SCRIBE
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.
Stanford provides campus-wide access to Scribe
SCRIBE is an online document conversion system that converts text and image-based files into different formats, most often for digital accessibility purposes. Stanford users can upload files through a web interface or via Canvas 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 text-to-speech voices.
The SCRIBE platform is available within Canvas or as a standalone. Please refer to the Canvas Help article for Using SCRIBE in Canvas.
SCRIBE features
- Able to convert many file types, such as .docx, .rtf, .txt, .html, PDF, and images.
- Output to audio MP3, Braille, PEF, DAISY, and more.
Artificial intelligence features
At present, there are no generative artificial intelligence features within this tool.
Access SCRIBE (Standalone)
To begin converting documents, go to the Convert a File web form on the SCRIBE Project website 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.
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. Notification emails will come from pony@sensusaccess.com. We recommend adding pony@sensusaccess.com to your address book.
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.
To learn more about SCRIBE best practices, please visit Stanford’s Office of Accessible Education SCRIBE Conversion Best Practices.
SCRIBE and Canvas
The SCRIBE platform is also available within Canvas in all Canvas course navigation menus by default. For courses with the Canvas Files tool enabled, there will be an S-shaped icon next to files eligible for conversion. For more details, please refer to the help article Using SCRIBE in Canvas.
Additional Resources
- For a detailed Video tutorial, please visit gocanvas.stanford.edu and navigate to the Video Tutorials tab. The SCRIBE video tutorial is approximately 6 minutes long.
- To learn more about SCRIBE best practices, please visit Stanford’s Office of Accessible Education SCRIBE Conversion Best Practices.
SCRIBE (SensusAcess) also offers an e-Learning course comprised of the following modules.
- Module 1: Introduction to the e-learning course
- Module 2: Overview of the SensusAccess service
- Module 3: Producing simple MP3 files
- Module 4: Converting inaccessible and tricky documents
- Module 5: Producing simple e-books
- Module 6: Designing and creating accessible documents
- Module 7: Producing advanced e-books
- Module 8: Producing DAISY books
- Module 9: Producing Braille
Additional Accessibility Resources
- To check accessibility issues within a Canvas page, please refer to The Instructor Accessibility Guide.
- For a detailed Video tutorial, please visit gocanvas.stanford.edu and navigate to the Video Tutorials tab. The Instructor Accessibility Guide video tutorial is approximately 11 minutes long.
- To learn more about the Instructor Accessibility Guide best practices, please visit Stanford’s Office of Accessible Education. Sign up for Instructional Accessibility Modules, which provide an overview of how to use the Instructor Accessibility Guide and other accessibility strategies.
Questions?
For technical support and troubleshooting related to the SCRIBE web application or digital accessibility questions, please contact the Office of Digital Accessibility: instructional-accessibility@lists.stanford.edu.
For technical support and troubleshooting related to SCRIBE within Canvas, please contact canvashelp@stanford.edu.