Braille translation software converts word-processor text to formatted Braille code, which can then be printed as Braille on a suitable embosser. Optek Systems can provide the Duxbury Braille Translator or WinBraille (with Index Embossers).

Many times the text is scanned, recognised by optical recognition software, and then translated into Braille, making the process quick and easy.

Duxbury was the first Braille translator, and still is the industry standard for Braille Translation Software and is used across the World in Braille production houses and other institutions to produce large volumes of accurate Braille.

Duxbury is used by the majority of the organisations and education departments that create Braille throughout Australia.

Duxbury can be used directly from MSWord, translating the word document into Braille and then sending it to an appropriate embosser.

Duxbury is compatible with translation using the UEBC rules.

Optek Systems has for many years been involved with Duxbury, evaluating each version of the software, testing it in the field and feeding back suggested improvements.

For further information about Duxbury, check out their home page Duxbury Site

WinBraille™ is fully featured Braille Translation Software from Index, that is provided free of charge, when an Index embosser is purchased.

WinBraille™ has a wide range of ‘rule files’ which govern the type, and language, of the Braille Translation that is carried out. Rule files are easy to change, and it is easy to specify whether Grade One, or Grade Two Braille is required, or if the Capital sign is to be used etc.

When WinBraille™  is installed upon a computer it automatically installs itself as a ‘Printer’ if MSWord is present upon the computer.

To produce a Braille document all a user has to do is to prepare a document in the usual way in MSWord, and then select ‘Print’, and select the ‘WinBraille™  Printer’. WinBraille™   will then translate the document and send it to the Braille Embosser.

Alternatively WinBraille™ can be used in a stand-alone format, when documents can be created within WinBraille™, or loaded into it, and then translated and embossed from within WinBraille™

WinBraille does NOT at this time translate using UEBC rules.