What to specify for Braille labels

Key facts

Dots and printed text

Explain which information must be tactile and which text must also be printed. Provide a layout so the two forms of information can be considered together.

Review your specification

Confirm wording, available space and the surface before approving artwork. This guide makes no claim about regulatory compliance, legal suitability or certification.

Decide what information the reader needs

Start with the purpose of the label and the location where it will be read. Identify the essential information rather than copying a long block of printed instructions into a small space. A label that identifies an item has a different task from one that explains an operating procedure. State which wording must be tactile and which wording must also be printed. Keep the approved source text in one place so that later changes do not leave different versions in circulation. The person responsible for the information should confirm its meaning before the layout is prepared or approved.

Provide wording and translation requirements clearly

Supply the exact wording, including names, numbers and punctuation, and identify the language. If you already have an approved Braille transcription, provide it and explain who will review it. If transcription is still required, identify that as an unresolved requirement rather than assuming that ordinary printed letters establish the Braille content. Different transcription conventions may be relevant to different uses, so confirm the intended approach with a suitably knowledgeable reviewer. This guide does not establish a transcription service or promise that any particular convention is available. The agreed content and responsibilities should be clear before the order proceeds.

Plan the available space for touch and sight

Measure the area where the label will be fitted and note anything nearby that may obstruct a hand or make the printed wording hard to see. Braille dots and printed text need to be considered together, not treated as independent artwork added at the last moment. Show the proposed orientation and the relationship between labels when several items are close together. Avoid assuming that a tactile layout can simply be reduced to fit a smaller label. If space is restricted, review the wording and placement with the people responsible for the application before approving a size.

Describe the receiving surface and use

Tell us whether the receiving surface is flat or curved, smooth or textured, and identify the material or coating where known. Explain whether the label will be indoors or outdoors and how often it is likely to be touched or cleaned. Name cleaning products where possible and describe the normal cleaning method. Include exposure to moisture, abrasion or heat if relevant. These are specification questions rather than claims of resistance. Existing Adcal information describes embossed Braille dots combined with printed text on one label. The construction and suitability for your application still need to be confirmed in the quote.

Review content, layout and installation separately

Check the printed text against the approved source and have the Braille content reviewed by someone competent to do so. A person who cannot read Braille should not treat a visually neat proof as confirmation that the tactile wording is correct. Separately check the overall dimensions, orientation and proposed fitting position. Where practical, involve intended users when assessing the usefulness of the wording and placement. Establish who is responsible for final approval and keep their approved version with your purchasing records. Content approval, manufacturing agreement and installation decisions are related, but one does not replace the others.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include leaving Braille wording until the end of the design process, assuming that printed text and tactile content match without checking, and choosing a position that is difficult to reach. Another is assuming that a product description proves legal suitability for a particular setting. This guide makes no claim about regulatory compliance or certification. Check applicable requirements with the person responsible for the premises or equipment and obtain appropriate specialist advice where needed. Send the agreed wording, dimensions, quantity and surface details with your enquiry. Tell us your required date so that lead time can be confirmed when quoting.

Prepare the enquiry and approval record

Group the wording, printed artwork and layout dimensions in a clearly identified version. State the quantity for each distinct label and describe where each version is intended to be fitted. Include the surface details, delivery destination and the date you need the labels. Lead time will be confirmed in the quote. If another person must approve the Braille content or installation position, identify that review before placing the order. Keep the agreed version available for future enquiries and explain any changes rather than calling a revised design an exact repeat. This helps distinguish confirmed content from questions that still need an answer before production is agreed.

Compare the information to approve