Installing Indigenous Language Keyboards

I. Installing the Keyman Application
II. Download your Indigenous Language Keyboard
III. Installing a Keyboard
IV. Using the Keyboard

To install a Translation Commons keyboard is a simple process. First, you will need to install the Keyman application on your device. Once Keyman is installed, you can download and install one or more of the Translation Commons Indigenous language keyboards. Most of the Translation Commons keyboards rely on the Keyman application. Keyman is a free and open source tool that runs on many desktop and mobile devices. It provides support for creating and deploying virtual keyboards for over 2000 languages.

I. Installing the Keyman Application

Keyman can be downloaded from the Keyman website, the App Store, or the Google Play for your device operating system.

Operating System	Download Keyman Application	Keyman Information Page
Android	Google Play	Keyman for Android
iOS	App Store	Keyman for iPhone and iPad
Linux	Download Keyman for Linux	Keyman for Linux
macOS	Download Keyman for macOS	Keyman for macOS
Windows	Download Keyman for Windows	Keyman for Windows

II. Downloading Your Indigenous Language Keyboard

The Translation Commons Keyboards can be downloaded from our Translation Commons’ Publish Keyboards page . This is where they are made available first. They are then also published on the Keyman site. The Keyman application uses files with .kmp extensions to contain the instructions and data that defines each keyboard. Some keyboards are distributed with additional documentation and supporting files besides the .kmp file. The complete set of files is distributed in a .zip file. When you open the .zip file, the .kmp file, and any other files can be extracted.

III. Installing a Keyboard

To install a keyboard, open the .kmp file. This will add it to the Keyman app and it can then be used as needed. When you open the .kmp file Keyman prompts you with a dialog box showing some information about the keyboard and an INSTALL button. If you select the button the keyboard will be installed. You may be prompted by the operating system whether Keyman can make changes to the system. Answer yes to continue. The keyboard will be installed. Refer to the appropriate information page listed above if you need more details.

IV. Using the Keyboard

You can select the keyboard by its language code and name in the Keyman application. See the documentation accompanying each keyboard to learn its capabilities and the keys and keystrokes for each character. Depending on your operating system there will also be an input method selector on your screen that lets you select or change keyboards easily.

The selector for Windows (found in the task bar):