Unicode characters can be input straight from your keyboard! There are some limitations, however.
With a little help from your OS, practically any Unicode character can be input using your keyboard.
In order to enable Unicode support on your keyboard, you will need to do the following:
## Caveats :id=caveats
1. Choose one of three supported Unicode implementations: [Basic Unicode](#basic-unicode), [Unicode Map](#unicode-map), [UCIS](#ucis).
2. Find which [input mode](#input-modes) is the best match for your operating system and setup.
3. [Set](#setting-the-input-mode) the appropriate input mode (or modes) in your configuration.
4. Add Unicode keycodes to your keymap.
There are some limitations to this feature. Because there is no "standard" method of Unicode input across all operating systems, each of them require their own setup process on both the host *and* in the firmware, which may involve installation of additional software. This also means Unicode input will not "just work" when the keyboard is plugged into another device.
## Usage :id=usage
## 1. Methods :id=methods
The core Unicode API can be used purely programmatically. However, there are also additional subsystems which build on top of it and come with keycodes to make things easier. See below for more details.
QMK supports three different methods for enabling Unicode input and adding Unicode characters to your keymap. Each has its pros and cons in terms of flexibility and ease of use. Choose the one that best fits your use case.
Add the following to your keymap's `rules.mk`:
The Basic method should be enough for most users. However, if you need a wider range of supported characters (including emoji, rare symbols etc.), you should use Unicode Map.
|`UNICODE_KEY_MAC` |`KC_LEFT_ALT` |The key to hold when beginning a Unicode sequence with the macOS input mode |
|`UNICODE_KEY_LNX` |`LCTL(LSFT(KC_U))`|The key to tap when beginning a Unicode sequence with the Linux input mode |
|`UNICODE_KEY_WINC` |`KC_RIGHT_ALT` |The key to hold when beginning a Unicode sequence with the WinCompose input mode|
|`UNICODE_SELECTED_MODES`|`-1` |A comma separated list of input modes for cycling through |
|`UNICODE_CYCLE_PERSIST` |`true` |Whether to persist the current Unicode input mode to EEPROM |
|`UNICODE_TYPE_DELAY` |`10` |The amount of time to wait, in milliseconds, between Unicode sequence keystrokes|
### Audio Feedback :id=audio-feedback
<br>
If you have the [Audio](feature_audio.md) feature enabled on your board, you can configure it to play sounds when the input mode is changed.
### 1.1. Basic Unicode :id=basic-unicode
Add the following to your `config.h`:
The easiest to use method, albeit somewhat limited. It stores Unicode characters as keycodes in the keymap itself, so it only supports code points up to `0x7FFF`. This covers characters for most modern languages (including East Asian), as well as symbols, but it doesn't cover emoji.
|`UNICODE_SONG_MAC` |*n/a* |The song to play when the macOS input mode is selected |
|`UNICODE_SONG_LNX` |*n/a* |The song to play when the Linux input mode is selected |
|`UNICODE_SONG_BSD` |*n/a* |The song to play when the BSD input mode is selected |
|`UNICODE_SONG_WIN` |*n/a* |The song to play when the Windows input mode is selected |
|`UNICODE_SONG_WINC`|*n/a* |The song to play when the WinCompose input mode is selected|
Add the following to your `rules.mk`:
## Input Subsystems :id=input-subsystems
Each of these subsystems have their own pros and cons in terms of flexibility and ease of use. Choose the one that best fits your needs.
<!-- tabs:start -->
### ** Basic **
This is the easiest to use, albeit somewhat limited. It supports code points up to `U+7FFF`, which covers characters for most modern languages (including East Asian), as well as many symbols, but does not include emoji.
To enable Basic Unicode, add the following to your `rules.mk`:
```make
UNICODE_ENABLE = yes
```
Then add `UC(c)` keycodes to your keymap, where _c_ is the code point of the desired character (preferably in hexadecimal, up to 4 digits long). For example, `UC(0x40B)` will output [Ћ](https://unicode-table.com/en/040B/), and `UC(0x30C4)` will output [ツ](https://unicode-table.com/en/30C4).
