Professional Unified English Braille Translation Tool
GitHubType each term with the exact capitalization you want on the sign. Matching in your text is case-insensitive.
📏 Each line will be properly spaced for ADA compliance (10.0-10.2mm)
💡 Common format: Line 1: Room number, Line 2: Room name
Or drag and drop a file here
Adjust settings for ADA compliant signage
A comprehensive guide to braille translation and accessibility
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.
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.
⠠⠓⠑⠇⠇⠕ ⠼⠁⠃⠉
Capital sign + h-e-l-l-o + space + number sign + a-b-c (representing 1-2-3)
Unified English Braille (UEB) is the official braille code for English-speaking countries, adopted to create consistency across different types of documents and contexts.
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 is a letter-by-letter transcription where each print character has a direct braille equivalent.
Grade 1: ⠉⠁⠝ ⠽⠕⠥ ⠛⠕ (8 cells)
Grade 2 uses contractions—shortened forms that represent whole words or common letter combinations.
Grade 2: ⠉ ⠽ ⠛ (3 cells)
Each word is reduced to a single cell!
62.5% space saved!
⚠️ ADA §703.3.1 REQUIRES Grade 2 braille for permanent signs
Not all contractions can be used in every situation. Here are key rules:
Some contractions only work when the word stands alone:
You noticed BrailleBlaster spells out "to" while we contract it. Both can be correct!
Letter combinations can be contracted within longer words:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets specific requirements for braille on signs to ensure accessibility.
⚠️ Critical for compliance:
The capital indicator "shall only be used before the first word of sentences, proper nouns and names, individual letters of the alphabet, initials, and acronyms." Capitalization on braille signage is optional — and the uppercase / Title-Case styling on a sign's printed face must not be reproduced as capital indicators in the braille.
💡 Turn on ADA Sign Mode (next to the Braille Grade selector) and the translator handles this for you: it forces Grade 2 and omits capital indicators automatically.
✓ Correct: "Restroom" or "Main office"
✗ Incorrect: "RESTROOM" or "MAIN OFFICE"
Many signs require BOTH braille and raised tactile letters. Here's what you need to know:
⚠️ Special Rules for Elevators:
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
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.
Small differences between braille translation tools are normal. Here's why:
BrailleDaddy: ⠞ (contracted)
Some tools: ⠞⠕ (uncontracted)
Both are valid depending on context!
Text: Restroom
Grade 2: ⠠⠗⠑⠌⠗⠕⠕⠍
Note: Capital R, "st" contraction used
Text: Exit
Grade 2: ⠠⠑⠭⠊⠞
Note: No contractions apply here
Text: Room 204
Grade 2: ⠠⠗⠕⠕⠍ ⠼⠃⠚⠙
Note: Number sign before 204
Text: Stairway
Grade 2: ⠠⠌⠁⠊⠗⠺⠁⠽
Note: "st" and "ar" contractions used
If you're experiencing issues not covered here:
Remember: Small variations in braille translation are normal and both versions are often correct!