Guides / Braille signage

Braille signage under the Colombian NTC 6047

The NTC 6047 sets how tactile and braille signs must be in citizen service spaces in Colombia. This is what it asks, with the clause for each rule, read from the text of the standard published by the DNP.

Updated on 27 September 2026

Who it applies to

The standard sets the accessibility and signage requirements of the spaces where citizens are served, in new buildings and in refurbishments. It is addressed to public administration bodies and to private entities that carry out public functions (clause 1). For any other office, practice or shop it is a good starting point.

Where tactile and braille signs go

• Elevator panels, cubicle numbers in service centers and public restroom doors, among others, carry the information raised and in braille (45.6.3).
• Text is complemented with graphic symbols, so that everyone understands it (45.1).
• Signs are made of sturdy materials that are easy to change, clean and repair, and should not be crowded together or covered by posters (45.1).

The letters

• A sans serif font similar to Helvetica or Arial medium, at least 15 mm tall; 20 to 30 mm per meter of reading distance is preferred (45.7.1).
• A capital first letter and the rest in lowercase, as in a sentence: sustained capitals are harder to read. Lines start from the same edge, unjustified; a one-word sign may be centered (45.7.1).
• Letters, figures and symbols from 15 to 55 mm, raised at least 0.8 mm; 1 to 1.5 mm is preferred (49.7.2).

The braille

• Domed and pleasant to the touch, 8 mm below the last line of text and aligned left (45.6.4).
• On signs with several lines, a semicircular braille locator aligned with the first braille line helps find it (45.6.4).
• If the sign uses an arrow, it also carries a small arrow for braille readers (45.6.4).

Pictograms and the accessibility symbol

• Spaces and elements accessible to people with disabilities are marked with the accessibility symbol of the NTC 4139 (45.8).
• Graphic symbols have high contrast, with a difference of at least 60 points in light reflectance value (LRV), and good lighting (45.8).
• On door signs, symbols should be tactile and come with raised letters and braille; signs placed higher than 1.60 m do not need to be tactile (45.8).

Height and placement

• Between 1.20 and 1.60 m from the floor, where they can be touched and read up close, and visible to people sitting, standing or walking (45.7.3). If a tactile sign sits lower, it is mounted tilted, preferably between 20° and 30° (45.6.3).
• Where many people gather and the sign may be blocked, another one goes at least 2.10 m high, to be seen from afar (45.7.3).
• Where there is room, a door sign goes on the lock side, 50 to 100 mm from the lintel (45.7.3).

Our signs and plates

We are finishing the sample of our sign with raised letters, braille and a pictogram. Meanwhile, the braille plate with your text marks doors and objects in braille; it carries braille only, so on its own it does not meet the NTC 6047, which also asks for raised letters and a pictogram.