<br>
You can then add `UC(c)` keycodes to your keymap, where *c* is the code point of the desired character (in hexadecimal - the `U+` prefix will not work). For example, `UC(0x40B)` will output [Ћ](https://unicode-table.com/en/040B/), and `UC(0x30C4)` will output [ツ](https://unicode-table.com/en/30C4).
### 1.2. Unicode Map :id=unicode-map
### ** Unicode Map **
In addition to standard character ranges, this method also covers emoji, ancient scripts, rare symbols etc. In fact, all possible code points (up to `0x10FFFF`) are supported. Here, Unicode characters are stored in a separate mapping table. You need to maintain a `unicode_map` array in your keymap file, which may contain at most 16384 entries.
Unicode Map supports all possible code points (up to `U+10FFFF`). Here, the code points are stored in a separate mapping table (which may contain at most 16,384 entries), instead of directly in the keymap.
Add the following to your `rules.mk`:
To enable Unicode Map, add the following to your `rules.mk`:
```make
UNICODEMAP_ENABLE = yes
```
Then add `UM(i)` keycodes to your keymap, where _i_ is the desired character's index in the mapping table. This can be a numeric value, but it's recommended to keep the indices in an enum and access them by name.
Then, you will need to create a mapping table in your `keymap.c`, and (optionally) an enum for naming the array indices, like so:
```c
enum unicode_names {
@ -51,242 +80,373 @@ enum unicode_names {
SNEK
};
const uint32_t unicode_map[] PROGMEM = {
const uint32_t PROGMEM unicode_map[] = {
[BANG] = 0x203D, // ‽
[IRONY] = 0x2E2E, // ⸮
[SNEK] = 0x1F40D, // 🐍
};
```
Then you can use `UM(BANG)`, `UM(SNEK)` etc. in your keymap.
Finally, add `UM(i)` keycodes to your keymap, where *i* is an index into the `unicode_map[]` array. If you defined the enum above, you can use those names instead, for example `UM(BANG)` or `UM(SNEK)`.
#### Lower and Upper Case
#### Lower and Upper Case Pairs :id=unicodemap-pairs
Characters often come in lower and upper case pairs, such as å and Å. To make inputting these characters easier, you can use `UP(i, j)` in your keymap, where _i_ and _j_ are the mapping table indices of the lower and uppercase character, respectively. If you're holding down Shift or have Caps Lock turned on when you press the key, the second (upper case) character will be inserted; otherwise, the first (lower case) version will appear.
Some writing systems have lowercase and uppercase variants of each character, such as å and Å. To make inputting these characters easier, you can use the `UP(i, j)` keycode in your keymap, where *i* and *j* are the mapping table indices of the lowercase and uppercase characters, respectively. If you're holding down Shift or have Caps Lock turned on when you press the key, the uppercase character will be inserted; otherwise, the lowercase character will be inserted.
This is most useful when creating a keymap for an international layout with special characters. Instead of having to put the lower and upper case versions of a character on separate keys, you can have them both on the same key by using `UP()`. This helps blend Unicode keys in with regular alphas.
```c
const uint32_t PROGMEM unicode_map[] = {
[AE_LOWER] = 0x00E6, // æ
[AE_UPPER] = 0x00C6, // Æ
};
```
Due to keycode size constraints, _i_ and _j_ can each only refer to one of the first 128 characters in your `unicode_map`. In other words, 0 ≤ _i_ ≤ 127 and 0 ≤ _j_ ≤ 127. This is enough for most use cases, but if you'd like to customize the index calculation, you can override the [`unicodemap_index()`](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/blob/71f640d47ee12c862c798e1f56392853c7b1c1a8/quantum/process_keycode/process_unicodemap.c#L36) function. This also allows you to, say, check Ctrl instead of Shift/Caps.
This is most useful when creating a keymap for an international layout with special characters. Instead of having to put the lower and upper case versions of a character on separate keys, you can have them both on the same key. This helps blend Unicode keys in with regular keycodes.
<br>
Due to keycode size constraints, *i* and *j* can each only refer to one of the first 128 characters in your `unicode_map`. In other words, 0 ≤ *i* ≤ 127 and 0 ≤ *j* ≤ 127.
