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How To Change Keyboard from QWERTY to AZERTY in Ubuntu Command Line

Ubuntu 15

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.

Quick Answer

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.

Can I change the keyboard layout back to QWERTY if I want to switch back?

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.

Will changing the keyboard layout affect my other settings or configurations?

No, changing the keyboard layout will only affect the keyboard input. It will not impact any other settings or configurations on your Ubuntu system.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing the keyboard layout?

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.

Can I set a different keyboard layout for different users on the same Ubuntu system?

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.

Will changing the keyboard layout affect the shortcuts and key combinations I’m used to?

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.

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