback settings

Rapid Reader gives you precise control over your reading experience. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, touch gestures, or on-screen controls, you can adjust speed, navigate content, and customize display modes to match your reading style.

## Basic Controls

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Keyboard">
    \| Action | Shortcut | |--------|----------| | Play / Pause | `Space` | |
    Stop (exit focus mode) | `Enter` | | Increase speed (+25 WPM) | `Up Arrow`
    or `K` | | Decrease speed (-25 WPM) | `Down Arrow` or `J` | | Skip forward
    one word | `Right Arrow` or `L` | | Skip backward one word | `Left Arrow` or
    `H` | | Cycle repeat mode | `R` | | Save progress | `Ctrl/Cmd + S` |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Touch">
    \| Action | Gesture | |--------|---------| | Play / Pause | Tap the display
    area | | Adjust speed | Use the on-screen speed controls | | Seek position |
    Tap the progress bar | | Access settings | Tap the gear icon |
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

The **progress bar** at the bottom shows your position in the text. Click or tap anywhere on it to jump to that location instantly.

## Speed Control

Adjust your reading speed from **50 to 1000 words per minute**. The current WPM displays in the control bar during playback.

* **Start slow**: Begin around 200-300 WPM when learning RSVP
* **Build gradually**: Increase by 25 WPM as comprehension feels natural
* **Find your rhythm**: Most readers settle between 400-600 WPM for comfortable reading

Speed changes take effect immediately without interrupting playback.

## Display Modes

Rapid Reader offers two reading methods, configurable in Settings under the Reading tab.

### RSVP Mode

The classic single-word display. Words appear one at a time with the **Optimal Recognition Point (ORP)** highlighted in red. This mode maximizes focus and eliminates eye movement entirely.

### Chunking Mode

Displays multiple words at once (3, 5, or 7 words). This mode feels more natural for readers transitioning from traditional reading and can improve context retention for complex material.

<Info>
  **Centered ORP** — Enable this option in settings to position each word or
  chunk so the focal point stays fixed in the center of the display, reducing
  eye movement even further.
</Info>

## Repeat Modes

Control what happens when you reach the end of your content.

| Mode           | Behavior                                                             |
| -------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Off**        | Playback stops at the end                                            |
| **Repeat One** | Loops the current read continuously                                  |
| **Repeat All** | Moves to the next item in your library, then loops back to the first |

Press `R` to cycle through repeat modes, or use the repeat button in the control bar.

## Platform Differences

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Desktop & Web" icon="desktop">
    Full keyboard control with all shortcuts. Use the mouse to click controls or
    seek in the progress bar.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Mobile" icon="mobile">
    Touch-optimized interface. Tap to play/pause, use on-screen controls for
    speed and navigation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Chrome Extension" icon="chrome">
    Same keyboard controls as desktop. Works on any webpage with selected text.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Raycast" icon="command">
    Quick access via Raycast commands. Sends content directly to the web or
    desktop app.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Keyboard Shortcuts" icon="keyboard" href="/using/keyboard-shortcuts">
    Master all available shortcuts for faster navigation
  </Card>

  <Card title="Customizing Appearance" icon="palette" href="/using/customizing-appearance">
    Adjust fonts, colors, and visual settings
  </Card>
</CardGroup>