### 1.3. UCIS :id=ucis
### ** UCIS **
This method also supports all possible code points. As with the Unicode Map method, you need to maintain a mapping table in your keymap file. However, there are no built-in keycodes for this feature — you have to create a custom keycode or function that invokes this functionality.
As with Unicode Map, the UCIS method also supports all possible code points, and requires the use of a mapping table. However, it works much differently - Unicode characters are input by replacing a typed mnemonic.
Add the following to your`rules.mk`:
To enable UCIS, add the following to your keymap's`rules.mk`:
```make
UCIS_ENABLE = yes
```
Then define a table like this in your keymap file:
By default, each table entry may be up to 3 code points long. This number can be changed by adding `#define UCIS_MAX_CODE_POINTS n` to your `config.h` file.
By default, each table entry may be up to three code points long. This can be changed by adding `#define UCIS_MAX_CODE_POINTS n` to your keymap's `config.h`.
To use UCIS input, call `ucis_start()`. Then, type the mnemonic for the character (such as "rofl") and hit Space, Enter or Esc. QMK should erase the "rofl" text and insert the laughing emoji.
To invoke UCIS input, the `ucis_start()` function must first be called (for example, in a custom "Unicode" keycode). Then, type the mnemonic for the mapping table entry (such as "rofl"), and hit Space or Enter. The "rofl" text will be backspaced and the emoji inserted.
#### Customization
<!-- tabs:end -->
There are several functions that you can define in your keymap to customize the functionality of this feature.
## Input Modes :id=input-modes
* `void ucis_start_user(void)` – This runs when you call the "start" function, and can be used to provide feedback. By default, it types out a keyboard emoji.
* `void ucis_success(uint8_t symbol_index)` – This runs when the input has matched something and has completed. By default, it doesn't do anything.
* `void ucis_symbol_fallback (void)` – This runs when the input doesn't match anything. By default, it falls back to trying that input as a Unicode code.
Unicode input works by typing a sequence of characters, similar to a macro. However, since this sequence depends on your OS, you will need to prepare both your host machine and QMK to recognise and send the correct Unicode input sequences respectively.
You can find the default implementations of these functions in [`process_ucis.c`](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/blob/master/quantum/process_keycode/process_ucis.c).
To set the list of enabled input modes, add the `UNICODE_SELECTED_MODES` define to your keymap's `config.h`, for example:
These modes can then be cycled through using the `UC_NEXT` and `UC_PREV` keycodes. You can also switch to any input mode, even if it is not specified in `UNICODE_SELECTED_MODES`, using their respective keycodes.
Unicode input in QMK works by inputting a sequence of characters to the OS, sort of like a macro. Unfortunately, the way this is done differs for each platform. Specifically, each platform requires a different combination of keys to trigger Unicode input. Therefore, a corresponding input mode has to be set in QMK.
If your keyboard has working EEPROM, it will remember the last used input mode and continue using it on the next power up. This can be disabled by defining `UNICODE_CYCLE_PERSIST` to `false`.
The following input modes are available:
<!-- tabs:start -->
* **`UNICODE_MODE_MACOS`**: macOS built-in Unicode hex input. Supports code points up to `0x10FFFF` (all possible code points).
### ** macOS **
To enable, go to _System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources_, add _Unicode Hex Input_ to the list (it's under _Other_), then activate it from the input dropdown in the Menu Bar.
By default, this mode uses the left Option key (`KC_LALT`) for Unicode input, but this can be changed by defining [`UNICODE_KEY_MAC`](#input-key-configuration) with a different keycode.
**Mode Name:** `UNICODE_MODE_MAC`
!> Using the _Unicode Hex Input_ input source may disable some Option-based shortcuts, such as Option+Left and Option+Right.
macOS has built-in support for Unicode input as its own input source. It supports all possible code points by way of surrogate pairs for code points above `U+FFFF`.
* **`UNICODE_MODE_LINUX`**: Linux built-in IBus Unicode input. Supports code points up to `0x10FFFF` (all possible code points).
