FAQ

How can I see what the graphic looks like?

To view graphic double click on it. Some files need to be opened with the program that have been used to design them to be viewed, such as a Illustrator file.

How do I download a graphic?

To download a graphic file right click and save file to disc or diskett

What are the different means of producing tactile graphics?

1. Microcapsule, swell paper: A specially coated paper which produces raised lines and textures when heated. Paper can be draw directly on or an original can be used which is then copied over to the swell paper with a copy machine and then heated. Note: not all copy machines suitable for swell paper.
2. Embossed graphics: Graphics produced with a Braille embosser.
3. Thermoformed graphics: Graphics produced from a hand made master copy and plastic sheet. The plastic sheet is formed to the master copy by heat and suction. Many copies can be produced from one master copy.
4. Patterns: Many of the graphics can be used as a starting point and changed to fit one's needs. Graphics can be used as a pattern to make hand made graphics from a tracing wheel, cutting and pasting or a combination of all methods.
5. Screen images: Scalable vector graphics are viewed on screen using a viewer. Adobe's svg viewer available at http://www.adobe.com. The image can be enlarged or reduced in size while retaining same resolution.

Can you name some programs that are useful for making tactile graphics?

1. Illustrator drawing program produces jpg, gif, svg, svgz, among others. http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator/main.html
2. Paint Microsoft
3. CorelDraw drawing program produces jpg, gif, svg, svgz, among others. http://www3.corel.com
4. TGDPro, QikTac, TraceMe drawing programs for embosser and print. File types .sig, .bmp, gif. Sig files can be viewed with . http://www.tactileaudio.com/
5. Duxbury Text to Braille converting program. Ability to incorporate images with images. http://www.duxburysystems.com/
6. SVG viewer http://www.adobe.com/svg/viewer/install/main.html
7. Bitstream converts scanned black-and-white or color raster images into editable Adobe PostScript® line art. http://www.adobe.com/products/streamline/main.html
8. Corelsdraws bitstream traces images and produces a .svg (scalable vector graphic) file.
9. Font Creator program useful for creating Braille fonts and unicode fonts. Shareware. http://www.high-logic.com
10. TextAloud, a text to speech program, converts to MP 3. http://www.nextup.com
11. MAGpie Media Access Generator