Chapter 8
Digital Spaces
Access, distribution, and use of Scripture in digital environments.
More than apps
Digital spaces cover different ways of accessing Scripture, from PDF documents to apps, reading platforms, audio, video, and other interactive resources.
Going digital doesn't replace print, audio, or video. Digital expands access and complements the other formats.
Apps
Platforms
Multimedia
Challenge
Opportunity
Overview
Chapter 8 works with the consolidated Catalog1 Highlight (112 groups), focusing on the 58 groups that already have the New Testament published.
58
NTs published in text
53
with PDF available
View Figure 8.1 →
Offline apps
49
apps available
View Figure 8.2 →
8.1 New Testament available in PDF
PDF is a simple, standardized digital format that's widely compatible with phones, tablets, and computers.
Benefits
- quick access;
- simple sharing;
- digital preservation;
- use on different devices;
- less exclusive dependence on printed material.
Figure 8.1
Catalog1 Highlight: New Testaments in digital PDF version
Among the published New Testaments, how many already have a PDF version available?
Catalog1 Highlight · NT in PDF
58
NTs published
Digital progress: 53 of 58 · 91,4%
- PDF available: 53
- PDF unavailable: 5
53
PDF available
91,4%
5
PDF unavailable
8,6%
Immediate priority
5 groups still have a published NT, but no PDF available.
Digitizing this content can expand access with relatively little effort compared to its potential impact.
The goal is for every published NT to also have an accessible digital version in PDF. PDF complements print text, audio, and video — it doesn't automatically replace those formats.
Expected editorial figures: 53 with a PDF available and 5 without a PDF, out of 58 published NTs.
Figure 8.1
8.2 Mobile apps with offline use
Mobile apps can expand access to Scripture, especially among generations used to mobile phones and in communities with limited connectivity.
Figure 8.2
Catalog1 Highlight: New Testaments on mobile in offline apps
Among the published New Testaments, how many already have an offline app available?
Catalog1 Highlight · Offline apps
58
NTs published
49
with app · 84,5%
9
without app · 15,5%
Distribution of the 49 available apps
- Audio and text2142,9% dos 49
- Audio only510,2% dos 49
- Text only2346,9% dos 49
Showing 58 of 58 groups
Expected editorial figures: 49 with an app (21 audio and text, 5 audio only, 23 text only) and 9 without an app, out of 58 published NTs.
Figure 8.2
Digital access: PDF × app
53 de 58
91,4%
Offline app
49 de 58
84,5%
The two indicators may overlap — the same group may have both a PDF and an app. So 53 + 49 doesn't represent a total of digital resources.
Different digital formats expand access possibilities.
Why does offline matter?
Offline access lets apps be used in communities with limited or no internet, including rural and remote areas.
Three benefits
- access without a connection;
- community use;
- greater continuity of access.
Strategic relevance
Cultural appreciation
Practical accessibility
Community engagement
What you need to remember
- Digital spaces go beyond apps.
- PDF expands distribution and preservation.
- Among the 58 published NTs, 53 have a PDF available.
- 5 still don't have a PDF.
- 49 have an offline app.
- Apps can offer audio, text, or both.
- Offline use is strategic in regions with limited connectivity.
- PDF and app are indicators that may overlap and shouldn't be added together.
- The digital goal is to expand access to and use of Scripture.
Source: ICMT 2025 Project — Collaborative Information for the Bible Translation Movement, Brazil.
Content adapted from the ICMT 2025 Report for a digital, mobile-friendly experience.
The information and visualizations are intellectual property. When sharing or using this content, please cite the source appropriately.