The Braille Authority of New
Zealand Aotearoa Trust
Essentials of
Braille Formatting
Published 2014
Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1
Braille formatting ........................................................................................................ 1
Paragraphs ............................................................................................................. 2
Main headings ........................................................................................................ 2
Subheadings ........................................................................................................... 2
Simple lists ............................................................................................................. 2
Complex lists .......................................................................................................... 2
Page numbers ........................................................................................................ 3
Typeforms ............................................................................................................... 3
Fractions ................................................................................................................. 3
Te Reo Māori .......................................................................................................... 4
Other languages ..................................................................................................... 4
Poetry and hymns ................................................................................................... 4
Footnotes................................................................................................................ 4
Transcriber’s notes ................................................................................................. 5
Print errors .............................................................................................................. 5
Table of contents .................................................................................................... 5
Tables ..................................................................................................................... 6
Importing tables into Duxbury from Microsoft Word ................................................ 6
Technical material................................................................................................... 7
Copyright and cataloguing ...................................................................................... 7
Braille paper sizes .................................................................................................. 7
Braille translation software ...................................................................................... 7
Layout of the examples ........................................................................................... 8
Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 8
APPENDIX 1: Examples referred to in the text .......................................................... 9
Example 1: Paragraphs .......................................................................................... 9
Example 2: Main headings ................................................................................... 10
Example 3: Sub headings ..................................................................................... 11
Example 4: Simple list .......................................................................................... 12
Example 5: Complex list ....................................................................................... 13
Example 6: Print page numbers ........................................................................... 14
Example 7: Typeforms .......................................................................................... 15
Example 8: Fractions ............................................................................................ 15
Example 9: Te Reo Māori ..................................................................................... 16
Example 10: Other languages .............................................................................. 16
Example 11: Poetry and Hymns ........................................................................... 17
Example 12: Footnotes ......................................................................................... 18
Example 13: Transcriber’s notes .......................................................................... 19
Example 14: Table of Contents ............................................................................ 20
Example 15: Table (columnar) .............................................................................. 21
Example 16a: Table (linear) .................................................................................. 22
Example 16b: Table (list) ...................................................................................... 23
Example 16c: Table (stairstep) ............................................................................. 24
APPENDIX 2: Examples of typical documents ......................................................... 26
Example 17: Recipe.............................................................................................. 26
Example 18: Letter................................................................................................ 28
Example 19: Menu ................................................................................................ 30
Example 20: Agenda ............................................................................................ 32
Example 21: Instruction manual............................................................................ 34
APPENDIX 3: Notes for Examples 1 to 21 ............................................................... 38
Acknowledgements
This document has been put together by Trustees of the Braille Authority of
New Zealand Aotearoa Trust and is licensed under the Creative Commons
Attribution-Noncommercial-Sharealike licence. To view a copy of this licence,
visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/nz/
1
Introduction
This document has been produced for people who are using braille translation
programs, but who may not be braille readers. BANZAT would like to encourage
producers of braille documents to appreciate how important formatting is to the
reader.
Each braille character is based on six dots called a cell. A cell has two columns of
three dots. Variations of the six dots represent all the letters of the alphabet,
punctuation and groups of letters. A space also takes up exactly one cell. You can fit
40 cells across a standard braille page and 25 lines of braille down the page. A blank
line is always the same height and consecutive blank lines should not be used. An
average page of print fills three braille pages.
In print, a range of colour, borders and fonts are used to draw the reader’s eye to key
information. A page of braille consists only of dots and space. Braille is formatted by
careful use of that space in the form of indents and blank lines. For example, a
subheading is indented by four cells so starts in cell 5. A long subheading may take
more than one line in braille and the rules specify that the overrun should also start
in cell 5.
Rigorous formatting is essential if a reader is to navigate a document successfully.
For example, start each new paragraph on a new braille line, in cell 3 with overruns
in cell 1. However when producing agendas, treat the agenda items as a list, each
item starting in cell 1 with overruns in cell 3. These two small hints can make it much
easier for the braille reader to clearly identify where new paragraphs start and where
items up for discussion can be quickly located and understood.
The braille code used in New Zealand is called Unified English Braille. Ensure that
your braille translation programme is set to UEB. If you are using the Duxbury Braille
Translator then we recommend the Blind Foundation UEB template. This is available
from the BANZAT website and can be copied into your Duxbury templates folder.
This will ensure that the styles available to you match the advice below.
Braille formatting
The key to braille formatting is to distinguish between the following four types of text:




Paragraph
Main heading
Subheading
List
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Most print documents can be adjusted so that every bit of text is flagged as one of
those four options. Useful questions to ask are:
Is this heading best treated as a main heading or a subheading?
Is this block of text best treated as a paragraph or a list?
Paragraphs
In braille there is no blank line between paragraphs. Instead the start of each
paragraph is indented by two cells, starting in cell 3 and overrunning in cell 1.
See example 1 on print page 9.
Duxbury style: para
Main headings
In braille main headings are centred with a blank line above and below.
See example 2 on print page 10.
Duxbury style: h1
Subheadings
In braille subheadings are indented by four cells, starting in cell 5 and overrunning in
cell 5. Subheadings have a blank line above but not below.
See example 3 on print page 11.
Duxbury style: h2
Simple lists
In braille each item in a list begins in the margin and if an item overruns to another
braille line that overrun is indented. So list items start in cell 1 and overrun in cell 3. A
blank line is used between a paragraph and a list. There is no blank line needed
between a subheading and a list.
If the print list has bullets then the bullet symbol can be used in braille.
See example 4 on print page 12.
Duxbury style: list
Complex lists
If the print list has sub-items then these should start in cell 3 with the overrun
indented to cell 5. Main items still start in the margin and can overrun in cell 3.
See example 5 on print page 13.
Duxbury style: hierarchy levels within the list style
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Page numbers
In New Zealand a standard braille page has 25 lines and each line has 40 cells.
Each braille page should have a number at the bottom right on line 25. It should be
separated from the text on that line by at least three blank cells.
It is often useful for a braille reader to know which print page his sighted colleagues
are looking at. The print page numbers are placed at the top right on line 1. If there
are several braille pages for each print page the prefix a, b etc is used for
subsequent pages. For example if print page 5 covered three pages in braille they
would be numbered 5, a5 and b5. If the print page changes in the middle of a braille
page the new print page number is placed on the right preceded by a row of
hyphens. This line is called a print page indicator.
