Abstract: A device (10) for displaying information, in particular more extensive braille texts, includes a pattern setter (16) and eraser means (36). Above the pattern setter, there is a cover plate (14) comprising at least one removable character carrier (20) composed of a plurality of form-fit profiles (30). In or between the latter, rows of spring-biased pins (22) are guided which have undercuts (42) adapted to be locked by lateral teeth (40) of elastic strips (38). Only those pins which have been lifted by the pattern setter (16), e.g. according to programmed control, project with their tips (24) from the top face (34) of the character carrier (20) which may be detached for independent use as a reading board, printing plate, deep-drawing die, etc. For erasing, the strips (38) are shifted between the profiles by half the grid distance (a/2) so that the teeth (40) will release the set pins for return to their starting position.