Text to Braille Translator (UEB Grade 1)
Translate English text to Unicode braille and braille back to text using Unified English Braille grade 1, with capital and number indicators. Free and private.
🔒 Runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploadedTranslate text to braille
Braille is a tactile writing system in which each character is a cell of up to six raised dots arranged in two columns of three. This translator converts English text into braille characters using the Unicode braille patterns block (U+2800 to U+28FF), so the dots appear on screen and can be copied and pasted like any other text. It is useful for teachers preparing worksheets, students learning braille, designers mocking up signage, parents curious about a child's reading material and anyone making accessible-themed content.
The translation follows Unified English Braille (UEB) grade 1, the uncontracted form in which every letter is written out. Capital letters are marked with the capital indicator ⠠, and a word written entirely in capitals gets two capital indicators ⠠⠠. Numbers begin with the number sign ⠼, after which the letters a to j represent the digits 1 to 9 and 0. If a letter from a to j follows a number directly, a grade 1 indicator is inserted so it is not misread as another digit. Common punctuation such as the full stop, comma, question mark, exclamation mark, apostrophe, hyphen, brackets and quotation marks is included.
Braille back to text
Switch the direction to decode Unicode braille into text. The decoder understands the capital, capital-word and number indicators and multi-cell punctuation. It is handy for checking your own translation or reading braille you find online. A reference chart of the alphabet and indicators is available below the tool.
Grade 1 versus grade 2
Most experienced braille readers use grade 2 (contracted) braille, which replaces common words and letter groups such as "and", "the" and "ing" with single cells to save space. Contracted braille has many context rules and should be produced with dedicated software and checked by a qualified transcriber for real-world use. Grade 1 is the right starting point for beginners, short labels and learning materials. The translator runs entirely in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
How to use
- Choose the directionTranslate text to braille, or braille back to text.
- Type or pasteEnter English text, or paste Unicode braille characters (⠓⠊).
- Copy the resultCopy the braille to use in documents, labels, lessons or social posts.