See example 6 on print page 14.
Duxbury style: ref.pg.no
(Use this style before the first word of each print page. Braille page numbers will be
generated automatically)
Typeforms
Braille has special indicators to show that text is italic, bold or underlined.
Only indicate a print typeface when it is being used for emphasis or distinction. When
a type face is used for purely visual reasons it should not be indicated in braille. For
example in headings the blank lines and indentation are enough to identify that the
text is a heading.
See example 7 on print page 15.
Duxbury style: italic
Duxbury style: bold
Fractions
Fractions can be displayed in various ways in a print document. In braille they are
most readable when they are transcribed using the simple fraction line. For example
¾ would have four cells in braille (numeric indicator, 3, fraction line, 4). Mixed
numbers are unspaced so 1¾ would take up six cells (numeric indicator, 1, numeric
indicator, 3, fraction line, 4).
See example 8 on print page 15.
Duxbury: 1¾ is entered as 1[fs]3[fl]4[fe] . These fraction codes are accessed through
the layout menu.
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Te Reo Māori
All Māori and Polynesian words should be written uncontracted except for the wh
contraction. Single letters do not need the grade 1 symbol indicator. Macrons are
represented by preceding the vowel with dots 456. BANZAT has set the standards
for English and Te Reo braille and asks that you follow them.
See example 9 on print page 16.
Duxbury style: maori
Other languages
Phrases in a foreign language should be written uncontracted. There is a braille
symbol for each type of accent and this should precede the letter in braille. Phonetics
should be presented using the IPA alphabet.
See example 10 on print page 16.
Duxbury style: uncontract
(accents present in the text will be translated automatically)
Poetry and hymns
Follow the print line breaks when producing hymns or poetry and leave one blank
line between verses. This will assist the braille reader to follow the same layout as
the print and know when to break or breathe before resuming singing or reading of
poetry. Each line should start in the margin and any overruns be indented to cell 3 in
the same way as a list.
See example 11 on print page 17.
Duxbury style: list
Footnotes
In print footnotes can appear as small numbers within the text and their content is
usually listed at the bottom of each print page. In braille, numbers should be inserted
within the text as in print but it may be more helpful to present the footnote contents
in list format at the end of the material. If it is necessary to place a footnote on the
same page then it should start in cell 7 with overruns in cell 5 and be preceded by its
reference number.
See example 12 on print page 18.
Duxbury style: note (for indentation) or list (at end of volume)
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Transcriber’s notes
In many print documents there are pictures, maps, timetables, pie charts, cartoons,
coloured text for emphasis, boxes enclosing text, just to mention a few instances
where the use of the Transcriber’s note would be helpful. A Transcriber’s note is
inserted in the braille copy to explain how print matter has been treated. For
example:
(The map of the world has been omitted in braille)
(The columns of the table are listed in the following order: breakfast; lunch; dinner.)
(The picture shows 2 people, 1 smiling and 1 sad)
(The footnotes have been listed at the end of the volume)
Transcriber’s notes should be indented and start in cell 7 with overruns in cell 5.
They should be enclosed in brackets and ideally these should be the transcriber note
brackets: dots 4, 46, 126 and 4, 46, 345.
The Transcriber’s notes assist the braille reader with a clearer understanding of the
print and allow the braille producer some leeway to include information which can’t
always be reproduced in braille directly from the print copy.
See example 13 on print page 19.
Duxbury style: trans.note
Print errors
If the print text contains errors then consider approaching the author of the document
for clarification.
Table of contents
If a print document has a table of contents then this should be included in braille. The
page numbers will be print page numbers so ensure that print page numbers have
been inserted throughout the braille text.
See example 14 on print page 20.
If a print document does not have a table of contents but does have a significant
number of headings that need to be easily located, then listing these in a table of
contents will help the reader find what they need.
Duxbury: If all your headings have been correctly styled using h1 and h2 then you
can generate a table of contents automatically. Translate first to bring up the braille
version then you can choose “Generate a table of contents” from the layout menu.
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Tables
A print table is a collection of items laid out in rows and columns, often separated by
horizontal and vertical lines. It is usually designed to be read horizontally, row by
row, with the first row often containing the column headings.
Small tables containing numbers or single words will sometimes fit on the braille
page lined up as in print. This is called the “columnar” method and enables the
reader to run their fingers either across the rows or down the columns. Column
headings should have a braille line underneath (dot 2 followed by several dots 25).
See example 15 on print page 21
The simplest way to lay out a table in braille is the “linear” method where each row is
treated as a line in a list with the first item followed by a colon and the remaining
items separated by semicolons. If the first row contains column headings then these
can be placed in a transcriber’s note before the table.
See example 16a on print page 22
Some print tables contain lengthy phrases in each cell and the linear method can
make these hard to read. An alternative braille layout is the “list” method which lays
out the information in a coherent way using repetitive headings. Another approach
for wordy tables is the “stairstep” method where each row starts in the margin with its
items indented on successive lines.
See examples 16b and 16c on print pages 23 and 24
All tables should have a blank line before and a blank line after them in braille.
The choice of braille layout depends on the contents of the table, how the
information is to be used and the preferences, if known, of the braille reader.
Importing tables into Duxbury from Microsoft Word
Some authors using Microsoft Word apply the table option when the text is not really
a table. All Word documents should be examined to identify where the table format
has been used and to remove it if it is inappropriate (for example a list or agenda
where the numbers are in column 1 and the items in column 2). It is also important to
check if the table has merged cells or blank cells as these can make items appear to
be in the wrong column.
If a Word document is opened in Duxbury then the import process takes each block
of text identified as a table by Microsoft Word and rearranges it in braille as
“columnar“, “linear“, “stairstep“ or “list“. Never assume that the import process has
chosen the best layout. Always focus on the information that the author is trying to
convey and then arrange it so it can be read in a logical order.
Duxbury: Either change all tables to text before taking them into Duxbury or use the
Table menu within Duxbury to control how tables are imported.
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Technical material
Specialised knowledge is required to produce braille versions of material containing
Maths, Science, Music, maps, diagrams or complex tables. A braille transcription
service is provided by the Accessible Formats Production department at the Blind
Foundation.
