Change Keyboard Layout in Ubuntu Linux: A Quick Guide
Changing your keyboard layout in Ubuntu Linux lets you type characters for different languages or special symbols.
A keyboard layout is simply a map that tells your computer which character appears when you press a specific key.
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, for example, allows you to add over 100 different layouts, and you can quickly switch between them using the Super + Space keyboard shortcut.
Access System Settings, then navigate to Keyboard and click the ‘+’ button under Input Sources to add a new layout. Press Super+Space to cycle through your installed keyboard layouts.
How to switch keyboard layout in Ubuntu Linux
You can switch your keyboard layout in Ubuntu Linux quickly using a keyboard shortcut. Hold down the Super key, usually the Windows key on your keyboard, and then press the Spacebar. This cycles through the different keyboard layouts you have set up on your computer.
Below are shortcuts and steps to change the keyboard layout in Ubuntu Linux.
By default, pressing Super+Space cycles to the next keyboard layout, and Shift+Super+Space cycles through all installed keyboards.
Install alternative keyboard layouts:
You can install new keyboard layouts in Ubuntu Linux through the System Settings. To begin, open the Activities overview, usually found in the top-left corner of your screen, and then type ‘Settings’ into the search bar. This opens the window where you can add new layouts to your system.
You can also access System Settings by clicking the System menu in the top-right corner of your desktop and selecting Settings.
On the System menu, select Settings, as highlighted below.
In the Settings app, click on the Keyboard tile.
Select the language associated with the layout, then select a layout and press Add.
If you don’t see a keyboard layout on the list provided, click the vertical ellipses highlighted below.
Choose the keyboard layout that you want to use.
You should then be able to switch between input language layouts using the language bar on the top of your screen.
Press the Super+Space keys to go to the following keyboard layout and Shift+Super+Space to cycle through all your installed keyboards.
That should do it!
Conclusion:
- Switching the keyboard layout in Ubuntu Linux is a simple process allowing efficient multi-language input.
- Users can effortlessly add, select, and cycle through different keyboard layouts to accommodate diverse language preferences.
- The centralized System Settings in Ubuntu Linux provides easy access to configuring and adding keyboard layouts, enhancing user experience.
- Switching between input language layouts using the language bar on the top of the screen ensures convenient and flexible keyboard usage.
How do you switch keyboard layouts in Linux?
The quickest way to switch keyboard layouts in Linux is with keyboard shortcuts that open a menu for choosing your input source. The default shortcuts let you cycle forward with Super + Space and backward with Shift + Super + Space.
How do I swap my keyboard layout?
In the taskbar’s system tray area, select the input language icon. A pop-up menu is displayed with the available keyboard layouts. Select the desired keyboard layout. The input language icon changes to the selected keyboard layout.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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