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Free printable Boardmaker symbols are picture-based visual supports used to represent words, actions, objects, choices, and routines. They are commonly used on communication boards, visual schedules, first-then cards, classroom signs, social stories, choice boards, and task directions.
These printables can be helpful for children and adults who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), including people with autism, developmental disabilities, speech or language delays, intellectual disabilities, or limited speech. They may also support students who benefit from clear visual instructions, predictable routines, or reduced reading demands. Parents, special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, paraprofessionals, and caregivers can use them in different settings.
Ways to Use Printable Symbols
- Communication boards: Arrange symbols for common requests such as “more,” “help,” “stop,” “want,” food, activities, and people.
- Visual schedules: Show the order of daily events, such as getting dressed, traveling to school, completing work, and bedtime.
- Choice boards: Offer two or more activities, snacks, toys, or break options.
- First-then cards: Pair a required task with a preferred activity to make expectations easier to understand.
- Classroom routines: Label areas, supplies, transitions, and steps in a classroom or therapy activity.
How to Prepare and Use Them
- Choose symbols that match the person’s vocabulary, age, vision, and communication system.
- Print the pages and cut around each symbol, leaving a small border for easier handling.
- Place symbols on a board, strip, binder page, or portable card ring.
- Use hook-and-loop fasteners when symbols need to be moved or exchanged.
- Model how to use the symbols during real activities. Point to the symbol while speaking instead of waiting for the person to use it independently.
- Review the set regularly and add words or pictures that are meaningful in daily life.
Practical Printing Tips
Use standard US letter paper and check the PDF print settings before printing. Select Actual Size or 100% scale when symbol dimensions matter. Choose landscape orientation for wider communication boards, and use portrait orientation for schedules, cards, or vertical strips.
For frequent handling, print on cardstock or heavyweight paper. Lamination improves durability and allows symbols to be wiped clean. If the person has visual or motor needs, enlarge the symbols, increase contrast, reduce the number of choices on one page, or leave extra space between items. Test one page first to confirm that the words and pictures are readable.
Boardmaker and PCS are trademarked symbol systems, so check the usage terms attached to each resource before modifying, distributing, or selling printed materials. Free resources may be suitable for personal, classroom, or therapy use while still having restrictions on commercial use.
Where to Find and Print Free Printable Boardmaker Symbols
Universal Core Vocabulary Printable Communication Boards
Project Core provides printable universal core communication boards in PCS and other symbol formats, including standard letter layouts and high-contrast options.
Free Boardmaker Activities-to-Go Printable AAC Resources
Tobii Dynavox explains how to find and print free Boardmaker Activities-to-Go resources for educators, speech-language professionals, behavior specialists, and parents.