Copyright and cataloguing
It is illegal to make a copy of a published work without contacting the copyright
holder. One-off material for meetings, conferences and training sessions is unlikely
to be a copyright risk but books for sale on the public market are. The Blind
Foundation is a prescribed body under Section 69 of the New Zealand Copyright Act
1994 and routinely transcribes published works, notifying publishers and cataloguing
the new version for the future use of other braille readers.
Braille paper sizes
Standard braille paper is 29 cm wide and 28 cm high (11.5 by 11 in). This takes 25
lines of braille and 40 cells across the page.
Narrower braille paper is also available and this is 21 cm wide and 28 cm high. This
also takes 25 lines of braille but only 30 cells across the page. This paper is referred
to as A4 braille paper. It is slightly shorter than A4 but will fit in an A4 binder and
works well for menus or conference material.
Duxbury: in the Document menu choose Embosser Setup and adjust the characters
per line from 40 to 30 if using A4 paper.
Braille translation software
If you are using the Duxbury Braille Translator then we recommend the Blind
Foundation UEB template. This is available from the BANZAT website and can be
copied into your Duxbury templates folder. Details of the formatting styles included in
the RNZFB template are included in Appendix 7 of the Duxbury Braille Translator
Producer’s Manual which can also be downloaded via the BANZAT website.
To apply a style, highlight the appropriate text and hit F8.
The Duxbury Braille Translator Producer’s Manual also gives advice on importing
documents from Word. This only works well if the author of the document has
applied the Word styles appropriately and this is seldom the case. Some braille
producers prefer to cut and paste text into Duxbury and apply the Duxbury styles.
Others prefer to work in Word, clearing all the formatting, applying Word styles
correctly and then importing into Duxbury, either directly or using the Swift add-in.
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Layout of the examples
Appendix 1 contains examples referred to in the text above. Appendix 2 contains
examples of typical documents including a recipe, letter, menu, agenda, and
instruction manual.
In the print version of this document each example is given in print with the braille
version of the example in simulated braille either underneath or on a facing page. An
extra “note” is available for each example and these are listed in Appendix 3. These
notes give guidance on the print features that need to be considered when
converting each example into braille.
In the braille version of this document the braille version of each example is
preceded by the relevant note which replaces the print version of the example.
Conclusion
BANZAT appreciates you taking the time to read through this document and offers
further support should you need it by way of the BANZAT website at
www.banzat.org.nz
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APPENDIX 1: Examples referred to in the text
Example 1: Paragraphs
Hundreds of screaming fans filled Auckland's Queen St to meet Prince Charles and wife
Camilla Duchess of Cornwall on their wet walk through the city yesterday. Schoolgirls
clutched their hearts, groups of ecstatic royalists yelled compliments to the pair and a
couple of hecklers managed to get the attention of police.
Lan Park, who owns a florist in downtown Auckland, handed a huge bouquet of 64 red
roses to Prince Charles as a gift for his 64th birthday on Wednesday.
,hundr$s ( scr1m+ fans fill$ ,auckl&'s ,que5 ,st
to meet ,pr9ce ,*>les & wife ,camilla ,du*ess (
,cornwall on _! wet walk "? ! c;y ye/]"d4
,s*oolgirls clut*$ _! he>ts1 gr\ps ( ec/atic
royali/s yell$ compli;ts to ! pair & a c\ple (
heckl]s manag$ to get ! att5;n ( police4
,lan ,p>k1 :o [ns a flori/ 9 d[nt[n ,auckl&1 h&$
a huge b\quet ( #fd r$
roses to ,pr9ce ,*>les z a gift = 8
#fdth bir?"d on ,w$nes"d4
See note for example 1 on print page 38
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Example 2: Main headings
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics is the study of how the flow of air interacts with a moving object and affects its
motion. Four main forces are involved: thrust, which propels an object forward; drag, which
opposes thrust and holds an object back; gravity, which always acts downwards: and lift, which
opposes gravity.
,a]odynamics
,a]odynamics is ! /udy ( h[ ! fl[ (
air 9t]acts ) a mov+ object & a6ects xs mo;n4 ,f\r
ma9 =ces >e 9volv$3 ?ru/1 : propels an object
=w>d2 drag1 : opposes ?ru/ & holds an object back2
grav;y1 :
alw acts d[nw>ds3 & lift1 : opposes grav;y4
See note for example 2 on print page 38
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Example 3: Sub headings
Famous People of the 1920’s
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and read about some of the famous people of the
1920’s who still hold a very special place in the hearts of many!
Charlie Chaplin
With many awards to his credit, Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin, also known as Charlie
Chaplin was a very talented director, composer as well as a musician.
Greta Garbo
This incredible actress had modest beginnings. She was forced to work at an early
age as a soaplather girl and then as a clerk in a departmental store.
,fam\s ,p ( ! #aibj's
,let's take a trip d[n memory lane &
r1d ab "s ( ! fam\s p ( ! #aibj's :o / hold a v
special place 9 ! he>ts ( _m6
,*>lie ,*apl9
,) _m aw>ds to 8 cr$it1 ,sir ,*>les ,sp;er
,*apl91 al "kn z ,*>lie ,*apl9 0
a v tal5t$ director1 compos] z well z a musician4
,greta ,g>bo
,? 9cr$ible actress _h mode/ 2g9n+s4
,%e 0 =c$ to "w at an e>ly age z a soapla!r girl &
!n z a cl]k 9 a de"p;tal /ore4
See note for example 3 on print page 38
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Example 4: Simple list
Free fire safety checks in your home
A home fire safety check involves a member of your local Fire and Rescue Service visiting
your home to carry out an inspection. The visits focus on three key areas:
1. Identifying and being aware of the potential fire risks within your home.
2. Knowing what to do in order to reduce or prevent these risks.
3. Putting together an escape plan in case a fire does break out and ensuring you have
working smoke alarms.
