What is Braille?
Braille is a tactile writing system used by people who are blind or have low vision. Created by Louis Braille in 1824, it uses patterns of raised dots that can be felt with the fingertips.
The Braille Cell
Each braille cell contains 6 dot positions, numbered 1-6. Different combinations create 64 possible patterns representing letters, numbers, and punctuation.
📝 Note: This tool uses standard 6-dot braille (not 8-dot computer braille). This is what's required for all physical signs and documents.
How Braille Works
- Letters: Each letter has a unique dot pattern (e.g., 'a' = dot 1, 'b' = dots 1-2)
- Numbers: Use the same patterns as letters a-j, preceded by a number sign (⠼)
- Capitals: Indicated by a capital sign (⠠) before the letter
- Punctuation: Has specific patterns, often in the lower part of the cell
Example: "Hello 123"
⠠⠓⠑⠇⠇⠕ ⠼⠁⠃⠉
Capital sign + h-e-l-l-o + space + number sign + a-b-c (representing 1-2-3)
What is Unified English Braille (UEB)?
Unified English Braille (UEB) is the official braille code for English-speaking countries, adopted to create consistency across different types of documents and contexts.
History and Adoption
- Developed over many years by the International Council on English Braille (ICEB)
- Officially adopted by the US in 2016, replacing English Braille American Edition (EBAE)
- Used in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other English-speaking countries
- Designed to be more accurate and consistent across different types of content
Key Features of UEB
- Unified symbols: Same braille patterns for all contexts (literary, technical, etc.)
- Clear indicators: Specific symbols for capitals, numbers, and formatting
- Contractions: Shortened forms for common words and letter combinations
- Flexibility: Can accurately represent print formatting and symbols
Why UEB Matters
UEB ensures that braille readers worldwide can access the same information consistently, whether reading a novel, textbook, menu, or sign. This tool uses UEB to ensure your braille translations meet international standards.
Grade 1 vs Grade 2 Braille
Grade 1 (Uncontracted) Braille
Grade 1 is a letter-by-letter transcription where each print character has a direct braille equivalent.
Characteristics:
- One-to-one correspondence with print
- Easier to learn and read for beginners
- Takes more space (about 25% more than Grade 2)
- Used for: signs, labels, learning materials, and short texts
Example: "can you go"
Grade 1: ⠉⠁⠝ ⠽⠕⠥ ⠛⠕ (8 cells)
Grade 2 (Contracted) Braille
Grade 2 uses contractions—shortened forms that represent whole words or common letter combinations.
Characteristics:
- Uses 189 contractions and short forms
- More compact—saves about 25% space
- Standard for books and longer documents
- Requires learning contraction rules
Example: "can you go"
Grade 2: ⠉ ⠽ ⠛ (3 cells)
Each word is reduced to a single cell!
Space Savings Visualization
Grade 1: ⠉⠁⠝ ⠽⠕⠥ ⠛⠕
8 cells
Grade 2: ⠉ ⠽ ⠛
3 cells
62.5% space saved!
Types of Grade 2 Contractions
- Alphabetic wordsigns: Single letters representing whole words (e.g., 'c' = can, 'g' = go)
- Strong contractions: Special symbols for common words (e.g., ⠮ = the, ⠯ = and)
- Groupsigns: Shortcuts for letter combinations (e.g., ⠌ = st, ⠬ = ing)
- Shortforms: Abbreviated spellings (e.g., ⠁⠃ = about, ⠁⠋ = after)
Which Grade for Which Sign?
Use Grade 1 For:
- Learning materials for beginners
- Single words or short labels (sometimes)
- Technical content with many abbreviations
- Personal preference items
MUST Use Grade 2 For:
- All ADA-compliant permanent signs
- Room identification signs
- Restroom signs
- Exit and stairway signs
- Elevator jamb signs
- Any sign required by building codes
⚠️ ADA §703.3.1 REQUIRES Grade 2 braille for permanent signs
Important Translation Rules
Contraction Usage Rules
Not all contractions can be used in every situation. Here are key rules:
1. Whole Word Contractions
Some contractions only work when the word stands alone:
- ✓ Correct: "I can help" → ⠊ ⠉ ⠓⠑⠇⠏
- ✗ Incorrect: Using 'c' contraction in "scan" or "candle"
2. The "to" Contraction Debate
You noticed BrailleBlaster spells out "to" while we contract it. Both can be correct!
- UEB allows "to" to be contracted (⠞) in most cases
- Some contexts or preferences may spell it out (⠞⠕)
- Certain sequences like "to the" may influence the choice
3. Groupsigns Within Words
Letter combinations can be contracted within longer words:
- "out" → ⠳ (can be used in "outside" → ⠳⠎⠊⠙⠑)
- "ing" → ⠬ (can be used in "playing" → ⠏⠇⠁⠽⠬)
Capitalization Rules
- Single capital: ⠠ before the letter
- Word in capitals: ⠠⠠ before the word
- Passage in capitals: ⠠⠠⠠ at start, ⠠⠄ at end
Number Rules
- Number indicator: ⠼ before first digit
- Continues until a space or non-numeric character
- Letters a-j represent digits 1-0
ADA Braille Standards
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets specific requirements for braille on signs to ensure accessibility.
