About
Duxbury DBT (Duxbury Braille Translator) is the gold-standard software for converting print documents into properly formatted braille. Available for both Windows and Mac, it is widely used by professional braille transcribers, educators, accessibility specialists, and braille production centers around the world. DBT can import Microsoft Word (2003 through 365), OpenOffice, Excel, and many other modern file formats, then translate and format them into accurate braille ready for output to any commercial braille embosser or braille device. The software supports over 180 different languages and their regional variations, including contracted (Grade 2) braille for English, French, and other languages where contractions based on pronunciation are required. DBT handles complex content such as math, science, and computer braille codes (American, UEB, British, and French standards), and can include tactile graphics files for mixed text-and-graphic documents. It also supports built-in interline printing, which places ink print alongside braille for easier proofreading and teaching. Music braille is supported via integration with the GOODFEEL Music Translation program. Despite its deep feature set, DBT is designed to be approachable for beginners — users can learn the basics in minutes — while offering the accuracy and depth demanded by professional transcribers and large-scale braille publishers.
Key Features
- 180+ Language Support: Translates braille for over 180 languages and regional variations, including contracted (Grade 2) braille for English, French, and other major languages.
- Broad Document Import: Imports Microsoft Word (2003–365), OpenOffice, Excel, and many other modern file formats for seamless braille conversion.
- Math, Science & Computer Braille: Supports specialized braille codes for mathematics, science, and computer content in American, UEB, British, and French standards.
- Built-in Interline Printing: Produces ink-print and braille side-by-side on the same page, making proofreading and teaching significantly easier.
- Universal Embosser Compatibility: Compatible with all commercial braille embossers — from legacy models to the latest devices — ensuring broad hardware support.
Use Cases
- Transcribing school textbooks and teaching materials into braille for visually impaired students.
- Professional braille production centers converting large volumes of print documents to braille at scale.
- Creating accessible office documents, memos, bus schedules, and signs in braille.
- Translating multilingual documents into braille for international accessibility compliance.
- Educators and braille specialists proofreading braille using built-in interline ink-print output.
Pros
- Industry-Standard Accuracy: Used by most major braille production centers worldwide, DBT is trusted for highly accurate braille translation across a vast range of languages and content types.
- Beginner-Friendly Yet Powerful: New users can get started in minutes, while professional transcribers benefit from deep features like tactile graphics support and specialized code translation.
- Comprehensive Language Coverage: With support for 180+ languages and their regional variants, DBT is unmatched in multilingual braille translation capability.
Cons
- Paid-Only Pricing: DBT is a commercial product with no free tier, which may be a barrier for individual users or smaller organizations with limited budgets.
- Desktop-Only Application: DBT is only available as a desktop app for Windows and Mac, with no web-based or mobile access for users who need on-the-go braille translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file formats can Duxbury DBT import?
DBT can import Microsoft Word documents (versions 2003 through 365), OpenOffice files, Excel spreadsheets, and many other modern file formats.
How many languages does Duxbury DBT support?
DBT supports over 180 different languages and regional variations, including contracted braille (Grade 2) for most jurisdictions where it is customarily used.
Is Duxbury DBT suitable for beginners with no knowledge of braille?
Yes. DBT is designed for both sighted users with no braille knowledge and experienced braillists. Beginners can learn to produce accurate braille in just minutes.
Does DBT support math and science content?
Yes. DBT supports math and science braille codes for American, UEB, British, and French braille standards, as well as computer braille translation.
Which platforms is Duxbury DBT available on?
Duxbury DBT is available as a desktop application for both Windows and Mac operating systems.