To book a home fire safety check, contact the Fire Service on
0800 NZ FIRE (0800 693 473).
,free fire safety *ecks 9 yr home
,a home fire safety *eck 9volves a
memb] ( yr local ,fire & ,rescue ,s]vice visit+ yr
home to c>ry \ an 9spec;n4 ,! visits focus on ?ree
key >1s3
#A4 ,id5tify+ & 2+ aw>e ( ! pot5tial
fire risks )9 yr home4
#B4 ,"k+ :at to d 9 ord] to r$uce or
prev5t ^! risks4
#C4 ,putt+ tgr an escape plan 9 case a
fire does br1k \ & 5sur+ y h "w+ smoke
al>ms4
,to book a home fire safety *eck1
3tact ! ,fire ,s]vice on
#jhjj ,,nz ,,fire "<#jhjj #fic #dgc">4
See note for example 4 on print page 38
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Example 5: Complex list
Types of DAISY

Full Text
o Text can be enlarged on screen or read on a braille display as the audio
plays.
o e.g. books produced for the DAISY textbook pilot

Partial Text
o Audio is complete but only parts of the book have full text
o e.g. a book with the chapters narrated and the index in synthetic voice

Text only
o no audio files but can be navigated with screen reader or braille display
o e.g. books from NZETC or the Internet Archive
,types ( ,,daisy
_4 ,full ,text
_4 ,text c 2 5l>g$ on scre5 or r1d on
a brl 4play z ! audio plays4
_4 e4g4 books produc$ = ! ,,daisy
textbook pilot
_4 ,"pial ,text
_4 ,audio is complete b only "ps ( !
book h full text
_4 e4g4 a book ) ! *apt]s n>rat$ & !
9dex 9 syn!tic voice
_4 ,text only
_4 no audio files b c 2 navigat$ )
scre5 r1d] or brl 4play
_4 e4g4 books f ,,nzetc or ! ,9t]net
,>*ive
See notes for examples 5 and 6 on print page 39
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Example 6: Print page numbers
Rainforest Animals
The following list of Amazon rainforest animals is an
introduction to some of the most beautiful and, in some
cases, most dangerous creatures of the jungle.
Your next adventure travel to South America or jungle
trekking experience will be better prepared and more
enjoyable overall by getting acquainted with them.
Scarlet Macaw
The largest of the parrot family, the macaw has a sharp,
hooked beak ideal for eating nuts, fruits and seeds. It
can reach from 1 foot to 3 feet in size, like the Hyacinth
macaw. The scarlet macaw - like most of tropical
rainforest macaws - is endangered due to poaching,
hunting and destruction of habitat through deforestation.
Its lifespan is about 75 years in captivity.
and varying as the cultures that inhabit the Amazon
rainforest. They have survived unharmed for centuries
because of the local belief that they have magical
powers.
Capybara
Among all Amazon rainforest animals, capybara is a
fairly common sight that can be seen on the banks of
Amazon river and its tributaries. Prized meat for Amazon
natives, its enemies are not only human, but other
inhabitants of the jungle, such as jaguars, caimans,
anacondas and ocelots, among others.
Its biggest threat, however, is the Amazon rainforest
deforestation, due to logging, farming, etc.
Pink River Dolphin
There is a huge bundle of legends and myths
surrounding the Amazon Pink river dolphin, as Amazon
mythology is as vast
3
,ra9=e/ ,animals
#c
,! foll[+ li/ ( ,amazon ra9=e/
animals is an 9troduc;n to "s ( ! mo/
b1uti;l &1 9 "s cases1 mo/ dang]\s
cr1tures (
! jungle4
,yr next adv5ture travel to ,s\?
,am]ica or jungle trekk+ exp]i;e w 2
bett] prep>$ & m 5joyable ov]all by
gett+ acqua9t$ ) !m4
,sc>let ,macaw
,! l>ge/ ( ! p>rot family1 ! macaw
has a %>p1 hook$ b1k
id1l = eat+ nuts1 fruits & se$s4 ,x c
r1* f #a foot to #c feet 9 size1 l !
,hyac9?
macaw4 ,! sc>let macaw,-l mo/
( tropical ra9=e/ macaws,-is 5dang]$
due to poa*+1 hunt+ & de/ruc;n (
habitat "?
de=e/a;n4 ,xs lifespan is ab #ge ye>s
9 captiv;y4
#a
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,p9k ,riv] ,dolph9
a#c
,"! is a huge bundle (
leg5ds & my?s surr.d+ !
,amazon ,p9k riv] dolph91 z ,amazon
my?ology is z va/
----------------------------#d
& v>y+ z ! cultures t 9habit !
,amazon ra9=e/4 ,!y h surviv$ unh>m$
= c5turies 2c ( ! local 2lief t !y h
magical p[]s4
,capyb>a
,am;g all ,amazon ra9=e/ animals1
capyb>a is a fairly common si<t t c 2
se5 on ! banks ( ,amazon riv] & xs
tribut>ies4 ,priz$ m1t = ,amazon
natives1 xs 5emies >e
n only human1 b o!r 9habitants ( !
jungle1 s* z jagu>s1 caimans1
anacondas & ocelots1 am;g o!rs4
,xs bi7e/ ?r1t1 h["e1 is ! ,amazon
ra9=e/ de=e/a;n1 due
to lo7+1 f>m+1 etc4
#b
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Example 7: Typeforms
Weathering
This type of erosion is referred to as rill and gully erosion.
,w1?]+
,? type ( .1]o.n is ref]r$ to z ^7rill
& gully^' ]o.n4
See note for example 7 on print page 39
Example 8: Fractions
Take ½ cup of sugar and 1½ cups of flour and mix thoroughly.
,take #a/b cup ( sug> & #a#a/b cups ( fl\r & mix
?or\<ly4
See note for example 8 on print page 39
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Example 9: Te Reo Māori
Mr Waima built his marae where he was living in Wellington and he named the wharenui
“Tāne Whaiora” after a very ancient ancestor – Tāne, the god of the forest.
,mr ,waima built 8 marae ": he 0 liv+
9 ,well+ton & he "nd ! :arenui 8,t_ane ,:aiora0 af
a v anci5t ance/or,-,t_ane1
! god ( ! =e/4
See note for example 9 on print page 39
Example 10: Other languages
Her pirouette was lovely but her fouetté en tournant was spectacular.
⠠⠓⠻ ⠏⠊⠗⠳⠑⠞⠞⠑ ⠴ ⠇⠕⠧⠑⠇⠽ ⠃ ⠓⠻ .7⠋⠕⠥⠑⠞⠞⠘⠌⠑
⠑⠝ ⠞⠕⠥⠗⠝⠁⠝⠞.' ⠴ ⠎⠏⠑⠉⠞⠁⠉⠥⠇⠜⠲
See note for example 10 on print page 40
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Example 11: Poetry and Hymns
LORD OF THE DANCE
I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth:
At Bethlehem I had my birth.