To enable, go to **System Preferences → Keyboard → Input Sources**, then add Unicode Hex Input to the list (under Other), and activate it from the input dropdown in the menu bar. Note that this may disable some Option-based shortcuts such as Option+Left and Option+Right.
Enabled by default and works almost anywhere on IBus-enabled distros. Without IBus, this mode works under GTK apps, but rarely anywhere else.
By default, this mode uses Ctrl+Shift+U (`LCTL(LSFT(KC_U))`) to start Unicode input, but this can be changed by defining [`UNICODE_KEY_LNX`](#input-key-configuration) with a different keycode. This might be required for IBus versions ≥1.5.15, where Ctrl+Shift+U behavior is consolidated into Ctrl+Shift+E.
### ** Linux (IBus) **
Users who wish support in non-GTK apps without IBus may need to resort to a more indirect method, such as creating a custom keyboard layout ([more on this method](#custom-linux-layout)).
**Mode Name:** `UNICODE_MODE_LINUX`
* **`UNICODE_MODE_WINDOWS`**: _(not recommended)_ Windows built-in hex numpad Unicode input. Supports code points up to `0xFFFF`.
For Linux distros with IBus, Unicode input is enabled by default, supports all possible code points, and works almost anywhere. Without IBus, it works under GTK apps, but rarely anywhere else.
To enable, create a registry key under `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Input Method` of type `REG_SZ` called `EnableHexNumpad` and set its value to `1`. This can be done from the Command Prompt by running `reg add "HKCU\Control Panel\Input Method" -v EnableHexNumpad -t REG_SZ -d 1` with administrator privileges. Reboot afterwards.
This mode is not recommended because of reliability and compatibility issues; use the `UNICODE_MODE_WINCOMPOSE` mode instead.
Users who would like support in non-GTK apps without IBus may need to resort to a more indirect method, such as creating a custom keyboard layout.
* **`UNICODE_MODE_BSD`**: _(non implemented)_ Unicode input under BSD. Not implemented at this time. If you're a BSD user and want to help add support for it, please [open an issue on GitHub](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/issues).
### ** Windows (WinCompose) **
* **`UNICODE_MODE_WINCOMPOSE`**: Windows Unicode input using [WinCompose](https://github.com/samhocevar/wincompose). As of v0.9.0, supports code points up to `0x10FFFF` (all possible code points).
**Mode Name:** `UNICODE_MODE_WINCOMPOSE`
To enable, install the [latest release](https://github.com/samhocevar/wincompose/releases/latest). Once installed, WinCompose will automatically run on startup. This mode works reliably under all version of Windows supported by the app.
By default, this mode uses right Alt (`KC_RALT`) as the Compose key, but this can be changed in the WinCompose settings and by defining [`UNICODE_KEY_WINC`](#input-key-configuration) with a different keycode.
This mode requires a third-party tool called [WinCompose](https://github.com/samhocevar/wincompose). It supports all possible code points, and is the recommended input mode for Windows.
To enable, install the [latest release from GitHub](https://github.com/samhocevar/wincompose/releases/latest). Once installed, it will automatically run on startup. This works reliably under all versions of Windows supported by WinCompose.
## 3. Setting the Input Mode :id=setting-the-input-mode
### ** Windows (HexNumpad) **
To set your desired input mode, add the following define to your `config.h`:
**Mode Name:** `UNICODE_MODE_WINDOWS`
```c
#define UNICODE_SELECTED_MODES UNICODE_MODE_LINUX
```
!> This input mode is *not* the "Alt code" system. Alt codes are not Unicode; they instead follow [the Windows-1252 character set](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_code).
This example sets the board's default input mode to `UNICODE_MODE_LINUX`. You can replace this with `UNICODE_MODE_MACOS`, `UNICODE_MODE_WINCOMPOSE`, or any of the other modes listed [above](#input-modes). The board will automatically use the selected mode on startup, unless you manually switch to another mode (see [below](#keycodes)).
This is Windows' built-in hex numpad Unicode input mode. It only supports code points up to `U+FFFF`, and is not recommended due to reliability and compatibility issues.
You can also select multiple input modes, which allows you to easily cycle through them using the `UC_NEXT`/`UC_PREV` keycodes.
