Combined Braille Sign Types

We go together like peanut butter and jelly... or combined braille translations.

There are two methods for combining braille in SignAgent. The first is done completely within the template.

Method 1: In-Template

This method involves using reference fields directly within the template. Instead of creating the usual templated text that has a field name and bounding box we will create text that is its own layer.

PROS: This messaging will stay current. If we were to update the "Room" field, the braille would translate and this would be reflected in the template.

CONS: Additional commands cannot be applied to this braille. It cannot be part of a repeating sign or align to any other objects. It will only write left-to-right on a single line.

In this example we are combining the braille translation of two fields called "section" and "room". The braille translated fields in SignAgent will be called "Section Braille" and "Room Braille". We put the field names in curly brackets and write "{section_braille} {room_braille}" directly onto the sign using our chosen braille font.

Method 2: In-App

This combination method is done with separate fields within SignAgent. When combining field 1 and 2, we create a 3rd field where the information is brought together and then create a braille translation for that 3rd field.

PROS: Allows for a much higher degree of formatting and customization

CONS: This method will not stay current and will need to be updated if changes are made to the fields being combined but allows for any of the usual SignAgent features to be utilized.

1. Begin by selecting the specific sign type you wish to edit. Right click and select "Edit".

2. Select "Fields" to edit and add the required fields for the combination of the text. Greenshot 2025-09-05 08.11.32

3. Ensure the fields we want to combine are located in the message fields. In this case, we want to combine "Room Number" and "Room Name".

4. Add the field that will outline the combination we desire to be translated by typing it below the existing field names. In this case, we will add "Room Name Number Combo". The name itself isn't important, but helps us keep tack of the combination. Once we translate this combined field to Braille, it will add "Braille" to the end of the name.

5. Ensure the new field is saved.

6. We can now go back to the organization dropdown menu and select "Manage Messages"

7. Select Languages, and then proceed to select your braille language

Note: If you already have a Braille Language set up, choose that one!

Fill out the necessary information. If this is a brand new Braille translation:

Name the field
Choose the Automatic Translation type (in this case we chose US Braille Grade 1)
Check the box if you want the braille to be all lower-case
Agree to terms for translated Braille

8. Add the combined field you just made to the "fields" section at the bottom, and ensure both original fields are there as well (in this case, that's "room name" and "room number"). If they are not, add them and save.

9. Proceed back to edit the sign and its specific fields.

10. Add the 'Number Name Combo Braille' option to the message field list and save.

10. Move back to map view. This edit can be made for multiple signs at once. Click this link to learn how to select multiple signs: support.signagent.com/knowledge/selecting-multi...

11. We will use a reference command to combine the text from multiple fields into one (our combo field we just created). In this case, {room_number} {room_name} will take the text from those two fields and add them to the combo field. support.signagent.com/knowledge/basic-calculati...

12. The signs will now render the combined translation.

Note: Combined Braille fields are made to automatically combine the Braille from two fields into one line - if your combined Braille does not fit onto one line and is not breaking in the place you want it to, we recommend translating each piece of Braille separately instead (i.e. one field for "room number braille" and one field for "room name braille")

Please note: You must ensure your template is updated to match the new field name.

Combined Braille Sign Types

This document will outline the direct steps to combining braille translations on a desired sign or signs.

Method 1: In-Template