BEFORE
In recent years, a few tools have emerged to save websites for later reading in a more readable format. These sites, like Instapaper, Pocket, Evernote Clearly, and Readability strip away all the ads and idiosyncratic blog styling from online articles, leaving only a visually pleasing, text-based view of the information you want to read. Usually these sites will queue the newly-reformatted article in an app on your mobile devices so you can read when it’s more convenient for you.
I love the way these apps bring the content front and center so I can focus on what the author is trying to say, but I don’t always want to jump out of my web browser to read an article in a 3rd party service. Sometimes I want to read it right now, but in a more readable format. For this, I use the wonderful bookmarklet Readable.
This technology, which now powers Evernote Clearly, will instantly convert any webpage you happen to be at into a “large type on soothing grey”, ad-free reading experience. This is great when you’re on an obnoxious new portal (*ahem* HUFFINGTON!) and just want to focus on the content. See below for a before and after view:
The great thing– Readable is a simple bookmarklet that runs in any browser. Check out the simple instructions about installing it and you’re ready to go!
It’s up to your own personal style whether you prefer to have a full-fledged “read-it-later” app or if you’d just like the option to clarify pages as you surf the web. I personally use both approaches for different reasons. I love Readable when I just want to focus on a piece of writing, and I use Pocket when I want to save interesting articles to read at a better time.
How do you use these apps?
AFTER (with Readable engaged)
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Thanks for writing about Readable bookmarklet. I found your site using duckduckgo and found about Readable. It’s awesome.
It seems like a lot of work to have two different tools. I use Instapaper and it’s fine.