Dance, then, wherever you may be,
I am the Lord of the dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.
,,,"l ( ! d.e,'
,i d.ed 9 ! morn+ :5 ! _w 0 2gun1
,& ,i d.ed 9 ! moon & ! />s & ! sun1
,& ,i came d[n f h1v5 & ,i d.ed on !
e>?3
,at ,be?lehem ,i _h my bir?4
.7,d.e1 !n1 :]"e y may be1
,i am ! ,"l ( ! d.e1 sd he1
,& ,i'll l1d y all1 :]"e y may be1
,& ,i'll l1d y all 9 ! d.e1 sd he4.'
See note for example 11 on print page 40
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Example 12: Footnotes
“I know—that’s what I’m saying—the old stories about the ka’tsina spirit1 and Yellow
Woman can’t mean us.”
...
1 ka’tsina spirit: A mountain spirit of the Laguna Pueblo Indians.
8,i "k,-t's :at ,i'm say+,-! old
/ories ab ! ka'ts9a _s;9#a & ,yell[
,woman c't m1n u40
#a ka'ts9a _s3 ,a m.ta9 _s ( !
,laguna ,pueblo ,9dians4
Or, at the end of the volume:
,footnotes 9 ? ,volume3
#a ka'ts9a _s3 ,a m.ta9 _s ( ! ,laguna
,pueblo ,9dians4
#b 444
See note for example 12 on print page 40
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Example 13: Transcriber’s notes
,favorite ,type ( ,movie
@.<,! 9=ma;n f ! pie graph is li/$
2l4@.>
com$y3 #d "<#bj.0">
ac;n3 #e "<#be.0">
rom.e3 #f "<#cj.0">
drama3 #a "<#e.0">
sci-fi3 #d "<#bj.0">
See note for example 13 on page 40
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Example 14: Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1
Braille formatting ...................................................................................................... 1
Paragraphs .......................................................................................................... 2
Main headings ..................................................................................................... 2
Subheadings ........................................................................................................ 2
Simple lists ......................................................................................................... 2
Complex lists ....................................................................................................... 2
Page numbers ..................................................................................................... 3
Typeforms ............................................................................................................ 3
,3t5ts
,page
,9troduc;n """""""""""""""""""""""""" #a
,brl =matt+ """"""""""""""""""""""""" #a
,p>agraphs """""""""""""""""""""""" #b
,ma9 h1d+s """""""""""""""""""""""" #b
,subh1d+s """"""""""""""""""""""""" #b
,simple ,li/s """"""""""""""""""""" #b
,complex ,li/s """""""""""""""""""" #b
,page numb]s """""""""""""""""""""" #c
,type=ms """""""""""""""""""""""""" #c
See note for example 14 on print page 40
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Example 15: Table (columnar)
Sunshine Hours
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
Auckland
229
201
180
162
Wellington
246
209
191
155
Dunedin
178
153
140
121
Antarctica
380
110
46
5
,sun%9e ,h\rs
,auckl&
,well+ton
,dun$9 """
,ant>ctica
,jan
"333
#bbi
#bdf
#agh
#chj
,feb
"333
#bja
#bji
#aec
#aaj
,m>
"333
#ahj
#aia
#adj
#df
,apr
"333
#afb
#aee
#aba
#e
See note for example 15 on print page 41
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Example 16a: Table (linear)
Food Survey
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ben
cornflakes
bagel with ham and
cheese
pasta with prawns and
sour cream
Annie
avocado on toast
home made cheese and
ciabatta
thai green curry and
rice
Josie
bread and jam
egg salad
vegetable frittata
,food ,survey
@.<,9 ! table 2l ! columns foll[
ea* o?] 9 ? ord]3 "n3 br1kfa/2 lun*2
d9n]4@.>
,b53 cornflakes2 bagel ) ham & *eese;
pa/a ) prawns & s\r cr1m4
,annie3 avocado on toa/2 home made *eese
& ciabatta; ?ai gre5 curry & rice4
,josie3 br1d & jam2 egg salad; vegetable
frittata4
See note for example 16a on print page 41
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Example 16b: Table (list)
Food Survey
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ben
cornflakes
bagel with ham and
cheese
pasta with prawns and
sour cream
Annie
avocado on toast
home made cheese and
ciabatta
thai green curry and
rice
Josie
bread and jam
egg salad
vegetable frittata
,food ,survey
@.<,! 9=ma;n f ! table is li/$
2l4@.>
,b5
br1kfa/3 cornflakes
lun*3 bagel ) ham & *eese
d9n]3 pa/a ) prawns & s\r cr1m
,annie
br1kfa/3 avocado on toa/
lun*3 home made *eese & ciabatta
d9n]3 ?ai gre5 curry & rice
,Josie
br1kfa/3 br1d & jam
lun*3 egg salad
d9n]3 vegetable frittata
See note for example 16b on print page 41
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Example 16c: Table (stairstep)
Food Survey
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ben
cornflakes
bagel with ham and
cheese
pasta with prawns and
sour cream
Annie
avocado on toast
home made cheese and
ciabatta
thai green curry and
rice
Josie
bread and jam
egg salad
vegetable frittata
,food ,survey
@.<,! table columns h be5 9d5t$ z
foll[s3
"n
br1kfa/
lun*
d9n]@.>
,b5
cornflakes
bagel ) ham & *eese
pa/a ) prawns & s\r cr1m
,annie
avocado on toa/
home made *eese & ciabatta
?ai gre5 curry & rice
,josie
br1d & jam
egg salad
vegetable frittata
See note for example 16c on print page 41
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APPENDIX 2: Examples of typical documents
Example 17: Recipe
A winter warmer
Meatloaf with Herbs
Try this tasty winter treat for yourself and warm up from the inside out…
Ingredients

900 grams mince

1.5 cups fresh breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons tomato paste

3 tablespoons red wine or beef stock

2 eggs

1 tablespoon mustard

1.5 teaspoons dried basil

1/2 cup chopped parsley
Method
Lightly oil slow cooker.
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
Shape loaf to fit into slow cooker.
Cover with lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 hours.