ADA §703.3 Braille Requirements
Dot Dimensions (§703.3.1)
- Diameter: 1.5-1.6mm (0.059-0.063 inches)
- Height: 0.6-0.9mm (0.025-0.037 inches) raised
- Shape: Domed or rounded (not flat)
Spacing Requirements (§703.3.1)
- Within cells: 2.3-2.5mm between dot centers
- Between cells: 6.1-7.6mm (dot 1 to dot 1)
- Between lines: 10.0-10.2mm (dot 1 to dot 1)
Capitalization Rules (§703.3.1)
⚠️ Critical for compliance:
- Capitalize ONLY the first word of sentences
- Capitalize proper nouns and names
- Capitalize individual letters used as initials
- Do NOT use all capitals for emphasis
Sign Examples
✓ Correct: "Restroom" or "Main office"
✗ Incorrect: "RESTROOM" or "MAIN OFFICE"
Braille vs. Raised Tactile Letters
Many signs require BOTH braille and raised tactile letters. Here's what you need to know:
Spacing Requirements (§703.2 & §703.3)
- Raised letters: Must be 1/32" (0.8mm) minimum raised
- Separation: Braille must be positioned 3/8" (9.5mm) minimum below the baseline of the last line of raised text
- Important: Braille dots must NOT intrude into the letter spacing
Elevator Exception (§407.2.3.1 & §407.2.3.2)
⚠️ Special Rules for Elevators:
- Elevator control buttons are EXEMPT from braille requirements
- However, braille IS ALLOWED on buttons if desired
- Special spacing: If braille is provided on elevator controls, the separation can be reduced to 3/16" (4.8mm) minimum instead of standard 3/8"
- Floor designations on jambs (beside doors) still require braille
- Emergency controls must have raised symbols but don't require braille
Elevator Examples
Buttons: "2" raised character (braille optional, 3/16" spacing if included)
Jamb signs: "2" raised + ⠼⠃ braille below (3/8" spacing required)
Emergency: Bell symbol raised only
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't: Place braille too close to raised letters
- Don't: Add braille to elevator buttons
- Don't: Forget braille on elevator jamb signs
- Do: Maintain 3/8" separation between text and braille
- Do: Keep braille horizontally aligned and level
Using Our ADA Export
Our SVG export feature automatically formats your braille with ADA-compliant spacing. Remember to configure your embosser/printer for proper dot height and shape. When creating signs with both raised letters and braille, ensure proper separation distance.
Tips for Using BrailleDaddy
Getting Started
- Choose your grade: Use Grade 1 for signs/labels, Grade 2 for documents
- Type or paste: Enter your text in the input field
- Real-time translation: See results instantly as you type
- Switch views: Toggle between Unicode and dot pattern display
Pro Tips
- Fullscreen mode: Click ⛶ to expand panels for easier viewing
- Import files: Drag and drop .txt or .brf files directly
- Check spacing: Use dot pattern view to verify cell alignment
- ADA signs: Always use Grade 2 for ADA-compliant signage
Common Use Cases
📋 Creating ADA Signs
- Type your sign text (proper capitalization)
- Select Grade 2 (REQUIRED for permanent signs)
- Click "Export as SVG"
- Use default ADA settings
- Send to your braille embosser
💰 Cost Tip: Grade 2 reduces material usage by ~25%, saving money on larger sign orders
📚 Educational Materials
- Use Grade 1 for teaching braille basics
- Switch to dot pattern view for visual learners
- Export as text for worksheets
🍽️ Restaurant Menus
- Import your menu text file
- Use Grade 2 for space efficiency
- Export as BRF for braille embossers
Troubleshooting
- Weird characters? Make sure you're viewing in a font that supports Unicode braille
- Wrong translation? Check if you have the correct grade selected
- Import not working? Ensure file is .txt or .brf format
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Why Doesn't My Translation Match Another Tool?
Small differences between braille translation tools are normal. Here's why:
- Different rules interpretations: Some UEB rules have flexibility (like "to" contraction)
- Version differences: Tools may use different versions of UEB rules
- Context handling: Tools analyze context differently for contractions
- Our approach: We follow standard UEB rules with common interpretations
Example: "to" handling
BrailleDaddy: ⠞ (contracted)
Some tools: ⠞⠕ (uncontracted)
Both are valid depending on context!
Display Issues
Braille Looks Like Boxes or Question Marks
- Your system font doesn't support Unicode braille characters
- Solution: Install a Unicode font or use our dot pattern view
- Most modern browsers support braille Unicode by default
Braille Appears Different on Screen vs Printed
- Screen shows visual representation, not physical dots
- Unicode braille may look different from embossed braille
- Always test with your specific embosser for final output
Translation Issues
Numbers Not Translating Correctly
- Ensure no spaces within numbers
- Number sign (⠼) only appears before first digit
- Letters after numbers may affect translation
Contractions Not Working
- Make sure Grade 2 is selected
- Some words only contract when standing alone
- Capitalization can affect contractions
Export/Import Problems
BRF File Won't Open
- BRF files are ASCII text, not Unicode
- Open in a text editor to see ASCII braille
- Embossers read BRF directly
SVG Won't Import to Design Software
- Our SVGs are standards-compliant
- Try opening in browser first to verify
- Some software needs specific SVG versions
Common Sign Examples
Real-World Sign Translations
Restroom:
Text: Restroom
Grade 2: ⠠⠗⠑⠌⠗⠕⠕⠍
Note: Capital R, "st" contraction used
Exit:
Text: Exit
Grade 2: ⠠⠑⠭⠊⠞
Note: No contractions apply here
Room Number:
Text: Room 204
Grade 2: ⠠⠗⠕⠕⠍ ⠼⠃⠚⠙
Note: Number sign before 204
Stairway:
Text: Stairway
Grade 2: ⠠⠌⠁⠊⠗⠺⠁⠽
Note: "st" and "ar" contractions used
Still Having Issues?
If you're experiencing issues not covered here:
- Try refreshing the page
- Check your browser is up to date
- Try a different browser
- Test with a simple word first
Remember: Small variations in braille translation are normal and both versions are often correct!