Gboard: 10 quick and easy tips for speedy typing
Gboard is the stock keyboard app onmany of the best Android phonesfor a good reason. It’s one of thebest keyboard apps for Androidand iOS, thanks to its ease of use and wealth of useful features. While every Android user will find Gboard helpful, advanced users will find plenty of helpful tools hidden under the hood. Tools like integrated Google Translate and One-handed mode are always handy, but often-forgotten features like quick fractions and the text editor can be equally valuable.
We gathered our ten favorite Gboard tips and tricks to help you improve your typing experience. Whether you’ve been using the keyboard for a while or are just getting started, you’ll find something in this list.
1. Enable one-handed mode
If you own a large Android phone like theGoogle Pixel 7 Pro,you may find it challenging to type messages with one hand comfortably. In this situation, try Gboard’s one-handed mode, which resizes the keyboard against one side of your screen.
In one-handed mode, Gboard fills the empty space on the side with three buttons. These buttons perform the following functions (from top to bottom, respectively):
2. Capitalize letters with one swipe
Gboard’s Glide feature allows you to capitalize a letter in one quick motion. This is a handy feature that any user will find helpful in their day-to-day lives.
3. Mix and match emojis
Emojis are helpful, but sometimes you can’t find the one that best expresses your situation. That’s where Emoji Kitchen comes in. Select two emojis, and Gboardcombines them into a beautiful or terrifying creation. The result is a sticker, not an in-text emoji. This means that your emoji mashup doesn’t appear in-text like regular emojis.
If you don’t see theEmojikey, tap and hold theCommakey to see the button. You can also update your Gboard settings by tapping theMorebutton, pressing thegearicon, and toggling on theShow Emojioption.
4. Edit text using the dedicated Text Editor
Whether you’re typing a lengthy breakup text or writing a Twilight fan-fic, Gboard’s in-built text editor can make editing a breeze. While we recommendsharing your files to a Chromebookfor a smoother experience, Gboard’s editor is helpful in a pinch.
5. Translate text in real time
There’smore to Google Translate than you might expect, including its integration with Gboard. No more copying and pasting text into a separate app. Gboard translates as you type.
6. Use your spacebar as a cursor
This is a perfect tool to pair with Text Editor. Instead of tapping your screen to place a cursor, swipe on the spacebar key to move the cursor along the text. It’s quicker than tapping and makes text correction a breeze on your Android or iPhone.
7. Tap the space bar twice to insert a period and a space
This is another handy tool you may find helpful in your daily typing. Double-tap the spacebar to add a period and a space to your text. Gboard also capitalizes the following letter you type so as not to slow down your typing.
8. Type commonly used fractions with one tap
While not a feature you will use daily, Gboard has a neat way to type fractions in a flash. Tap and hold any number key to see a list of common fractions. These are formatted to fit comfortably within your text.
9. Turn your handwriting into typed text
If your phone comes with a stylus, like theSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, use it for handwriting in Gboard. Gboard turns your handwriting into text as you write, and you’re able to use it for any language. After writing a word, Gboard instantly clears the screen so that you can handwrite your text with minimal delay. It’s a neat alternative to text messages or voice typing, but you’ll probably want to stick with typing for anything longer than a sentence.
To start handwriting, tap theGlobebutton to the left of the Gboard spacebar. You can use a finger or stylus to write text.
10. Dictate text with voice typing
If you want to give your thumbs a rest, dictate to Gboard instead of typing. Tap theMicrophonebutton (no need to hold) in the upper-right corner of the Gboard window and start talking. Tap the button again to disable voice typing.
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