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,a w9t] w>m]
,m1tloaf ) ,h]bs
@.<,! photograph %[s slic$ m1tloaf
s]v$ ) ma%$ potatoes & brussels
spr\ts4@.>
,try ? ta/y w9t] tr1t = yrf & w>m up f
! 9side \ 444
,9gr$i5ts
#ijj grams m9ce
#a4e cups fre% br1dcrumbs
#c tablespoons tomato pa/e
#c tablespoons r$ w9e or beef /ock
#b e7s
#a tablespoon m/>d
#a4e t1spoons dri$ basil
#a/b cup *opp$ p>sley
,me?od
,li<tly oil sl[ cook]4
,mix all 9gr$i5ts 9 a l>ge b[l4
,%ape loaf to fit 9to sl[ cook]4
,cov] ) lid & cook on l[ = #f to #g
h\rs1 or on hi< = #c h\rs4
See note for example 17 on print page 42
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Example 18: Letter
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#a ,augu/ #bjad
,john ,smi?
#cb ,any ,/reet
,auckl&
,de> ,john
,! ,9spira;n ,voyage is = y\? ag$ 2t
#af & #bj ye>s :o live ) a physical *all5ge4
,"picipants come f all ov] ,,nz to take "p 9 a
five "d voyage abo>d ! purpose built #dem tall %ip
,_s ( ,,nz4
,if y "k ( any"o :o wd b5efit f ? ,9spira;n
,programme 9 ,febru>y #bjae &
wd l m 9=ma;n1 s5d an email to
info@aspiritofadventure4org4nz4
,bob ,dylan
,bl ,f.da;n
,a:ina ,h\se1 #d ,maunsell ,road
,p>nell1 ,auckl& #ajeb
,private ,bag #iiida
,newm>ket1 ,auckl& #aadi
,ph"o #jhjj #bdc #ccc
,fax #ji #cee #fiai
See note for example 18 on print page 42
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Example 19: Menu
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,,kid',s ,,m5u
,t[] ( ,london burg] #g4ie
,beef pattie s]v$ 2t toa/$ burg] bun1
melt$ *eese & s]v$ ) *ips
,padd+ton's nu7ets #g4ie
,*ick5 nu7ets 9 a basket ) *ips ,batt]sea fi% &
*ips #g4ie
,crumb$ pieces ( fi% s]v$ ) *ips
,pizza #aj4jj
,bacon @& mozz>ella
,pa/a #aj4jj
,*'s por;n,-see specials bo>d
,,dess]t
,kids sundae #g4ej
,raspb]ry or *ocolate
,,kid',s ,,cocktails
,p9k pan!r #d4ej
,raspb]ry1 lemonade1 cr1m @& ice
,tra6ic li<t #d4ej
,yummy ?ree lay]$ dr9k
,ask at ! b> = kids col\r+4
See note for example 19 on print page 42
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Example 20: Agenda
Agenda for Meeting 18 of the Braille Authority of New
Zealand Aotearoa Trust (BANZAT) to be held on
Tuesday 5 November 2013, at 12:30pm
1 Welcome, attendees
2 Minutes
2.1 Confirmation of Minutes of Meeting 16 held on 17 September 2013.
Emailed on 21 October 2013 and attached.
2.2 Matters arising from Minutes not listed elsewhere in the Agenda
2.3 Review of Annual General Minutes Meeting 17 held on 17 September
2013.
Emailed on 21 October 2013. Are there any corrections before these are placed on the
BANZAT website please?
3 Correspondence
The Correspondence Schedule is in Attachment A to this Agenda.
4 Braille Competition 2014
Update from Lisette.
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,ag5da = ,meet+ #ah ( ! ,brl ,au?or;y
( ,new ,z1l& ,aotearoa ,tru/
"<,,banzat"> to 2 held on ,tues"d #e
,novemb] #bjac1 at #ab3#cjpm
#a ,welcome1 att5dees
#b ,m9utes
#b4a ,3firma;n ( ,m9utes ( ,meet+ #af
held on #ag ,septemb] #bjac4
,email$ on #ba ,octob] #bjac &
atta*$4
#b4b ,matt]s >is+ f ,m9utes n li/$
else": 9 ! ,ag5da
#b4c ,review ( ,annual ,g5]al ,m9utes
,meet+ #ag held on #ag ,septemb]
#bjac4
,email$ on #ba ,octob] #bjac4 ,>e "!
any correc;ns 2f ^! >e plac$ on !
,,banzat website pl1se8
#c ,correspond;e
,! ,correspond;e ,s*$ule is 9 ,atta*;t
,a to ? ,ag5da4
#d ,brl ,competi;n #bjad
,update f ,lisette4
See note for example 20 on print page 43
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Example 21: Instruction manual
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Three pages of braille have been included for this example.
,9dex ,v#d emboss] manual
#aj
#b4e ,m5u ,,(f
,! m5u ,,(f is available only :5 ! emboss+ is
/opp$ by ,,(f dur+ pr9t+ a docu;t4
,use m5u ,,(f by3
,,(f "6 ,,m5u "6 ,>r[ up_/d[n "6 ,,ok
@.<,! table columns h be5 9d5t$ z
foll[s3
,,m5u
,,sub ,,m5u
,,9fo@.>
,curr5t docu;t
,e*o emboss] /atus 9=ma;n
,e*o numb] ( rema9+ copies
,,complete emboss+ ( curr5t docu;t &
c.el rema9+ copies
,,,/op emboss+ ( curr5t docu;t
,same func;n z ,,(f "6 ,,fe$
#cb
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,9dex ,v#d emboss] manual
a#aj
,l1ve m5u ,,(f & 3t9ue ! orig9al
emboss+ sequ;es by press+ ,,on
#b4f ^1,m5u ^1example
,! mo/ e6ective way to le>n ! ,v#d emboss] us]
9t]face is to "w "? ! 2l samples4 ,subsequ5tly
mak+ x easi] to
"u/& ! us] m5u /ructure1 ! di6];e 2t num]ical keys
& >r[ keys etc4
#b4f4a ,/op emboss+
_4 ,press ,,(f
_4 ,press ,,fe$
#b4f4b ,*ange spee* 9t]face language
^7,example3 *ange local spee* 9t]face
to ,sw$i%^'
#a4 ,on ! front panel ( ! emboss]1
select ,m5u "<! emboss] w e*o3
curr5t docu;t">
#b4 ,>r[ d[n "<until e*o3 ,op;n">
#c4 ,,ok "<e*o3 ,spee* fe$back">
#d4 ,,ok "<e*o3 spee* fe$back volume">
#e4 ,>r[ d[n "<until e*o3
#cc
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,9dex ,v#d emboss] manual
b#aj
,select spee* language1 curr5t value
is ,briti% ,5gli%">
#f4 ,,ok1 "<,curr5t value is ,briti%
,5gli%">
#g4 ,>r[ d[n "<until e*o3 ,sw$i%">
#h4 ,,ok "<e*o3 tal ^$aterkopplings
spr^$ak nuvarande v^3arde ^3ar
,svenska">
#i4 ,press ,m5u to saves ! ,sw$i%
spee* fe$back "<e*o3 m5u save
sett+s">
#b4f4c ,*ange pap] size
^7,example3 ,*ange pap] size f ,a#d to
,lr on ,"ee/-;,d
#a4 ,on ! front panel ( ! emboss]1
select ,m5u "<! emboss] w e*o3
curr5t docu;t">
#b4 ,>r[ d[n "<until e*o3 ,brl
sett+s">
-------------------------------------#aa
444
#cd
See note for example 21 on print page 43
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APPENDIX 3: Notes for Examples 1 to 21
In the braille version of this document the notes in this Appendix are inserted before each
braille example to outline the print features that need consideration. In the print version they
are included together here as an extra reference.
