Changing the keyboard language in Linux can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the command line. Anyone who works with multiple languages or needs to type characters unavailable on their default keyboard layout must perform this task.
Here’s how to change the keyboard language in Linux using the command line. Here’s how to find and install additional keyboard layouts, as well as how to switch between them.
By the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to know about changing your Linux keyboard language.
What Is the Linux Command Line?
Linux commands are text-based interfaces to your computer.
Computer programs that interpret commands are shells, terminals, consoles, and command prompts. Linux terminals are used to execute the commands. Like the command prompt in Windows, the terminal is a command-line interface for interacting with the system.
You can either manually type commands at the terminal or have Shell Scripts execute commands automatically.
How To Use The Linux Command Line?
The command-line app of your Linux distribution is all you need to get started. Many call the apps “Terminal” because they’re modern versions of early Unix terminals.
An empty terminal window provides three bits of information:
- Your username
- The hostname (either your local computer or a remote server)
- Current directory (by default, your home folder, indicated by a ~)
There is a $ at the end of the prompt.
The results of a command are often displayed instantly when you enter it into the terminal. There are many short commands in Linux, such as cd to change directories, ls to list files in the current directory, and rm to delete files.
The syntax of most commands is standard. Here is the formula:
Target option for control. Often, the target is a file or folder.
A snippet like this uses the command ls, an option called -a, and a folder named Downloads as its target.
What does this command do? In your current directory, ls displays all visible files by default. Hidden files or folders are also displayed when ls is run with the -a option. Instead of listing the files in the folder you are currently working in, ls lists the files in the folder Downloads.
Many command-line programs come preinstalled by default, and there are numerous alternatives. Look at our Linux command line cheat sheet if you’re ready to dive in.
Does Linux Require the Command Line?
The command line is no longer necessary to use Linux at this point. With its many desktop environments and applications, Linux is as easy to use as any other operating system.
It is not necessary to learn the command line, but it does have its benefits. In addition, if you are deeply enamoured with the terminal, you can install a program such as Tmux that allows you to run and view multiple commands simultaneously.
How To Change Keyboard Language Linux Command Line?
To change the Language of the login screen, system windows, and folders, follow the steps in this section.
- Click System Settings on the Desktop. This Figure shows the settings for the system.
- Select Language Support from the menu. An overview of language support is shown in Figure. Open the Language Support window.
- You can scroll through the Language for menus and Windows fields using the down arrow. Continue to Step 4 if the Language you want is available.
- Menus and windows in different languages. You can use the following steps if the Language you want is not available:
- Install or remove languages by clicking the Install/Remove Languages button. Installing/removing languages
- Click Apply Changes after selecting the Language you want. Choosing a language for installation. Language for menus and windows now supports the new Language.
- Drag the desired language to the top of the list in Language for menus and windows. Language text becomes bold when placed at the top of the list.
- The desired Language can be selected by dragging it to the top of the list.
- Select Apply System-Wide to use the same Language for startup and login.
- System-wide application of Language.
- Click Authenticate after entering your password to confirm the change.
- Screenshot of the authentication process.
- To make the changes take effect, restart your computer.
- When you log into your computer, the system asks if you want to update the main system folder names to the new Language. You can keep or edit or update the old folder names to the new Language.
How To Change Keyboard Layout Linux Command Line?
Change your keyboard layout and Language in the terminal by typing:
- The first step is to select your keyboard model. Use the default if you need clarification.
- Use the arrow keys to highlight your desired selection. Continue by pressing Tab to move your cursor to “Ok” and pressing Enter.
- Next, you need to select your keyboard’s Language.
- Select the keyboard layout next.
- The next step is to configure your keyboard’s AltGr key. Use the default if you need clarification.
- You can then configure your keyboard’s Compose key. Use the default if you need clarification.
- Finally, select whether you want to configure the Ctrl+Alt+Backspace shortcut (you probably don’t).
To confirm that your keyboard configuration has been applied, you’ll receive output similar to this in the terminal:
The next time your system boots, your console font configuration will be updated. To update it now, run ‘setupcon’ from a virtual console. Deferring update (trigger activated) Processing triggers for initramfs-tools (0.140ubuntu13)
How To Switch Between Languages With A Keyboard Shortcut?
Your system will display a selection menu if multiple keyboard layouts are enabled. You can select a different keyboard anytime by clicking on the icon.
Right-click on the layout to select it.
You can switch between keyboards even faster by pressing WIN + SPACE. You won’t have to take your hands off the keyboard to grab the mouse and select it whenever you need to change languages.
FAQs
There are easily over 1,000 commands on a bare-bones Linux server. Many people do not need to use more than a few commands.
Shells are command-line interpreters for Linux. It executes programs known as commands by providing an interface between the user and the kernel. If a user enters the command ls, the shell runs the command ls.
The keyboard configuration file /etc/default/keyboard contains the keyboard settings. Linux kernel and X Window system configurations are used in other packages to ensure consistent keyboard experiences under the Linux console and X Window.
How to QUICKLY switch Keyboard Language in LINUX Mint
Final Thoughts:
Once you know how to do it, changing the keyboard language in Linux is quite simple. The steps outlined in this article will help you find and install additional keyboard layouts and switch between them easily. If you need to type characters that aren’t available on your default Linux keyboard layout or you work with multiple languages, this guide can help. So why wait? Explore different keyboard layouts today and enhance your Linux experience!
