OpenStax is a nonprofit initiative at Rice University delivering free, high-quality textbooks for college and high school courses. With open licensing, rigorous peer review, and multiple formats – including PDF, print, webview, and audio – OpenStax makes learning more affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions about OpenStax
Is OpenStax Free?
Yes. All OpenStax textbooks are free to read online and to download as PDFs. Optional print editions are offered at low cost. Audileo’s audio versions have free and paid options.
How Does OpenStax Work?
OpenStax collaborates with educators to develop textbooks aligned to standard curricula. Students and instructors can access or download these resources anytime without a login.
Does OpenStax Have an App?
Yes. The OpenStax Reader app lets you read, highlight, and take notes offline on iOS and Android devices.
Does OpenStax Have Audio?
OpenStax textbooks are available as audiobooks through Audileo, an official technology partner. Stream directly or download via platforms like Spotify, Hoopla, Audiobooks.com, and many more.
Can OpenStax Read to You?
Yes. Use built-in screen readers (VoiceOver on iOS, TalkBack on Android), or access narrated versions via Audileo.
How to Get OpenStax to Read to You?
- Enable your device’s text-to-speech (TTS) feature in the online reader
- Stream or download OpenStax audiobooks from Audileo
- Access DAISY audio through Bookshare if you qualify
How to Use OpenStax?
- Visit openstax.org
- Select your subject and textbook
- Choose “View Online,” “Download a PDF,” or “Listen” via Audileo
- Create a free account to save highlights and notes
How to Cite OpenStax?
Each textbook includes a “Citation/Attribution” tab with formatted APA, MLA, and Chicago references. You can also copy citations directly into citation-generator tools.
How to Highlight on OpenStax?
- Sign in with a free OpenStax account
- Highlight and annotate in the online reader on desktop
- View and filter your highlights on mobile and tablet
How to Highlight on OpenStax on iPad?
Mobile apps support highlight viewing and note review. To create or edit highlights, use the desktop web reader.
Who Owns OpenStax?
OpenStax is owned and managed by Rice University as a nonprofit educational publisher.
Is OpenStax a Publisher?
Yes. OpenStax is a nonprofit publisher of open educational resources (OER), creating textbooks and ancillary learning tools.
Is OpenStax Legit, Good, and Reliable?
Absolutely. OpenStax is backed by Rice University and philanthropic foundations. Textbooks undergo peer review, align with course standards, and are used at thousands of institutions worldwide.
Are OpenStax Textbooks Good?
Yes. Educators praise them for clarity, quality, and affordability. They meet academic requirements and enhance learning outcomes.
Is OpenStax Safe?
Yes. The platform is secure, nonprofit-driven, and free of hidden fees or intrusive data collection.
How to Download an OpenStax Textbook?
- Go to openstax.org
- Select your textbook
- Click “Download a PDF” or “View Online”
- Optionally, order a low-cost print copy or get the audio textbook from Audileo
Are OpenStax Books Free?
Yes. All digital versions – HTML and PDF – are free. Audio and print versions may incur a low manufacturing fee.