Change Keyboard Layout in Ubuntu Linux: A Quick Guide
Changing your keyboard layout in Ubuntu Linux lets you type in different languages or add special symbols with a few quick keystrokes. A keyboard layout is simply a software map that tells your computer which character to show on screen when you press a specific key.
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and newer versions support over 100 different layouts so you can easily match your physical keyboard or switch to another language. You can jump between your saved layouts in seconds by pressing the Super + Space 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
Keyboard shortcuts provide a fast method for switching layouts in Ubuntu Linux. Holding down the Super key (typically the Win on keyboards) while pressing the Spacebar cycles through the different keyboard layouts configured on the computer.
Shortcuts and steps for changing the keyboard layout in Ubuntu Linux appear below.
By default, pressing Super+Space cycles to the next keyboard layout, and Shift+Super+Space cycles through all installed keyboards.
Install alternative keyboard layouts:
Installing new keyboard layouts in Ubuntu Linux happens through the System Settings. Open the Activities overview in the top-left corner of the screen and type ‘Settings’ into the search bar. Alternatively, click the system menu in the top-right corner of the desktop and select 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.
Missing layouts on the provided list require clicking the vertical ellipses highlighted below.
Choose the keyboard layout intended for use.
Switching between input language layouts works using the language bar on the top of the screen.
Press the Super+Space keys to go to the following keyboard layout and Shift+Super+Space to cycle through all installed keyboards.
Configuration is complete.
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?
Keyboard shortcuts providing a menu for choosing the input source offer the quickest method for switching keyboard layouts in Linux. Default shortcuts allow cycling forward with Super + Space and backward with Shift + Super + Space.
How do I swap my keyboard layout?
Selecting the input language icon in the taskbar's system tray area displays a pop-up menu with available keyboard layouts. Choosing the desired keyboard layout updates the input language icon accordingly.
Was this guide helpful?
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.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!