Alternative Formats
Ally generates alternative formats to make digital content more accessible and usable for a wide range of users. These formats are automatically created from the original file and are designed to support different learning preferences, assistive technologies, and accessibility needs.
Each alternative format provides the same core content as the original but is optimized for specific use cases—such as audio for listening, ePub for mobile reading, or tagged PDFs for screen readers. Users can choose the format that best fits their needs, helping ensure equitable access to information.
Tip
By downloading an alternative format, you agree with the terms of service. Select the Terms of Use link in the download panel to learn more.
Video: Ally Alternative Formats
The following narrated video provides a visual and auditory representation of some of the information included on this page. For a detailed description of what is portrayed in the video, open the video on YouTube, navigate to More actions, and select Open transcript.
Find the available alternative formats
The alternative formats created depend on the original content. If you can't find an option to download alternative formats, Ally isn’t turned on for that content or the file is not a supported content type.
Select the Download Alternative Formats button to download the content in a different format. Choose the version that is best for your needs.
Which format should I use?
Not sure what format to download? Let us help you decide. This table shows at-a-glance the best formats for your different needs.
You might not see every alternative format in your list of choices to download. The formats generated depend on the original content type.
Your needs | Electronic braille | Audio | Immersive Reader | PDF, OCR | PDF, Tagged | HTML, Semantic | ePub | Translated Version | BeeLine Reader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adjust text, font, and background color |  | | | ||||||
Adjust audio playback speed | | | |||||||
Commuting | | | | | | | | ||
Commuting, driving | | | |||||||
Copy, paste, and search | | | | | | ||||
Format adapts to device, responsive | | | | ||||||
Highlighting, note taking, and bookmarking | | | | ||||||
Mobile device | | | | | |||||
Offline | | | | | | | | | |
Prefer listening | | | |||||||
Prefer reading | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | ||||
Text to speech with speed adjustment | | | | | | ||||
Different language | | |