Example 1: Paragraphs
This print example has two pieces of text blocked in the margin with a blank space between
them (which may or may not have been generated by a hard return).
In braille these have been treated as two paragraphs with the first line of each indented and
no blank line between them.
Example 2: Main headings
This print example has a heading followed by some text blocked in the margin. In print the
heading is in a bold script font, a larger point size and is slightly indented but not centred.
In braille the heading has been treated as a main heading so is centred with a blank line
below. The change of font can be ignored. The text below is treated as a paragraph.
Example 3: Sub headings
This print example has a heading in a bold font in the margin followed by text blocked in the
margin. The second heading uses the same bold font but is indented and is followed by text
blocked directly under it rather than in the margin. The third heading follows the same
pattern as the second.
The braille version does not follow the print indentation. The first heading is treated as a
main heading in braille and the other two as subheadings. Note that the subheading has a
blank line above but no blank line below in braille. The text following each heading is
treated as a paragraph.
Example 4: Simple list
This print example has a heading in a bold font in the margin followed by text blocked in the
margin. This is followed by a list, which has the numbers 1 to 3 indented from the margin.
The third item in the list overruns to a second line in print and this was indented to make the
words line up vertically. The list is followed by another block of text in the margin.
The braille version starts with a main heading and a paragraph. Then standard list format
has been used with the numbers in the margin, overruns in cell 3 and a blank line above
and below. The last piece of text was treated as a paragraph but note the adjustment of the
line break to keep the phone number all on one line.
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Example 5: Complex list
This print example has a heading in a bold font in the margin followed by a bulleted list. The
three main items are indented slightly and start with solid circular bullets. Each of these
main items has sub items which are indented further and start with hollow circular bullets.
The braille version starts with a main heading and then applies complex list format with the
main items in the margin and the subitems starting in cell 3 and overrunning in cell 5. Note
that the braille bullet symbol (dots 456, 256) has been used for both types of print bullet.
Example 6: Print page numbers
This print example has two pages. The pattern of main heading, paragraphs and
subheadings is similar to previous examples. The first print page finishes half way through a
sentence and has a number 3 at the bottom right. The second print page has a number 4 at
the bottom right.
Standard page numbering has been used in the braille version. The first braille page has a
3 at the top right to show that this is the start of print page 3 and a 1 at the bottom right to
show this is the first braille page. The second braille page has an “a3” at the top to show
this is a continuation of print page 3 and then a horizontal line to show where print page 4
begins. This example also illustrates the use of a 30 cell line for A4 braille paper.
Example 7: Typeforms
This print example has typefaces used in three different ways. In print the word
“Weathering” was in bold to indicate it is a heading. In addition italic is being used to
emphasise types of weathering and bold to distinguish sub classes.
The braille version omits the bold for weathering as the subheading layout is enough.
However the italic and bold used to reflect classification have been included in braille.
Example 8: Fractions
This print example illustrates the correct treatment of both a simple fraction and a mixed
number.
Example 9: Te Reo Māori
This print example includes the following māori words: Waima, marae, wharenui, Tāne and
Whaiora. These all need identifying by the braille producer so that they can be represented
according to the rules of Te Reo braille.
Note for example the word wharenui where the wh has been contracted in braille but the ar
has not. Note also the use of the macron symbol 456 before the a in Tāne rather than the
two cell UEB accent.
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Example 10: Other languages
This print example includes a French phrase indicated by the use of italic and also the word
pirouette which is now in common use.
Note that the French phrase has no contractions in braille and the UEB symbol for the
acute accent has been inserted before the last e of fouetté.
Example 11: Poetry and Hymns
This print example includes the title of a song, the first verse and the chorus. In print the
chorus is identified by both italics and indentation.
In braille a main heading is used for the title and the verses are treated as a list with
overruns in cell 3 and a blank line between verses. Note that braille italics are used for the
chorus but it has not been indented.
Example 12: Footnotes
This print example is a sentence which includes a footnote. The word spirit has a small
number 1 in the superscript position immediately after it. The footnote itself was at the
bottom of the print page in a small font.
The braille version below shows two alternatives. The first version has the footnote
indented at the end of the paragraph which can be intrusive for casual readers. The second
version shows how all the footnotes could be listed at the end under the heading “Footnotes
in this Volume”.
Example 13: Transcriber’s notes
This print example is a pie graph with each sector blocked in a different colour. The labels
sit around the outside of the circle and include numbers and percentages. There is a title
above the graph.
In braille it has been decided that the title and labels of this particular pie graph give all the
information the reader needs. Note the use of a transcriber’s note to explain what has been
changed. It reads “The information from the pie graph is listed below”. Note also that the
American spelling used by the author has not been “corrected” in braille.
Example 14: Table of Contents
This print example contains the first few rows of the table of contents at the start of the
document you are reading. The word Contents is in a larger font in the margin and
underneath it are listed the headings from the document with the second level headings
indented. A row of print full stops leads to each page number on the right.
