Convert EPUB to Braille using Dolphin EasyConverter

EasyConverter is a popular tool for creating publications in accessible formats such as Large Print, MP3, DAISY, Audio and Braille. More information on this product including purchase and download options are available on the Dolphin EasyConverter website.

EasyConverter is simple to use. In particular, the Quick Conversion Wizard allows even beginners to convert existing documents to the preferred accessible format. EasyConverter can import documents in Microsoft Word, PDF, Text, HTML, EPUB and many other file formats. It also includes OCR which allows scanning of paper documents and supports most Braille Embossers.

Steps for converting EPUB file to Braille

1. Create a new project.

In the EasyConverter main window click the “New Project button”. Provide project name and directory and then click the “Next button”.

2. Choose the EPUB file.

When prompted to choose the input, select “Open a document”, click the “Browse” button and then select the EPUB file which you want to convert to Braille.

3. Choose document settings

Select “yes” under “automatically detect headings”. This will significantly reduce the need to structure the document before Braille printing.

Under the option to choose Microsoft Word to edit the document, select “Yes”. This will provide an opportunity to review the text and formatting in Microsoft Word before it is converted to Braille.

Click “next button”.

4. Choose Braille under alternative format.

Select Braille in the “New output type” dropdown list.

Then you need to choose “Language profile” e.g. Unified English Braille Grade 2 and “Style profile” e.g. USA standard.

EasyConverter supports contracted and uncontracted Braille for a multitude of language codes including Unified English Braille contracted (grade 2), Unified English Braille uncontracted (grade 1), Arabic, Czech uncontracted (grade 1), Dutch, French contracted (grade 2), French uncontracted (grade 1), German Basis Braille (grade 1), German Kurzschrift (grade 2), German Vollschrift (grade 1.5), Greek, Norwegian contracted (grade 2), Norwegian uncontracted (grade 1), Polish uncontracted (grade 1), Spanish uncontracted (grade 1), Swedish contracted (grade 2 level 1), Swedish contracted (grade 2 level 2), Swedish uncontracted (grade 1), UK English contracted (grade 2), UK English contracted (grade 2) multilingual, UK English uncontracted (grade 1), UK English uncontracted (grade 1) multilingual, US English contracted (grade 2), US English contracted (grade 2) multilingual, US English uncontracted (grade 1), US English uncontracted (grade 1) multilingual, Welsh contracted (grade 2) and Welsh uncontracted (grade 1). See website for updates on supported languages.

5. Choose the name and location to save the Braille file.

Click “Next button” to proceed.

6. Choose where the file should be copied

If you want the converted Braille file can be copied to an external location such as a USB Drive. To keep the Braille file within the project folder and proceed to Braille embossing, select “No copy” and click the “Next button”.

7. Click the “Finish” button to start the conversion.

A new window will display stages and progress of the conversion process.

When the conversion is completed, Microsoft Word will open automatically. It will contain text imported from the EPUB file. A small window titled “Intermediate Document Editor” will also open with two buttons named “Properties” and “Save & return”.

8. Edit the document in Word if needed.

Review the text in Microsoft Word. Generally, EasyConverter will correctly import the headings, images with alt text, lists, and tables. If needed make changes and then click the “Save & return” button in the Intermediate Document Editor.

The Title, Author, Subject and keywords of the document being converted can be reviewed and changed by clicking the “Properties” button in Intermediate Document Editor Window.

9. Edit the converted Braille.

After saving and closing the Word document, EasyConverter will proceed with Braille conversion. The conversion progress will be displayed on the screen. Click the “Done button” and the focus will return to the EasyConverter main window.

Click the “View Output button” to open the Braille Editor which displays Braille conversion as it will appear after Embossing on paper. The “Back-translation bar” at the top of the Braille Editor displays the text of the selected Braille line for easy editing by non-Braille readers. Mistakes detected in Braille conversion can be corrected by typing using the standard keyboard or six-key Braille input via a Braille display.

The EasyConverter’s Braille conversion respects the formatting in the Intermediate Word document. Headings, bulleted and numbered lists, tables, image descriptions and page breaks are properly handled during the conversion.

Braille conversion and embossing can be further customized. Click Settings in the main Window and then in Output category you can choose your preferences under Braille General, Braille paper, Braille advanced and Braille Embosser.

10. Emboss Braille.

In the Braille Editor click “File” menu and then click on “Emboss”.

Choose the number of copies and pages to be printed and then Choose embosser. Proceed to creating the hardcopy Braille books. Note that a Braille embosser must be installed on your computer to finish the process.

The Braille conversion can also be done by choosing the Quick Conversion Wizard at the first step. However, this Wizard will not provide the opportunity to review and edit the text before it is embossed.