Discover Braille
Braille is a reading and writing system that uses patterns of raised dots. It helps many blind and low-vision people read and write independently.
Explore Braille letters, discover how the six-dot cell works, and practise recognising patterns.
Learn at your own pace. There are no timers.
🔊 Spoken Instructions
You can use the Listen buttons to hear instructions and letter descriptions. Choose a comfortable talking speed.
1. Explore the Six-Dot Braille Cell
A standard Braille cell has six dot positions. Dots 1, 2 and 3 are on the left. Dots 4, 5 and 6 are on the right.
Select a dot to turn it on or off. Each dot button also works with a keyboard.
2. Braille Alphabet Explorer
Select a letter from A to Z. Its Braille pattern will appear below, along with a description of the raised dots.
Raised dot: 1
3. Braille Letter Challenge
Listen to the dot pattern, then choose the matching letter. Take your time and try again whenever you like.
Which letter uses these raised dots?
4. Build a Braille Word
Type a short word to see its letters represented in uncontracted Braille. You can also hear each letter's dot pattern.
Use letters A to Z. This activity does not teach contractions or punctuation.
Understanding Braille
Braille is a tactile reading and writing system. A person reads raised dot patterns using touch, or uses an electronic refreshable Braille display.
The activities on this page introduce uncontracted English Braille letter patterns. They do not replace hands-on Braille teaching.
Blind and low-vision learners use different combinations of Braille, audio, large print, magnification and assistive technology. There is no single approach that suits everyone.