How to Change Keyboard Layout on Linux

This article will show you How to Change Keyboard Layout on Linux. For people who would rather use computers in a language other than English, keyboard layouts are very helpful. It’s likely that you want to make your native language the main language that your computer understands. For some reason, the QWERTY keyboard layout might not suit you, even if you’re used to typing in English. You might have one of those keyboards with a layout that doesn’t make sense.

You find out that your choices matter when you work on a computer for a long time. Having your computer set up just the way you like it can mean the difference between quickly finishing a task and taking a long time to do it. Whether you’re writing, coding, or just using hotkeys, your keyboard and how it’s set up are very important. Each Linux desktop environment has its own way of doing things, but they all make it easy how to Change Keyboard Layout on Linux, region, or personal taste.

What is a keyboard layout?

The way the keys on a keyboard are set up is called its layout. Most of the time, keyboard layouts are made to work with a certain language or writing system.
QWERTY is the most common way to set up a keyboard in the world. Christopher Latham Sholes came up with the QWERTY layout in the 1870s. Its original purpose was to slow down typists so that typewriters wouldn’t get stuck.

The thing is, the letters that the operating system links to the keys you press are not controlled by the keyboard itself. They are controlled by the operating system. In the operating system, you should be able to change how the keys are laid out. This is helpful if you chose the wrong regions by accident during installation or if you like a keyboard layout that isn’t used by many people.

How to Change Keyboard Layout on Linux

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Click on the Languages & Input tab.
3. Click on the Keyboard tab.
4. Under the Layouts section, click on the Add button.
5. Select the keyboard layout that you want to add from the list.
6. Click on the OK button.
7. The new keyboard layout will be added to the list of available layouts.
8. To switch to the new keyboard layout, click on the Layout Selector button in the top-right corner of the screen.
9. Select the new keyboard layout from the list.

Why Change Keyboard Layout on Linux?

1. Language Preferences: Users who are comfortable in languages other than English may need to change the keyboard layout to match their preferred language. Different languages often have different keyboard layouts to accommodate unique characters and symbols.
2. Typing Special Characters: Keyboard layouts can vary significantly between languages and regions, making it essential to change layouts to access special characters, diacritics, or symbols specific to a particular language.
3. Multilingual Usage: Some users work in multiple languages or need to type in various scripts regularly. Switching keyboard layouts allows them to seamlessly transition between languages while typing.
4. Accessibility Needs: People with disabilities may require customized keyboard layouts to better suit their specific needs. For example, some individuals might need larger keys or rearranged key layouts for improved accessibility.
5. Coding and Programming: Programmers often need to use symbols that are not readily available on the standard QWERTY layout. They may switch to alternative layouts to access these symbols more efficiently.
6. Regional Variations: Different countries have their own keyboard layouts, and users may prefer or need to use the layout corresponding to their region, such as AZERTY in France or QWERTZ in Germany.

Best keyboard layouts for Linux

1. QWERTY: The QWERTY layout is the most widely used keyboard layout in the world and is the default for most Linux distributions. If you’re already familiar with it, there’s no need to change.
2. Dvorak: The Dvorak Simplified Keyboard is an alternative layout designed to increase typing efficiency by placing the most commonly used letters and letter combinations on the home row. Some Linux users find it more comfortable once they’ve learned it.
3. Colemak: Colemak is another alternative layout that aims to strike a balance between the familiarity of QWERTY and the efficiency of Dvorak. It’s designed to be easier for QWERTY typists to learn.
4. Workman: The Workman layout is another ergonomic alternative to QWERTY. It aims to minimize typing effort and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries. It’s less popular than Dvorak or Colemak but still worth considering.
5. Programmer’s Dvorak: This layout is based on the Dvorak layout but optimized for programming and coding. If you’re a coder, this layout may be worth exploring.

Conclusion

One of the main ways to interact with a computer is through the keyboard. Keyboard layouts are standardized so that you can type correctly on more than one computer. Sadly, different countries have different rules about what characters need to be on a keyboard, and even countries that speak the same language often have different layouts. This means you should be careful when buying a keyboard from a store in another country to make sure it has the right layout for you.

Questions and Answers