The six dots of the braille cell are configured in 64 possible combinations (including the space which has no dots present). The 63 braille characters with dots are grouped in a table of seven lines. This table is used to establish "braille order" for listing braille signs.

Line 1 is formed with characters in the upper part of the cell, using dots 1, 2, 4 and 5.

Line 2 adds dot 3 to each of the characters in Line 1.

Line 3 adds dots 3 and 6 to each of the characters in Line 1.

Line 4 adds dot 6 to each of the characters in Line 1.

Line 5 repeats the dot configurations of Line 1 in the lower part of the cell, using dots 2, 3, 5 and 6.

Line 6 is formed with characters using dots 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Line 7 is formed with characters in the right column of the cell, using dots 4, 5 and 6.

Do not use line mode when the attributes of the lines or their relationship with one another is important, such as in the study of geometry or the measurement of angles.

Do not use line mode when the diagram would be too complex to be read by touch.

An individual may write braille by hand either using a slate and stylus to push dots out from the back of the paper working from right to left or using a mechanical device called a brailler. A person may also use an embosser to reproduce an electronic braille file. These methods all produce embossed braille on hardcopy paper.

Where the technology is available, it is often better to represent lines in diagrams with tactile graphics.

A person may read an electronic braille file by using a refreshable braille display attached to his/her computer. This employs pins which raise and lower to form the braille characters.

Originally developed to represent the French language, braille has been adapted for English and many other languages.

Braille is used to represent all subject matter, including literature, mathematics, science and technology. Louis Braille developed the system which is used worldwide today for representing music.

Unified English Braille (UEB) is a system of English braille which represents all subjects except music.

Use the horizontal line mode indicator to open any horizontal line.