What Is Braille Paper?

Unlike traditional copy/printing paper, braille paper is a thick stock paper used specifically with braille printers / braille embossers to print reading material for the blind and visually impaired.  Braille paper holds the shape of the braille dot better than traditional paper and lasts longer – ultimately making the reading process easier and more enjoyable for a blind individual.  Braille paper should also generate less paper dust and minimize static electricity, which are generated during the braille printing process – both of which can damage the internal components of a braille printer.

While some braille printer manufacturers may say that printing on traditional copy paper is an option, in reality, this type of paper is not recommended, or preferred, by a braille reader.  When using traditional paper in your braille printer, you are likely to see a hole instead of a braille dot (note: in a proper braille dot, there is a slight crease at the head/top of the dot called “crowning”, which is preferred amongst braille readers), or a dot so weak that it is not legible to the reader.  As the National Braille Association states, “it’s the equivalent of trying to read print that is just too faint.”

If you’re going through the time and effort to produce high quality braille, or braille that’s legible, it starts with using the correct braille paper.

Braille paper comes in three different formats – continuous, paper rolls and cut sheet.

Continuous Feed Braille Paper (also known as fanfold, z-fold, tractor feed)
Continuous braille paper is exactly what the name suggests—a long sheet of paper with perforations at designated points (such as 11 inches) to create individual pages. It is the most reliable and widely used format in braille production, allowing users to load the paper once and minimize feeding issues and paper jams. Most boxes of continuous braille paper contain 1,000 sheets (equivalent to 2,000 pages when printing double-sided/interpoint), eliminating the need for frequent reloading.

The perforations along each side of the paper were originally designed for printer feeding and must be removed before binding. Individual sheets can be separated by hand or with a forms burster like the Braillo Cut, a machine that automatically separates and trims perforated sheets. Additionally, pre-punched options are available with binding holes already on the left-hand side, compatible with standard binding rings, making assembly of braille books even easier.

Braille Paper Rolls
Braille paper rolls are widely used by large braille production facilities, government agencies, and libraries that require high-volume printing using production embossers, such as those offered by Braillo. Roll-fed braille paper has grown in popularity because it is more cost-effective than continuous or cut-sheet options and supports longer printing runs.

A single roll contains approximately 15,000 sheets (equivalent to 30,000 pages when printing double-sided/interpoint), allowing a braille producer to load a roll in the morning and run the printer all day without interruption. Unlike continuous paper, rolls do not require a forms burster or manual separation of sheets, and they produce a clean edge on all four sides. Users can still apply their preferred binding method as needed.

Additionally, braille rolls enable printing in magazine or book formats when used with compatible embossers, such as the Braillo 650 SW2 and Braillo 650 SF2, streamlining high-volume braille production.

Cut Sheet Braille Paper
Cut-sheet braille paper is the third common paper option. Its appeal lies in the absence of perforated edges, the availability of pre-punched binding holes, and ease of sourcing.

Sheet-fed braille printers typically require more frequent manual loading. While some may suggest using standard office copy paper because it is inexpensive and widely available, it is not designed for braille embossing. True cut-sheet braille paper is specifically manufactured to provide optimal dot formation and a superior tactile reading experience. If you are producing braille on a cut-sheet printer, it is essential to use paper intended for braille, not generic office paper.

Quality of the Paper
Braille paper should be acid-free, dust-free, and manufactured from a single mill to ensure consistent quality. High-quality braille paper promotes a positive reading experience and reduces the risk of damage to expensive braille embossers. Because it is heavier and produced to finer tolerances than standard copy paper, braille paper is more expensive. Low-cost braille paper is often inconsistent, sometimes sourced from “odd lots” with varying thickness, texture, and color.

Paper Weight
The recommended weight for braille paper is 100 lb or 140–150 GSM. Paper that is too thin can tear or produce incomplete braille dots, generate excessive dust in the printer, increase the likelihood of jams, and result in dots that are difficult to read. Proper braille dots feature a slight crown at the top, preferred by braille readers. Conversely, paper that is too thick can damage embossing pins.

Finished Product

• Continuous paper: Ensure clean tractor feed holes and well-defined perforations to prevent feeding issues and simplify sheeting.

• Rolls: Rolls should be properly stored and handled to avoid damaged edges or flat spots.

• Cut sheets: Verify that sheets are cut true to size and manufactured specifically for braille production.

• Pre-punched paper: Ensure holes are fully punched for proper printing, binding, and a clean final product.

While minor variations in color, texture, and thickness are natural due to differences in trees, the goal is to minimize these through tight manufacturing tolerances.

Shipping & Turnaround
Braille paper should be shipped securely in sturdy cardboard boxes or rolls wrapped in cardboard, either palletized or “roll on, roll off,” to prevent damage during transit. The supplier should be knowledgeable about all shipping options, including Free Matter, UPS, USPS, air, sea, truck freight, and container shipping, to ensure prompt and safe delivery.

The largest global supplier of braille paper is American Thermoform Corporation. Since 1988, American Thermoform has been producing braille paper and is the only manufacturer fully dedicated to the braille industry. As the parent company of Braillo Norway, American Thermoform has partnered with paper specialists to develop premium braille paper specifically designed for use in all braille printers—whether in commercial facilities or individual homes. Controlling the production process from start to finish, American Thermoform and Braillo provide worldwide shipping, the highest quality braille paper, and unmatched pricing. Contact us today for a quote.