English to Braille Translator
This tool makes it easy to convert text to Braille. Enter the text you want to translate, and it will instantly be converted. You can also copy the Braille output.
What is Braille?
Braille is a system of raised dots that people who are blind or have low vision use to read and write by touch. Each pattern of dots represents a letter, number, or symbol. Invented by Louis Braille in the 19th century, it helps millions of people worldwide access information and communicate.
The Origin of Braille
Braille was created by Louis Braille, a Frenchman who lost his sight as a child. In 1824, at just 15 years old, he developed this system to make reading and writing easier for blind people. Inspired by a military code of raised dots, Louis simplified it into a practical alphabet.
His invention revolutionized education and communication for blind individuals and remains a vital tool for accessibility today.
How Braille Works
Braille uses raised dots arranged in small rectangular cells. Each cell has up to six dots in two columns, making 64 possible combinations. These patterns represent letters, numbers, punctuation, or even whole words. Readers feel the dots with their fingertips to interpret the text.
The system adapts to different languages by assigning unique dot patterns to letters, sounds, or symbols specific to each language. For example, the Braille alphabet for English includes patterns for 26 letters, numbers, and common punctuation marks.
Levels of Braille
Braille has different levels to meet various reading and writing needs:
Grade 1
This is the simplest form, where each Braille cell represents a single letter, number, or symbol. It’s often used by beginners learning the system or for short texts like labels or signs.
Grade 2
This more advanced level includes abbreviations and shortcuts for common words and letter combinations. For example, the word “and” may be represented by a single Braille cell. Grade 2 makes reading and writing faster and is commonly used for books and other lengthy texts.
Grade 3
Used less frequently, this level includes additional contractions, shorthand, and symbols. It’s mostly for personal note-taking or specialized texts and requires advanced Braille literacy.
