abogen – Open-source AI Text-to-Speech Tool with Subtitle Generation Support
What is abogen?
abogen is a powerful text-to-speech (TTS) tool that can quickly convert ePub, PDF, or plain text files into high-quality audio with synchronized subtitle generation. Built on the Kokoro-82M model, abogen supports multiple languages and voice styles. Users can customize playback speed, choose different voices, and set subtitle styles with simple configurations. It features a voice mixer, queue mode, and chapter tagging, making it ideal for batch processing and personalized creation. abogen is a valuable assistant for content creators producing audiobooks, voiceovers for social media, and more.
Key Features of abogen
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Text-to-Speech Conversion: Converts ePub, PDF, or text files into high-quality audio files, supporting formats such as WAV, FLAC, MP3, OPUS, and M4B.
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Synchronized Subtitles: Generates subtitle files (SRT, ASS) aligned with the audio, ideal for creating video content.
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Custom Voice Styling: With the built-in voice mixer, users can blend different voice models and save personalized voice profiles.
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Batch Processing: Supports queue mode, allowing users to add multiple files for sequential processing with individual settings for each.
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Chapter Management: Automatically adds chapter markers to ePub and PDF files, and supports chapter-wise audio export for easier navigation.
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Metadata Support: Adds metadata (title, author, year, etc.) to audio files for better organization and compatibility with metadata-supporting players.
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Multilingual Support: Supports various languages, including American and British English, Spanish, French, Japanese, and more.
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User-Friendly Interface: Offers a graphical interface where users can drag and drop files, adjust settings, and operate intuitively.
Technical Overview of abogen
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Powered by the Kokoro Model: abogen uses the Kokoro-82M model for TTS, a state-of-the-art voice synthesis model capable of generating natural, fluent speech in multiple styles and languages.
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Voice Mixing Technology: abogen allows users to blend multiple voice models using adjustable weights to create custom voice styles tailored to specific needs.
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Subtitle Synchronization: During TTS processing, abogen records word- and sentence-level timestamps, ensuring perfect alignment between subtitles and spoken audio.
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Cross-Platform Compatibility: Built with Python and libraries such as PyQt5, abogen runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering a consistent GUI experience across systems.
Project Links
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Project Page: https://pypi.org/project/abogen/
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GitHub Repository: https://github.com/denizsafak/abogen
Use Cases for abogen
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Audiobook Creation: Instantly convert eBooks (ePub, PDF) into audio files (e.g., MP3, M4B), with customizable voice styles—ideal for on-the-go listening.
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Social Media Video Production: Generate natural-sounding voiceovers and synchronized subtitles (SRT, ASS) for Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc., enhancing content professionalism.
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Education & Learning Aid: Turn study materials into audio for easy consumption during commutes or workouts; supports multilingual output for language learners.
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Podcast Creation: Transform written content into voice for personalized podcast production, with adjustable speech styles and speeds.
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Accessibility for Visually Impaired: Assist visually impaired users by reading out documents and eBooks aloud, improving access to information and education.