Microsoft keyboard layout creator

Microsoft keyboard layout creator

Microsoft keyboard layout creator is a free tool from Microsoft that allows you to visually design and test custom keyboard layouts. You can fully customize the keyboard to suit different languages or special purposes.
Microsoft keyboard layout creator image
keyboard layout language localization typing accessibility

Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator: Design Custom Keyboards

A free tool from Microsoft to visually design and test custom keyboard layouts, tailored for various languages and special uses.

What is Microsoft keyboard layout creator?

Microsoft keyboard layout creator is a free tool from Microsoft that allows you to visually design and test custom keyboard layouts. The tool provides a graphical interface where you can map keyboard keys to different characters or functions based on your needs. It supports designing layouts for different keyboards including standard, ergonomic, and split designs.

With the layout creator, you have extensive customization options. You can adjust the position of every key and what it outputs when pressed. This allows you to support different languages by mapping keys to different characters. You can also map keys to special functions like shortcut keys or unicode characters. Advanced users can even script complex behaviors.

Once you finish your layout design, you can instantly test it by typing into an integrated text box. This allows you to validate your design and make iterative adjustments. The tool will compile your layout into a downloadable windows keyboard layout file that can be easily installed. The file works across Windows operating systems and keyboards.

Overall, Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator is an indispensable tool for anyone wanting to design a fully customized keyboard mapping. Whether supporting obscure language characters or creating shortcut keys for efficiency, the tool provides everything needed build and test tailored layouts for your requirements.

Microsoft keyboard layout creator Features

Features

  1. Create custom keyboard layouts for any language
  2. Visually design keyboard layout and see changes in real-time
  3. Test new keyboard layouts before deploying
  4. Generate keyboard layout installer for distribution
  5. Support for different keyboard types (QWERTY, DVORAK, etc)
  6. Advanced options for dead keys, diacritics, alt+key shortcuts
  7. Export layout data files for sharing

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Free and easy to use

Intuitive visual interface

No programming knowledge required

Works for any language script

Testing allows refinement before deployment

Customizable for special needs

Cons

Limited to remapping keys

Cannot create completely new keyboard types

Advanced features may require learning curve

Limited documentation and community support

Windows only, no cross-platform support


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