The braille version is laid out as a complex list with guide dots represented by a row of dot
5s. Note that in braille the references are still to print page numbers so these must be
present throughout the braille document.
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Example 15: Table (columnar)
This print example is a table with 5 rows and 5 columns within a grid. The heading is in italic
above the table. The row and column headings are in bold and are single words. The other
items are all single numbers.
In braille each row will fit across the page with two braille spaces between each column. As
the print format is being followed there is no need for a transcriber’s note. Note that each
column heading is underlined and the use of bold has been omitted. The producer has also
inserted guide dots after the word Dunedin.
Example 16a: Table (linear)
This print example is a table with 4 rows and 4 columns within a grid. The heading is in bold
above the table. The row and column headings are in italic and are single words. The other
items vary from one word to six words so will not easily fit into a columnar layout in braille.
The braille version below uses linear format and the list of rows is preceded by the
transcriber’s note “In the table below the columns follow each other in this order: name:
breakfast; lunch; dinner.” Note that the table had a blank cell in the top left and the braille
producer has inserted the word “name” for added clarity. Note also that the use of italic has
been omitted.
See examples 16b and 16c for the same table laid out in list format and stairstep format
respectively. The best choice for this particular table is the linear format because the
content is straightforward and the column headings can be easily memorised. List format
with its repetitive headings works well for complex tables where clarity is more important
than space. Stairstep format is worth considering in special cases such as example 21 in
Appendix 2.
Example 16b: Table (list)
This print example is the same table as example 16a.
The braille version below uses list format and the list of rows is preceded by the
transcriber’s note “The information from the table is listed below.” Note that the first column
has become a series of subheadings and that colons have been inserted for clarity. This
layout is easy to read but takes up more space.
Example 16c: Table (stairstep)
This print example is the same table as example 16a.
The braille version below uses stairstep format and the list of rows is preceded by the
following transcriber’s note:
“The table columns have been indented as follows:
name
breakfast
lunch
dinner.”
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Example 17: Recipe
This print example is taken from a recipe book. The title was in a large bold font and the
subtitle underneath in italics. There is a photo with a comment underneath and then the
headings for ingredients and method. The list of ingredients is bulleted in print and is
slightly indented. The method is a series of brief statements each fitting on one line with
blank space between them.
The braille version treats the title and subtitle as one main heading and the use of italics
has been omitted. The producer has decided that the photo adds value so has included a
transcriber’s note reading “The photograph shows sliced meatloaf served with mashed
potatoes and brussels sprouts.” Ingredients is treated as a subheading and the bullets have
been omitted from this particular list. Method is treated as a second subheading and the
items are treated as a list though paragraphs could be considered for more wordy recipes.
Example 18: Letter
This print example is a letter printed on letterhead paper. At the top right is the logo of the
Blind Foundation which has the words “Blind Foundation, Beyond Vision Loss” underneath.
The footer of the page includes the contact details for the organisation including full street
address, full postal address, phone, fax and web address. The actual typed information
includes the date, the name and address of the recipient, the text of the letter and the
salutations.
It is essential to include information from the header and footer so that the recipient knows
who the letter is from and how to reply. In this braille version the contact details have been
listed after the sender’s name at the end. These have been carefully extracted from the
footer of the original Microsoft Word document. The addresses and salutations all start in
the margin and the text of the letter itself is treated as two paragraphs. The producer has
uncontracted the email address for extra clarity.
Example 19: Menu
This print example is a downloaded menu full of print features designed to catch the eye. It
is mainly centred and the menu items are all in full caps. Alongside each item is the price
tabbed to the right so the prices line up vertically. The prices do not have dollar signs.
Under each item is a brief description. The title is in a large heavily blocked font and the
words DESSERT and KID’S COCKTAILS are also present in heavier full caps but slightly
smaller. At the bottom are two identical pictures of a sundae side by side followed by a box
with information about colouring sheets for children.
The braille version uses a main heading and two subheadings. The producer has decided
to include the full caps for these but omit them for the menu items themselves. The menu
items have been treated as a complex list with the price separated by one space and the
descriptions indented on the next line. It was decided that the photo did not need
describing. The reference to colouring sheets has been included as a paragraph but the
fact that it is in a box has not been indicated.
Braille Authority of New Zealand Aotearoa Trust
Last updated August 2014
43
Example 20: Agenda
This print example starts with three lines of text in a large font blocked in the margin. The
numbered agenda items start in the margin with their text in bold. The text of the subitems
2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 is also in bold but comments underneath both main and subitems are in
normal text and are in the margin.
One option is to treat the main items as subheadings in braille and that can work well with
some wordy agendas. In this case the producer has decided to treat them as a complex list.
The advantage of the list approach is that all the item numbers are easily located in the
margin by touch which is a big help when following the proceedings of a meeting. The
producer has decided that this makes the use of bold superfluous.
Example 21: Instruction manual
Instruction manuals can be challenging to produce in braille and this single print page
includes a header and footer, a three level numbering system, a table with blank cells and
bold entries, some keystroke advice and some Swedish text with accents.
The print running footer is “© 2012 Index Braille” which has been omitted in braille.
However the producer has decided to include a braille running head “Index V4 embosser
manual” which is an abbreviation of the full title of the manual and this appears at the top of
every braille page. The print header includes the page number 10 at the top right which the
producer has inserted as the print page number in braille. The print header also includes
the words “Menu Structure” which the producer has omitted because it is present earlier as
the chapter title. The braille page number 32 at the bottom of the first braille page indicates
that this sample is taken from part way through a braille volume.
The producer has decided to use braille subheadings for the second level items 2.5 and 2.6
as they had used a main heading for the start of chapter 2 earlier. The third level items
2.6.1 etc are then treated as a complex list with any lists within them indented. The table is
too wordy for the columnar method and the producer has decided that the blank cells are
crucial for menu navigation so has decided on the stairstep approach. The bold font has not
been indicated within the table. The keystroke advice above the table has been laid out as
in print with blank spaces either side of the plus signs but note the new braille line after the
colon to ensure the key information is all on one line. The Swedish text in 2.6.2 is a foreign
phrase so is written uncontracted with UEB accents.
The three braille pages in this example are another illustration of the correct use of print
page indicators.
Braille Authority of New Zealand Aotearoa Trust
Last updated August 2014