SCRIBE Project

The SCRIBE Project

The Stanford Converter into Braille & E-Text (SCRIBE) is an online document conversion system supporting the transformation of text and image-based file types into different formats. Individuals upload files through a Web interface and select from a variety of output options, including audio, Braille, or e-text formats. The SCRIBE platform will convert text files into alternate text file types as well as convert image-based files into text formatted files. MP3 audio versions are created using the high-quality NeoSpeech text-to-speech voices.

Notification of a completed conversion is made via e-mail. Currently, the SCRIBE platform will only support requests from individuals using a valid Stanford University e-mail address. The e-mail notification will contain the converted file or a hyperlink to download the specific file. Please note - the SCRIBE platform removes processed files after several days.

Getting Started

To begin converting documents, go to the Convert a File web form to upload and choose the output format as well as conversion options. A full list of the supported file types and output selections may be found at Conversion Options.

Conversion Results

The quality of the conversion is dependent upon the quality of the original document. For instance, if you are converting a well-structured MS Word document into audio, DAISY, or ePub format, the resulting file will be properly rendered into the desired output. If, however, you upload a poorly scanned image file for conversion to a text format, the resulting text document may include recognition errors in the output file.

Questions and Feedback

If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback regarding the SCRIBE system, please e-mail the SCRIBE administrators with any concerns or suggestions. The SCRIBE Project is still undergoing development and we look forward to hearing from you as to what additional conversion options you would like to see as part of the system.