# Focal: RSVP PDF/EPUB Reader — Focused PDF and EPUB Reader

> Focused PDF and EPUB reader with RSVP, sentence, and page modes. (iPhone/iPad app by Jesse Meissner.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focal-rsvp-pdfepub-reader/id6760180694 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Jesse Meissner](https://appshunter.io/developer/1882998870)
- Category: Productivity, Education
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.6 · 37 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2026-03-13
- Data updated: 2026-06-23
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focal-rsvp-pdfepub-reader/id6760180694/reviews.md

## What is Focal?

Focal is a reading app designed to help you stay focused, reduce visual fatigue, and move through texts more comfortably.

Switch instantly between three reading modes depending on how you want to read:

• Focal Mode — display words one at a time in a guided RSVP reading format
• Sentence Mode — swipe or play through sentences one at a time in a polished, easy to read format
• Page Mode — read fully paginated text with clean typography
• Original PDF Mode — view the source document exactly as published

Built for both long reading sessions and everyday reading, Focal supports PDF and EPUB files with a smooth, distraction-free interface.

Features include:

• Adjustable reading speed (WPM control)
• Natural pacing with pauses at punctuation
• Auto-pause at paragraph and page boundaries
• PDF and EPUB library support
• Reading progress memory
• Bookmarks
• Custom reading backgrounds
• Light and dark visual themes
• Fast switching between reading modes
• No ads or signup

Whether you're reading textbooks, articles, novels, or long documents, Focal helps you stay immersed in the text.

Designed for readers who want more control, less distraction, and a better reading experience.

Terms of Use: https://jessemeissner1.github.io/focal.github.io/terms.html

## Key features

- Multiple reading modes (RSVP, Sentence, Page)
- Adjustable reading speed (WPM)
- Natural pacing with punctuation pauses
- PDF and EPUB library support
- Reading progress memory
- Bookmarks
- Customizable backgrounds and themes

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focal Monthly | $2.99 | per month |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focal Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focal-rsvp-pdfepub-reader/id6760180694/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Why didn’t I think of this

*2026-04-15*

Great tool

## Frequently asked questions about Focal

### What reading modes does Focal offer?

Focal offers three primary reading modes: Focal Mode (word-by-word RSVP), Sentence Mode (swipe or play through sentences), and Page Mode (traditional paginated reading). It also includes an Original PDF Mode to view documents as published.

### Can I adjust the reading speed in Focal?

Yes, Focal allows you to adjust the reading speed with WPM (words per minute) control. It also features natural pacing with pauses at punctuation and auto-pauses at paragraph and page boundaries.

### Does Focal support both PDF and EPUB files?

Yes, Focal is designed to support both PDF and EPUB files, offering a smooth and distraction-free interface for managing your reading library.

### Does Focal have ads?

No, Focal is completely ad-free and does not require any signup. This ensures a distraction-free reading experience.

### What devices is Focal available on?

Focal is available on iPhone and iPad devices, indicated by its support for both platforms.

### How often is Focal updated?

Focal was last updated on April 18, 2026, with version 1.4.1. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and support.

### What is the age rating for Focal?

Focal has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users, including younger readers.

### Does Focal remember my reading progress?

Yes, Focal includes reading progress memory, allowing you to pick up where you left off in your documents. It also supports bookmarks for easy navigation.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4.1 — 2026-04-18

• Sentence mode UI fixes
• Better sentence grouping logic
• Onboarding added
• About page replaced with auto imported Welcome to Focal EPUB

### 1.2.1 — 2026-03-29

• Ability to create and read custom texts 
• “Foggy River” background theme
• "Sync Focal word to scroll" option now working for EPUBs as well as PDFs

### 1.2.0 — 2026-03-26

• Ability to create and read custom texts 
• “Foggy River” background theme

### 1.1.1 — 2026-03-20

• Snowy Night background theme added
•  Landscape mode UI fixes

### 1.1.0 — 2026-03-19

• Revamped home page library design
• Added setting to link the Focal word to scroll in Book / Page Mode
• More stats performance fixes
• Added down arrow "jump to currently visible page" button for PDFs

## Related topics

[focal](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/focal) · [focal read](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/focal-read)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-23.*