To enable, run the following as an administrator, then reboot:
Note that the values are separated by commas. The board will remember the last used input mode and will continue using it on next power-up. You can disable this and force it to always start with the first mode in the list by adding `#define UNICODE_CYCLE_PERSIST false` to your `config.h`.
### ** Emacs **
#### Keycodes
**Mode Name:** `UNICODE_MODE_EMACS`
You can switch the input mode at any time by using the following keycodes. Adding these to your keymap allows you to quickly switch to a specific input mode, including modes not listed in `UNICODE_SELECTED_MODES`.
Emacs supports code point input with the `insert-char` command.
|`QK_UNICODE_MODE_NEXT` |`UC_NEXT`|Next in list |Cycle through selected modes, reverse direction when Shift is held |
|`QK_UNICODE_MODE_PREVIOUS` |`UC_PREV`|Prev in list |Cycle through selected modes in reverse, forward direction when Shift is held|
|`QK_UNICODE_MODE_MACOS` |`UC_MAC` |`UNICODE_MODE_MACOS` |Switch to macOS input |
|`QK_UNICODE_MODE_LINUX` |`UC_LINX`|`UNICODE_MODE_LINUX` |Switch to Linux input |
|`QK_UNICODE_MODE_WINDOWS` |`UC_WIN` |`UNICODE_MODE_WINDOWS` |Switch to Windows input |
|`QK_UNICODE_MODE_BSD` |`UC_BSD` |`UNICODE_MODE_BSD` |Switch to BSD input _(not implemented)_ |
|`QK_UNICODE_MODE_WINCOMPOSE`|`UC_WINC`|`UNICODE_MODE_WINCOMPOSE`|Switch to Windows input using WinCompose |
|`QK_UNICODE_MODE_EMACS` |`UC_EMAC`|`UNICODE_MODE_EMACS` |Switch to emacs (`C-x-8 RET`) |
### ** BSD **
You can also switch the input mode by calling `set_unicode_input_mode(x)` in your code, where _x_ is one of the above input mode constants (e.g. `UNICODE_MODE_LINUX`).
**Mode Name:** `UNICODE_MODE_BSD`
?> Using `UNICODE_SELECTED_MODES` is preferable to calling `set_unicode_input_mode()` in `matrix_init_user()` or similar functions, since it's better integrated into the Unicode system and has the added benefit of avoiding unnecessary writes to EEPROM.
Not currently implemented. If you're a BSD user and want to contribute support for this input mode, please [feel free](contributing.md)!
#### Audio Feedback
<!-- tabs:end -->
If you have the [Audio feature](feature_audio.md) enabled on the board, you can set melodies to be played when you press the above keys. That way you can have some audio feedback when switching input modes.
## Keycodes :id=keycodes
For instance, you can add these definitions to your `config.h` file:
Because Unicode is a large and versatile feature, there are a number of options you can customize to make it work better on your system.
#### Return Value :id=api-get-unicode-input-mode-return-value
### Start and Finish Input Functions
The currently active Unicode input mode.
The functions for starting and finishing Unicode input on your platform can be overridden locally. Possible uses include customizing input mode behavior if you don't use the default keys, or adding extra visual/audio feedback to Unicode input.
---
* `void unicode_input_start(void)` – This sends the initial sequence that tells your platform to enter Unicode input mode. For example, it holds the left Alt key followed by Num+ on Windows, and presses the `UNICODE_KEY_LNX` combination (default: Ctrl+Shift+U) on Linux.
* `void unicode_input_finish(void)` – This is called to exit Unicode input mode, for example by pressing Space or releasing the Alt key.
You can find the default implementations of these functions in [`process_unicode_common.c`](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/blob/master/quantum/process_keycode/process_unicode_common.c).
You can customize the keys used to trigger Unicode input for macOS, Linux and WinCompose by adding corresponding defines to your `config.h`. The default values match the platforms' default settings, so you shouldn't need to change this unless Unicode input isn't working, or you want to use a different key (e.g. in order to free up left or right Alt).
User-level callback, invoked when the input mode is changed.
