
In this article, we will guide you on how to change your keyboard layout from QWERTY to AZERTY in the Ubuntu command line. This can be particularly useful if you are accustomed to the AZERTY layout or if you are using a physical AZERTY keyboard.
To change the keyboard from QWERTY to AZERTY in the Ubuntu command line, you can use the setxkbmap
command in a terminal emulator or the loadkeys
command in a console. Simply run the appropriate command with the desired AZERTY layout code (e.g., fr
for French or be
for Belgian) and you’re good to go.
Understanding Keyboard Layouts
Before we delve into the process, it’s important to understand what QWERTY and AZERTY layouts are. QWERTY and AZERTY refer to the arrangement of keys on a keyboard. QWERTY is the most commonly used layout in English-speaking countries, while AZERTY is primarily used in French-speaking countries like France and Belgium.
Changing Keyboard Layout in Terminal Emulator
To change the keyboard layout in a terminal emulator, you need to use the setxkbmap
command. This command sets the keyboard layout for the current X session. Here is the command you need to use:
setxkbmap fr
In this command, fr
stands for French, which is the standard AZERTY layout. If you want to use the Belgian AZERTY layout, replace fr
with be
.
Changing Keyboard Layout in Console
If you are working in a console, you need to use the loadkeys
command. This command loads the specified keyboard translation table. You need to run this command as root. Here is the command you need to use:
sudo loadkeys fr
Again, replace fr
with be
if you want to use the Belgian AZERTY layout.
Troubleshooting
If the above commands don’t work, you might need to install the console-data
package. This package provides keymaps and fonts for the console. You can install it using the apt-get
command:
sudo apt-get install console-data
After installing the package, try running the loadkeys
command again.
Conclusion
Changing the keyboard layout from QWERTY to AZERTY in the Ubuntu command line is a straightforward process. Whether you are working in a terminal emulator or a console, all you need to do is run a simple command. Remember to replace fr
with the appropriate code for your desired AZERTY layout.
We hope this guide was helpful. If you have any questions or run into any issues, feel free to ask for help on the Ubuntu forums.
Yes, you can change the keyboard layout back to QWERTY by using the same commands mentioned in the article, but replacing fr
or be
with us
for the US QWERTY layout.
No, changing the keyboard layout will only affect the keyboard input. It will not impact any other settings or configurations on your Ubuntu system.
No, you do not need to restart your computer. The changes will take effect immediately after running the appropriate command in the terminal emulator or console.
Yes, you can set different keyboard layouts for different users. Each user can customize their keyboard layout using the same commands mentioned in the article. The changes will be specific to each user’s session.
Yes, changing the keyboard layout may affect the shortcuts and key combinations you are used to. Different layouts may have different positions for certain keys. It is important to familiarize yourself with the new layout to avoid any confusion while using shortcuts or key combinations.