FAQ

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Tactile Tiles? Tactile Tiles are 3D printed communication symbols designed for learners with visual impairments, complex communication needs, and those on the path to pre-braille literacy. Each tile has a raised tactile symbol that can be felt rather than seen, making them a practical and durable alternative to printed or laminated picture symbols.

View our full tile lists: Symbol Only Tile List | Vocab Tile List

Who are they for? Our tiles are used by:

  • Children and adults with visual impairments (including CVI)
  • Learners using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
  • Students in SEND schools and resource provisions
  • Speech and language therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Families supporting communication at home

If you're unsure whether our products are right for your learner, get in touch — we're happy to talk it through.

I don't know which tiles to choose. Where should I start?

With over 400 symbols available, it can feel overwhelming at first. The best starting point is usually whatever matters most to your learner right now. Here are the most common areas families and schools begin with:

  • Transitions and school routines — if your learner struggles with moving between activities or understanding what comes next, tiles covering lessons, break, lunch, home time and key school activities make a strong first set. Browse our Daily Routines collection for ideas.
  • Emotions and regulation — tiles for feelings, calm strategies and check-ins. A good fit if your learner finds it hard to communicate how they feel. See our Emotional Regulation collection or the ready-made Calm Corner Support Set.
  • Food and mealtime choices — one of the most motivating starting points. Giving a learner the ability to choose their snack or express food preferences builds confidence and reduces frustration quickly. Our Mealtime Choice Support Set is a popular ready-made option.
  • Favourite toys, activities and rewards — tiles based on a learner's own interests are highly motivating and a natural way into any communication system. Think preferred games, outdoor activities or sensory items.
  • Morning and bedtime routines at home — consistent tactile support for getting dressed, brushing teeth, bath time and sleep routines. Our Home Routine Independence Set covers the essentials.

If you'd like a personalised recommendation, you can build your own set and let us know your learner's needs in the order notes — or just get in touch and we'll suggest a tile list for you.

What sizes are available? All tiles are fully custom-sized from 5cm × 5cm up to 20cm × 20cm. Standard sizes are available for quick ordering; custom sizing is available on request with no minimum order.

What material are the tiles made from? Tiles are printed in PLA or PETG — robust, non-toxic plastics commonly used in educational and medical settings. They are firm, washable, and designed to withstand regular classroom use.

What is the orientation notch? Every tile features a small raised notch in the top-right corner. This allows a learner (or their supporter) to orient the tile consistently by touch alone — an important feature for learners who are blind or have low vision.

How do I know which symbols to order? We offer over 400 symbols across categories including core vocabulary, food, emotions, daily routines, and more. You can browse the full catalogue and filter by category. If you need help building a symbol set for a specific learner or setting, contact us and we'll advise.

Can I get a custom symbol made? Yes. If you need a symbol that isn't in our catalogue, we offer a custom design service. See our Custom Orders page for details and pricing.

What's the difference between the physical tiles and the STL licences? Physical tiles are ready-printed products that we make and post directly to you — no printer needed. STL licences are digital products: you receive the print files and print the tiles yourself using your own 3D printer. Physical tiles are ideal if you want to get started quickly or don't have access to a printer. Licences are ideal for schools and services that already have a printer and want the flexibility to print on demand, reprint replacements, and build up a large library of tiles over time at a lower ongoing cost. Both options use the same tile designs.

What are STL licences? An STL licence gives you the digital print file for a tile, so you can print it yourself on your own 3D printer. This is ideal for schools and therapy services that already have printing capability and want ongoing access without reordering.

Do I need any special software to print the STL files? Yes — to print an STL file you'll need a piece of software called a slicer, which prepares the file for your specific printer. Most printers come with a recommended slicer; if you're using a Bambu printer we recommend Bambu Studio, and for other printers Ultimaker Cura is a free and widely-used option. The slicer is where you set things like print quality, infill, and colour changes. If you're new to this, don't worry — we can provide guidance to help you get set up and printing confidently.

