ELLAHelp centre FAQ
These are quick answers. Each links to a longer page. The site's main FAQ covers what ELLA does and which files it accepts. The glossary explains words such as UEB, BRF and tagged PDF.
Common questions
How old do I need to be to use ELLA?
You need to be 13 or over to create your own account. If you are 13 to 17 you can sign up yourself, and you do not need a parent's permission. If you are under 13, a teacher, parent or carer can use ELLA to make accessible copies for you. See parents and carers.
Does ELLA cost anything?
ELLA is free at the moment. You get a monthly allowance, and your monthly allowance explains it.
Do I need an account?
Yes. ELLA is invite only, so you need an invitation to make an account. An account lets you keep requests for longer and save your settings. See create an account.
How do I get an invitation?
You can join the waitlist at autodots.ai with your email address. We email you when a place is free. An invitation works once and expires after 14 days.
Is there a password?
No. ELLA uses passkeys. If you lose yours, you can recover your account by email. See lost your passkey.
How long does ELLA keep my files?
For a signed-in account, files are kept 30 days by default, and you can choose to delete them after you download them or after 7 days. See delete your data.
Does ELLA use my documents to train AI?
No. ELLA does not use your content to train AI models, and the AI and hosting providers it uses are not allowed to either. ELLA only uses your content to improve the service if you choose to contribute it. See how ELLA handles your documents.
Can I trust the braille without checking?
No. ELLA can make mistakes, especially in braille, maths, diagrams, text read from scans. Read the chat reply and have a person who knows the reader check anything important. See checking your results.
Which braille does ELLA write?
Unified English Braille by default, in grade 1, grade 2 and technical notation for maths. Welsh grade 1 and grade 2 are available on request. ELLA does not write Nemeth. See braille and Welsh-language documents.
Which file should I ask for, BRF or PEF?
BRF opens on most braille displays and embossing software. PEF is made for embossing. If you are not sure, ask for BRF. See BRF or PEF.
What if ELLA cannot finish a file?
Read the reply and use the files that are available. Tell ELLA what still needs doing. See request failed or a file was withheld.
Can a school or employer use ELLA?
ELLA has personal accounts at the moment. A school or employer that would like ELLA for its team can join the waitlist and say so.
Does ELLA have an API?
ELLA has no public API.
How do I get help from a person?
Email [email protected]. Tell us which file you used and what you asked for.
Still stuck?
Browse the help centre, or contact support and say what you were trying to do.