EBraille Project Update
The eBraille project, tasked with creating a modern digital braille file format, has made significant progress this year.
Thanks to the hard work of the global working group, the eBraille 1.0 specification was published in August of 2025 and approved by the DAISY Board in November 2025.
The file format is already supported in DAISY Pipeline, enabling conversion of print files to the eBraille format, which can be validated using the new eBraille Check tool which was developed using came out of DAISY’s work on EPUBCheck.
APH are currently testing an open-source BRF to eBRL Converter, enabling existing braille files in the BRF format to be easily converted to the new eBraille format.
Leading braille tools including Duxbury, BrailleBlaster and Sao Mai Braille have all committed to supporting the eBraille file format, with all development either in progress or starting very soon.
Reading eBraille is getting easier all the time, with the Monarch refreshable multi-line braille display from APH now updated to support for eBraille files. Many single-line displays including Mantis, Chameleon, and Brailliant displays have support in development or can utilize eBraille in the current beta versions of their software.
It’s also possible to read eBraille from a web browser and for the braille to be rendered on a braille display using screen reader software. This process is currently quite technical but will hopefully become simpler over time.
For people producing eBraille, APH are also working on an eBraille Reader to assist in proofing eBraille files.
Work continues to develop a suite of sample materials that can be used to test support and functionality in different reading systems. The first test book, Treasure Island, is available with more being contributed by members of the working group.
In the coming year a wide variety of work will take place, including:
- Review the specialist and complex formatting requirements of Music Braille
- Explore multi-rendition files (braille, print, audio in one package) a feature some libraries are keen to implement
- Developing software to make reading eBraille files easier with an older displays
- Refining CSS and other aspects of eBraille based on feedback
- Advocating for wider support in hardware and software, especially around embossing technologies.
The eBraille format has been created and continues to be shaped by an team of international experts dedicated to finding the best solution for next generation of electronic braille files. Our thanks to everyone participating in the eBraille Working Group.