08 Third-Party Software and SVG File Format

This chapter explains how to create designs using third-party software and prepare them for use with the MDA. The MDA requires files in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format. This chapter also explains the available methods for transferring files to the MDA. Although originally developed by Thinkable, TactileView is included here as third-party software.

Contents

In summary
Transfer a file to the MDA
TactileView
Choosing software
Creating an SVG file
Tactile design guidance
SVG compatibility
Start sketching

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In summary

Using third-party software with the MDA involves four main steps:

• Choose software that can create or export SVG files.
• Design the image with tactile readability in mind.
• Transfer the file to the MDA.
• Start sketching.

Typical transfer methods

You can transfer files to the MDA using:

• USB memory stick.
• Browser upload .
• Network folders (FTP / SMB depending system setup) .
• Direct USB connection (TactileView only).

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Transfer a file to the MDA

A file can be sent to the MDA in several ways:

• USB drive.
• Upload page in a browser.
• Network transfer.
• Direct sketching from TactileView.

USB drive

• Open the USB-drive page on the MDA website.
• Insert the USB drive into one of the USB ports.
• Wait for the drive to be recognised.
• Select the required file.

Important: Do not remove the USB drive until sketching has finished.

Browser upload

Connect your device to: mda-hotspot, or The same local network as the MDA

• Open a browser.
• Go to the Upload page.
• Select Upload file.
• Choose your SVG file.

Network transfer

If the MDA and your computer are on the same network, folders can be mounted as network drives.
Available folders:

• MDA-upload – manual sketch start
• MDA-autosketch – sketching starts automatically

Once connected, files can be copied directly.

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TactileView

TactileView is Windows-based software designed specifically for tactile graphics.
It was originally developed by Thinkable. Since 1 July 2024, development, sales and support have continued through HumanWare.

Photo: screen shot of a fantasy flower made with TactileView, ready to sketch with the MDA.

Advantages of TactileView

• Designed for tactile graphics.
• Easy creation of shapes, graphs and maps.
• Direct sketching to the MDA.
• No need to use the web interface.

Direct USB connection

The easiest method is to connect the MDA to a Windows computer using a USB cable.
No printer driver is required.

COM port setup (Windows)

• Open: Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Device Manager
• Expand: Ports (COM & LPT)
• Connect the MDA by USB.
• Note the new COM port number.

Example: COM5

• In TactileView open: File > Print XY Plotter
• Open Settings and select the correct COM port.

Important

Do not use TactileView and the MDA website at the same time.
Sending multiple sketch commands may interrupt the sketch process.

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Choosing software

The MDA only accepts files saved as: SVG – Scalable Vector Graphics
SVG is a text-based vector format using lines and shapes. Many applications support SVG export.

Examples include:

• Windows
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Inkscape
  • GIMP
• Mac
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Inkscape
• iPhone / iPad
  • Vectornator
  • FileBrowser
• Android
  • Simplector
  • Inker

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Creating an SVG file

Recommended page size

The MDA automatically scales drawings to A4.
To avoid unwanted resizing:

• Use an A4 canvas
• 210 × 297 mm, or
• 297 × 210 mm

Recommended margins

Leave at least: 5 mm on all sides.

File naming

Use short, clear and descriptive file names.

Good examples:

• UK_Map.svg
• Bar_Chart_2026.svg
• Classroom_Layout.svg

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Tactile design guidance

For best tactile results:

• Use clear outlines.
• Keep layouts simple.
• Avoid unnecessary detail.
• Avoid overlapping lines.
• Use consistent spacing.
• Use polygons instead of curves where possible.
• Test the result by touch and improve if needed.

Do not rely on:

• Colour.
• Thin line differences.
• Decorative textures.
• Visual shading.

Current limitations:

• Braille text is not supported inside SVG files.
• Curves may be approximated using short straight segments.
• Very complex images may become difficult to read tactually.

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SVG compatibility

The MDA supports the following SVG elements:

• Line
• Polyline
• Polygon
• Circle
• Ellipse
• Rectangle
• Path

How these are interpreted

• Outlines are drawn.
• Fill colours are ignored.
• Line thickness is ignored.
• Textures are ignored.
• Embedded JPG / PNG images cannot be sketched.

Warning messages

Unsupported elements may produce a: Non-sketchable elements warning.

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Start sketching

After transfer, the file will appear on one of these pages:

• USB drive
• Upload
• MyImages

Select the file to begin sketching.

Automatic sketching

If a file is copied to: MDA-autosketch.
the MDA will start automatically.
No further action is required.
After completion, the file is deleted automatically.

Best practice summary

For the most reliable workflow:

• Create a simple SVG file.
• Use clear tactile-friendly shapes.
• Transfer via Upload or network folder.
• Preview if needed.
• Start sketching.

Professional recommendation

This chapter is especially important because it determines whether users succeed quickly or become frustrated.