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    Understanding Alternative Formats

    • Blackboard Original
    • Accessibility

    Last modified: June 6, 2024

    Use the chart below to help determine which format will best suit your needs.

    Which Format is Right for You?

    FormatWhen to UseDescription
    Electronic BrailleYou use a Braille display or deviceThis option is for those students who use a refreshable Braille display, other Braille reading devices, or a Braille software.
    AudioYou prefer listening to reading or want to listen and read at the same timeThis option allows you to download a file that reads aloud the text in the original content. This also includes alternative descriptions for images if they are provided.
    Immersive Reader
    • You want to control font size and text spacing or change the contrast between the text and the background color
    • You need extra reading support such as splitting words into syllables or highlighting parts of speech
    • You need help focusing on your reading
    • You want to have the text read aloud
    • The language of the document is not your first language 
    		This option allows you to control the way the text appears and supports readers by highlighting parts of speech or splitting words into syllables. You can set it to show you only a few lines at a time to increase your focus. It can also read the text aloud or translate it into another language. Its weakness is that it cannot currently support images and tables, so this is not a good option for resources with many visual elements or charts. It’s the only format that cannot be used offline.
    PDF, OCRYou want to copy/paste from the text, search the text, highlight, take notes on the document, or bookmark pagesThis option performs Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on PDFs that were originally just images and converts them to searchable text.
    PDF, Tagged
    • You want to copy/paste from the text, search the text, highlight, take notes on the document, or bookmark pages
    • You use a screen reader
    		This option uses tags to aid screen reader users.
    HTML
    • You want to copy/paste from the text or search the text
    • You are using a mobile device and want the document to adapt to the screen for easier reading
    • You use a screen reader
    		HTML is a coding language used in many websites. This option is viewed in a browser and will adapt to the device you are using. **Right now, hyperlinks are not transferring from the original document reliably, so if the original has a lot of hyperlinks, you may want to choose a different alternative format.**
    ePub
    • You want to copy/paste from the text, search the text, highlight, take notes on the document, or bookmark pages
    • You are using a mobile device and want the document to adapt to the screen for easier reading
    		This option creates a digital file that can be used on reader apps or devices. Content automatically adapts to the device or app it is viewed on for easier reading.
    BeeLine Reader
    • You have difficulty with visual tracking or reading focus 
    • You are using a mobile device and want the document to adapt to the screen for easier reading
    		This option uses color to make reading on a screen easier and faster. It enhances reading focus and benefits people who may have difficulty with visual tracking or focus such as those with dyslexia, ADHD, or low vision.
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