For researchers
Read more papers, abandon fewer
You open a paper, read the abstract, and three tabs later it's forgotten. FocusReader keeps you in the paper — one focused sprint at a time.
Start reading — free No credit card · 3 books free
FocusReader is a focus-tuned reading app for researchers who open papers and abandon them three tabs later. Upload a PDF, EPUB, or paste an arXiv URL and it becomes a calm reading surface: anchor emphasis on every word for steadier fixation, a line-ruler that dims everything except the line you're reading (essential for dense two-column PDFs), 15-minute pomodoro sprints with streak tracking, and free read-aloud with sentence-sync highlighting for tired-eye sessions. RSVP speed-reading mode flashes one word at a time at 100-800 WPM — studies show comparable comprehension at higher speeds for fact-dense material when eye saccades are eliminated. Highlights save instantly and collect in one tab grouped by paper; Markdown export is on the roadmap. Reading position syncs across devices so you can read on your phone between meetings and continue at your desk. Free plan: 3 lifetime documents with every feature included. Pro is $4.99/month for unlimited uploads.
Focus sprints for deep work
A 15–25 minute pomodoro block is enough to actually finish a section — and the streak tracker makes it a habit.
RSVP for fact-dense material
Serial word presentation removes eye movement; studies show comparable comprehension at higher speeds for dense, factual text.
Highlight the findings
Save the lines that matter as you read; they collect in one place (Markdown export is on the roadmap).
Dim the noise
Everything but the current line fades back, so a dense two-column PDF stops overwhelming you.
Try it
Upload PDFs or paste a URL. Free for your first 3 documents.
Try it free — 3 books on us
No credit card. Anchor emphasis, read-aloud with sentence sync, page-flip mode and pomodoro sprints, free for your first 3 books.
Start reading — free