EBU Braille Working Group presents the fourth roundtable discussion about creating content with a Braille display, hosted by the European Blind Union’s Braille Working Group.
Watch the recording of our fourth table talk on @livingbraille YouTube channel.
We would like to thank all the speakers and participants for this sinergic experience
Summary of the meeting
The fourth and final spring 2026 session of the Expert Table Talks on Braille Displays focused on an essential and very practical topic: creating content with a braille display. After previous discussions on connecting, consuming information and controlling devices, this session explored how braille displays can support active writing, editing and document creation.
The session also highlighted the role of the Living Braille Portal as a shared resource for braille-related knowledge, experience and good practice. Participants were encouraged to register, contribute content and help strengthen the exchange of information within the international braille community.
Qwerty/qwertz versus braille input
The first part of the discussion was dedicated to different keyboard types used on braille displays. The comparison between QWERTY-style braille keyboards and braille input keyboards showed that there is no single best solution for everyone. User preference, typing habits, comfort and the specific purpose of the device all play an important role. Particular attention was given to the function of dots 7 and 8, which may differ depending on the device, language settings and local braille conventions. For this reason, users were encouraged to read device manuals carefully and, where possible, try different displays before choosing the one that best suits their needs.
Creating the print or braille files
The session also addressed the practical question of file creation. Braille displays and note-takers may support different types of files, ranging from simple text files to DOCX “print” files and braille-specific formats such as BRF. The choice of format depends on the complexity of the document, the need for formatting, the intended audience and whether the file will be used only by the author or shared with others. Markdown was presented as a useful option for users who want more structure and flexibility while still working in a plain-text environment.
Another important theme was the difference between creating print-based text files and braille files. Text files usually require translation between print and braille, which may influence accuracy, compatibility and formatting. Braille files, on the other hand, preserve the actual braille input more directly. This can be especially relevant when working with specific national braille codes, contractions, diacritics, code pages or different encoding systems.
Choose the right braille table
The discussion also explored braille input settings across platforms and screen readers. Participants were introduced to differences between 6-dot and 8-dot braille, contracted and uncontracted braille, and Unicode braille. The importance of selecting the correct language-specific braille table in screen readers such as JAWS and NVDA was emphasized. The role of Liblouis as a tool that allows countries to develop and adapt braille tables according to their national rules was also noted.
Unicode braille was presented as an important topic for the future, particularly because it can make file exchange, demonstration, searching and teaching easier. At the same time, the discussion showed that different countries and systems still use various braille file formats and encoding practices. This underlines the need for better interoperability and continued dialogue between users, developers and manufacturers.
Conclusion
The session concluded the spring 2026 series of Expert Table Talks, which brought together more than 160 registered participants across four meetings. The series created space for practical exchange among braille users, experts and professionals from different countries. Future sessions are planned after the summer break, with possible topics including manufacturer presentations, product discussions and emerging technologies such as multi-line braille displays.
The community will continue to be informed about upcoming activities through the Living Braille channels.