In this article, we will delve into the process of changing keyboard layouts in Ubuntu using the command line. This guide is designed to be comprehensive and helpful, providing you with step-by-step instructions and explanations.
To change keyboard layouts in Ubuntu via the command line, you can use commands such as loadkeys, setxkbmap, gsettings, or the xkb-switch tool. These commands allow you to change the keyboard layout system-wide or for the current user, depending on your needs.
Introduction
The ability to change the keyboard layout is a handy feature, especially for users who work with multiple languages or different keyboard layouts. While Ubuntu provides a graphical interface to change the keyboard layout, you may need or prefer to do it via the command line. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as working on a server without a graphical interface or automating the process in a script.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
- A system running Ubuntu.
- Access to a terminal window/command line.
- Sudo or root privileges.
Method 1: Using loadkeys Command
The loadkeys command is a simple and quick way to change the keyboard layout. This command works in the Linux command line, also known as TTY, and changes the layout system-wide.
To use loadkeys, open a terminal and type loadkeys <layout_code>. Replace <layout_code> with the code of the desired keyboard layout. For example, to switch to a French keyboard layout, you would type:
loadkeys frMethod 2: Using setxkbmap Command
The setxkbmap command is another method to change the keyboard layout. This command works in the X (graphical) environment and changes the layout for the current user.
To use setxkbmap, open a terminal and type setxkbmap <layout_code>. Replace <layout_code> with the code of the desired keyboard layout. For example, to switch to a Spanish keyboard layout, you would type:
setxkbmap esTo make the changes system-wide, you can use the sudo dpkg-reconfigure console-setup command on Ubuntu.
Method 3: Using gsettings Command
The gsettings command is specifically for Ubuntu systems with the Gnome desktop environment. This command changes the keyboard layout for the current user.
To use gsettings, open a terminal and type gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.input-sources current <index>. Replace <index> with the index of the desired layout (starting from 0). For example, to switch to the first layout in your list, you would type:
gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.input-sources current 0Method 4: Using xkb-switch Tool
The xkb-switch tool is a more stable solution that can be used to switch keyboard layouts without affecting other options. To use this tool, you first need to install it from the repository or source.
Once installed, open a terminal and use the xkb-switch command to display the current layout, xkb-switch -l to list available layouts, and xkb-switch -s <layout_code> to switch to a specific layout.
For example, to switch to a German keyboard layout, you would type:
xkb-switch -s deConclusion
Changing the keyboard layout in Ubuntu via the command line might seem daunting at first, but with the right commands, it becomes a straightforward task. Whether you’re using loadkeys, setxkbmap, gsettings, or xkb-switch, you now have the knowledge to adjust your keyboard layout to suit your needs. Remember to replace <layout_code> and <index> with the appropriate values for your desired layout. Happy typing!
Yes, Ubuntu provides a graphical interface to change the keyboard layout. You can access it by going to "Settings" > "Region & Language" > "Input Sources" and adding or removing keyboard layouts as needed.
You can find the code for a specific keyboard layout by checking the /usr/share/X11/xkb/symbols/ directory. Each layout has a file named after the code. For example, the code for the French keyboard layout is "fr" and you can find the corresponding file at /usr/share/X11/xkb/symbols/fr.
Yes, you can set a different keyboard layout for each user in Ubuntu. Each user can configure their preferred keyboard layout through the graphical interface or by using the appropriate command in the command line.
To make the keyboard layout change apply system-wide, you can use the sudo dpkg-reconfigure console-setup command. This command will prompt you to select the desired keyboard layout and apply it to the system.
Yes, it is possible to automate the keyboard layout change process in a script. You can use the appropriate command, such as loadkeys, setxkbmap, or gsettings, within a script to change the keyboard layout based on your requirements.