What 3D printer should I get? For single-colour printing, most standard FDM printers will work well with our STL files. However, if you want to print tiles in two colours — for example, a contrasting symbol on a solid base — you will need a printer that supports multi-filament or multi-colour printing.

We recommend the Bambu A1 with the AMS (Automatic Material System) accessory, which makes multi-colour printing straightforward and reliable, even for beginners. It's a great choice for schools and families alike.

If you'd like guidance on setting up your printer for two-colour printing, just get in touch — we're happy to provide a step-by-step guide to help you get the best results.

What filament colours work best? High contrast makes a big difference, particularly for learners with visual impairments or CVI. We recommend pairing a light symbol colour with a dark base, or vice versa — for example white on black, yellow on dark blue, or orange on dark grey tend to work very well. For two-colour printing you'll need a multi-filament printer such as the Bambu A1 with AMS. If you're printing in a single colour, a bold mid-tone like teal or red on a neutral base tile can also work well for some learners. If you're unsure what would suit a specific learner, get in touch and we'll help you think it through.

Can the tiles get wet / how do I clean them? Yes — tiles printed in PLA or PETG can be wiped down with a damp cloth or mild antibacterial spray, making them suitable for regular classroom and home use. We'd recommend avoiding prolonged soaking or dishwashers, as extended exposure to heat or water can affect the print over time. For most everyday cleaning purposes — wiping down between users, for example — they hold up very well.

Can tiles be used alongside other AAC systems like PECS or Makaton? Yes, absolutely. Tactile Tiles are designed to complement rather than replace existing AAC approaches. Many of our customers use them alongside PECS, Makaton, or other symbol-based systems — the tiles simply add a tactile, durable dimension to communication support that paper and laminated symbols can't provide. Because tiles can be customised with vocabulary that matches your existing system, they're easy to integrate into current routines without needing to start from scratch.

How much do tiles cost? Tiles start from £1 each, with pricing depending on size and quantity. Sets and boards are also available at bundled prices. See individual product listings for full pricing.

Do you offer discounts for schools or bulk orders? Yes. We work with schools, NHS services, and therapy providers and can discuss pricing for larger orders. Contact us directly to talk through your needs.

How long will a large order take? For orders over £150, please allow additional production time beyond our standard lead times. We hand-produce all tiles in small batches, so larger orders take longer to fulfil. Custom or bespoke orders — particularly items we don't hold as standard stock — will take longer still. Once your order is placed and finalised, we'll provide you with a lead time estimate so you know exactly what to expect. If you have a deadline in mind, please get in touch before ordering.

Can I use Tactile Tiles funding or grants to purchase? Many of our customers use SEND budgets, pupil premium, or dedicated communication funding. We can provide invoices addressed to your school or organisation, and can supply supporting information for the purchase decision makers at your organisation.

Do you ship internationally? Yes — we ship to over 40 countries worldwide. For UK orders, please allow 1–4 business days handling time, with standard delivery via Royal Mail taking a further 2–3 business days after dispatch. Custom or personalised orders may take a little longer — we'll confirm timelines in your order confirmation email.

For international orders, delivery typically takes 5–14 working days depending on your destination. Please note that import duties and taxes may apply and are the responsibility of the buyer.

We also offer free shipping on UK orders over £20, and on orders over £100 for the US, Australia, and Canada.

If your order hasn't arrived within the expected timeframe, please contact us at hello@tactiletiles.com and we'll investigate promptly.

How long does delivery take? As products are made to order, please allow 5–10 working days for standard orders. Larger or custom orders may take longer — we'll always give you an estimated timeframe at the point of order.

For overseas delivery outside of the UK, delivery depends on the location but most shipping is 6-9 days from postage date.

I have a question that isn't answered here. Please visit our Contact page or email us directly. We're a small team and we genuinely like hearing from the people who use our products.