This function is much like `send_string()`, but it allows you to input UTF-8 characters directly. It supports all code points, provided the selected input mode also supports it. Make sure your `keymap.c` file is formatted using UTF-8 encoding.
In `quantum/keymap_extras`, you'll see various language files — these work the same way as the ones for alternative layouts such as Colemak or BÉPO. When you include one of these language headers, you gain access to keycodes specific to that language / national layout. Such keycodes are defined by a 2-letter country/language code, followed by an underscore and a 4-letter abbreviation of the character to which the key corresponds. For example, including `keymap_french.h` and using `FR_UGRV` in your keymap will output `ù` when typed on a system with a native French AZERTY layout.
Keyboard-level callback, invoked when the input mode is changed.
If the primary system layout you use on your machine is different from US ANSI, using these language-specific keycodes can help your QMK keymaps better match what will actually be output on the screen. However, keep in mind that these keycodes are just aliases for the corresponding default US keycodes under the hood, and that the HID protocol used by keyboards is itself inherently based on US ANSI.
The method does not require Unicode support in the keyboard itself but instead depends on [AutoHotkey](https://autohotkey.com) running in the background.
Begin the Unicode input sequence. The exact behavior depends on the currently selected input mode:
First you need to select a modifier combination that is not in use by any of your programs.
Ctrl+Alt+Win is not used very widely and should therefore be perfect for this.
There is a macro defined for a mod-tab combo `LCAG_T`.
Add this mod-tab combo to a key on your keyboard, e.g.: `LCAG_T(KC_TAB)`.
This makes the key behave like a tab key if pressed and released immediately but changes it to the modifier if used with another key.
- **macOS**: Hold `UNICODE_KEY_MAC`
- **Linux**: Tap `UNICODE_KEY_LNX`
- **WinCompose**: Tap `UNICODE_KEY_WINC`, then U
- **HexNumpad**: Hold Left Alt, then tap Numpad +
- **Emacs**: Tap Ctrl+X, then 8, then Enter
In the default script of AutoHotkey you can define custom hotkeys.
This function is weakly defined, and can be overridden in user code.
<^<!<#a::Send, ä
<^<!<#<+a::Send, Ä
---
The hotkeys above are for the combination CtrlAltGui and CtrlAltGuiShift plus the letter a.
AutoHotkey inserts the Text right of `Send, ` when this combination is pressed.
Complete the Unicode input sequence. The exact behavior depends on the currently selected input mode:
If you enable the US International layout on the system, it will use punctuation to accent the characters. For instance, typing "\`a" will result in à.
You can find details on how to enable this [here](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17424/windows-change-keyboard-layout).
- **macOS**: Release `UNICODE_KEY_MAC`
- **Linux**: Tap Space
- **WinCompose**: Tap Enter
- **HexNumpad**: Release Left Alt
- **Emacs**: Tap Enter
## Software keyboard layout on Linux :id=custom-linux-layout
This function is weakly defined, and can be overridden in user code.
This method does not require Unicode support on the keyboard itself but instead uses a custom keyboard layout for Xorg. This is how special characters are inserted by regular keyboards. This does not require IBus and works in practically all software. Help on creating a custom layout can be found [here](https://www.linux.com/news/creating-custom-keyboard-layouts-x11-using-xkb/), [here](http://karols.github.io/blog/2013/11/18/creating-custom-keyboard-layouts-for-linux/) and [here](https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/X_keyboard_extension). An example of how you could edit the `us` layout to gain 🤣 on `RALT(KC_R)`:
---
Edit the keyboard layout file `/usr/share/X11/xkb/symbols/us`.
Save the file and run the command `setxkbmap us` to reload the layout.
Send the code point(s) for the given UCIS index.
You can define one custom character for key defined in the layout, and another if you populate the fourth layer. Additional layers up to 8th are also possible.
#### Arguments :id=api-register-ucis-arguments
This method is specific to the computer on which you set the custom layout. The custom keys will be available only when Xorg is running. To avoid accidents, you should always reload the layout using `setxkbmap`, otherwise an invalid layout could prevent you from logging into your system, locking you out.
Ryan
8 months ago
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