FINAL PUBLICATION RELEASE
The 2016 revision of Braille Formats aligns BANA’s braille formatting guidelines with Unified English Braille (UEB).
BANA provides Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, 2016 in three accessible electronic versions: BRF, enhanced PDF, and online HTML. Hard copy print and braille are available from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). Ordering information is provided below.
BANA is grateful to its Braille Formats Committee for their diligent work in revising BANA’s formats guidelines to align with UEB, and to the BANA publications Committee for their commitment to and expertise in developing and providing accessible versions of these guidelines.
Available Versions
Download
Braille Formats 2016 BRF volumes (zipped)
Braille Formats 2016 BRF files (zipped individual BRF files)
These adapted PDF files have been crafted to provide enhanced functionality and navigational features. Bookmarks and links have been specifically designed to provide navigation for all users. Screen reader users can navigate all major sections using headings.
Braille Formats 2016 individual PDF files (zipped)
Braille Formats 2016 single PDF file (zipped)
Braille Formats 2016 Enhanced PDF portfolio (zipped) is a collection of individual files in a single PDF container. The portfolio is useful for those who want the files packaged together. Those who use screen readers will likely find the individual files easier to use.
Online
HTML version: This online version includes a customized search function specific to the online files. The HTML version is not formatted for printing.
www.brailleauthority.org/formats/2016manual-web/frontmatter.html
Hard Copy
American Printing House for the Blind: www.aph.org; 1-800-223-1839
Print: Catalog number 7-09653-00
Braille: Catalog number 5-09653-00
Braille Formats Updates
Addendum to Braille Formats 2016 (posted June 2024)
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) announces an addendum to Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, 2016. This addendum brings the language related to copyright law in sections 2.3.1. and 2.3.6 in alignment with the current US Copyright Act that was changed due to the Marrakesh Treaty. The addendum was approved by the BANA Board during its winter teleconference on January 23, 2020.
This practice is effective immediately.
Braille Formats Errata (approved March 2024, posted June 2024)
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) announces the publication of the Errata for Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, 2016.
This practice is effective immediately.
Updates to Braille Formats 2016 (approved March 2024, posted June 2024)
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) announces the publication Updates to Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, 2016.
Changes to Foreign Language Sections of Braille Formats 2016 (approved March 2024, posted June 2024)
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) announces the publication Changes to Foreign Language Sections of Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, 2016.
These documents were approved by the BANA Board during its spring face-to-face meeting in March 2024.
BANA is grateful to the diligent efforts of its Braille Formats Committee.
Related Documents
Flowchart Designs for Applicable Braille Codes
Note that the indicators and shapes shown in this 1991 document are out of date, but provide helpful guidance and examples for the layout of a flowchart.