Converting documents to braille gives visually impaired users easy access to information. The process is simple and effective with the right tools.
Converting documents to braille gives visually impaired users easy access to information. The process is simple and effective with the right tools.
Everyone deserves access to information, but standard digital documents aren’t always friendly to people with disabilities. Making your files accessible means giving all users the independence to read, learn, and engage with content just like anyone else.
While many people who are blind or visually impaired now use screen readers, converting PDFs to braille can help bridge accessibility gaps and make the digital world more inclusive.
AI and Braille Accessibility
Converting a PDF to braille can result in a document that is much longer than the original. Where possible, consider summarizing long sections of the original PDF before converting to braille. Our AI PDF Summarizer can get this done for you in seconds.
You can also chat with a PDF to get better explanations of some complex topics, using simpler language that converts to braille more easily. Both tools can also be useful for making long documents more concise, improving screen reader accessibility too.
The Challenge of PDFs and Braille Compatibility
Standard PDFs aren’t designed with braille—or accessibility—in mind. PDFs are sometimes scans, or contain images of text, making them useless for braille e-readers or screen readers. Even when text is selectable, improper formatting can make conversion tricky. Before you convert a document to braille, it’s important to make sure the content is structured correctly so it translates properly.
Other than scanned documents, traditional screen reader technology can comfortably process PDFs. However, if you must convert any PDFs to braille, the first thing you need to know is that braille readers work with specific formats.
The difference between plain text, BRF, and PEF
Braille Ready Format (BRF) is a basic, text-based format that includes minimal formatting data. Portable Embosser Format (PEF) is a more advanced file format better suited to documents that must include page layout and formatting information. Braille readers support both formats.
Preparing Your PDF for Braille Conversion
If your PDF isn’t already text-based, you’ll need to fix that first.
- Upload your scanned document to our PDF OCR tool.
- Smallpdf takes seconds to recognize and convert scanned text.
- Once done, choose “Export As” and then “Word (.docx).”
Using PDF OCR to convert a scanned image to Word format for converting to braille
OCR technology can still struggle with dense text and unusual fonts. This is why you want to export the document in Word format instead of PDF. Once downloaded, you can open the document using Microsoft Word (or Google Docs, and other word processing programs) to check for and fix any mistakes.
How to Convert a PDF to Braille
You can convert your document with an open-source tool like RoboBraille.
- Upload your file to RoboBraille.
- Select the output format.
- Enter your email address and hit “Submit.”
Uploading and selecting output format and conversion options in RoboBraille
Once the conversion is complete, your document will be emailed to the address you provided. RoboBraille accepts multiple formats, so you can upload .PDF, .DOCX, .TXT, .RTF, and many other file formats.
Top Questions About Making Docs Braille-Friendly
How do I convert a document to braille?
If your document is a scan, use PDF OCR to convert it to a PDF with selectable text first. Then, use a braille converter like RoboBraille to generate a BRF or PEF file. Make sure your document is formatted correctly to improve readability. If it contains images with text, you should also use an OCR tool to extract the words before converting the document. Once converted, test the braille file on an e-reader or embosser to ensure accuracy—if you have access to one.
Can Google translate braille?
No, Google Translate doesn’t support braille conversion. Instead, use dedicated braille translation tools. Google Translate is great for spoken languages, but braille requires specialized software. If you need to convert a document, try a service designed for accessibility, like RoboBraille or other AI-powered tools. Always double-check the output to ensure proper formatting.
What are BRF and PEF formats?
BRF (Braille Ready Format) and PEF (Portable Embosser Format) are specialized file types for braille displays and embossers. BRF files are widely used for digital braille readers, while PEF files are optimized for braille embossers. If you’re not sure which format to choose, check what your device supports or consult accessibility guidelines for the intended recipient.
What is a braille PDF?
A braille PDF is a digital document formatted specifically for braille embossers or braille e-readers, ensuring accessibility for visually impaired users. Unlike standard PDFs, these files contain structured text that translates smoothly into braille characters. If you need to create one, use the right tools to convert it properly. The converted document will either be BRF or PEF.
Now you know how—with the right tools and a little preparation—you can make sure your files are accessible to everyone. Even if only to use AI to summarize the content, or to generate study materials.
