Braille Translator
Text to Grade 1 braille and back, with capital and number signs.
About this translator
Type text, get Unicode braille cells; paste braille, get text back โ direction detected automatically. The real rules are applied: โ precedes a capital, โ ผ introduces numbers (digits reuse the cells for aโj), and common punctuation is mapped. The full alphabet chart sits below for learning.
What Grade 1 covers, honestly
This is uncontracted (Grade 1) braille: one cell per letter, the alphabet Louis Braille built from a six-dot cell in 1824 โ six dots giving 64 patterns, read by touch at speeds rivalling print reading. Published English braille is mostly Grade 2, which adds ~180 contractions ('the' in one cell, 'ing' shortened) to cut bulk by a quarter โ so use this tool for learning the alphabet, labelling and short notes, not for producing embosser-ready documents. Worth knowing: the Unicode braille block this tool outputs is the same one used for tactile signage files, and screen-reader users generally prefer real text โ braille output is for sighted learning and print materials, not for making websites accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How do capitals work in braille?
A capital sign (dot 6, โ ) is placed before the letter. Two capital signs mark a fully capitalised word. The letters themselves have no separate uppercase forms.
How are numbers written in braille?
A number sign (โ ผ) switches the next cells to digits โ 1 through 0 reuse the cells for letters a through j. The switch ends at a space or non-digit.
What's the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2 braille?
Grade 1 spells every word letter by letter; Grade 2 adds around 180 contractions and is what books actually use, cutting size by ~25%. This tool is Grade 1 โ right for learning and labels.
Can I paste braille and get text back?
Yes โ the tool auto-detects braille input and reverses it, including capital and number signs.