Keyboard Layouts

This section deals with popular Unicode keyboard layouts for use with Punjabi.

Recommended Layouts

These layouts are actively promoted, supported and refined by the Punjabi Computing Resource Centre and the Punjabi Linux Team. We recommend the use of the phonetic keyboard for new users.

Phonetic

This is the keyboard layout recommended by the Punjabi Computing Resource Centre. It is based on a phonetic relationship between Gurmukhi characters and their Latin script equivalents. Most users should find this keyboard easy to use and logical.

Refined Inscript

This is for users who wish to use an Inscript-like layout without dead keys.

Font and Typewriter Based Layouts

These layouts are based on existing Gurmukhi fonts and typewriters. They are designed for users who wish to migrate to Unicode but do not want to adjust the way they type.

DrChatrikWeb

Coming soon...

GurbaniLipi

Coming soon...

Ramington

Coming soon...

Other Layouts

Inscript

This layout ships with Microsoft Windows XP. We consider it inadequate for the Punjabi language and is only of use to users who wish to type regularly in more than one Indian script.

Phonetic Gurmukhi Punjabi Layout

The Punjabi Computing Resource Centre has extensively designed and tested a new phonetic keyboard layout in conjunction with the Punjabi Linux Team. This layout combines the advantages of of both Inscript and standard font based layouts while removing their limitations.

Features

  • A largely phonetic layout without combined keys such as Kanna + Bindi.
  • Where appropriate, statistically higher used characters are in the main key state. Lesser used characters are in the shift state.
  • Dead keys to remove the need to use pre-composed independent vowels. For example:
    • ਅ + 'ੈ' = ਐ
    • ੳ + 'ੋ' = ਓ
  • Enter a space after a dead key to get the standalone form of a character (Ura, Aira or Iri).
  • Removal of all Pairin Bindi characters – a single Pairin Bindi (Nukta) key is used instead.
  • Standard Latin punctuation in addition to Danda and Double Danda.
  • Unicode rendering engines automatically position vowel signs (matras) and other symbols correctly. There is no need for special versions of ਨੂੰ and other words.
  • Latin numbers (0-9) are available via the number pad without changing layouts.
  • Pairin characters such as Pairin Rara and Pairin Haha are written using the Halant key (F) followed by the full form of the character. For example, Pairin Rara is written '੍' + ਰ.

Layout

Based on US Qwerty

Normal Keyboard

Based on UK Qwerty

Normal Keyboard

Installation

Extract the ZIP file below and run the ".msi" installer. Once the installer has completed, make sure the Gurmukhi keyboard is selected for the Punjabi language.

Download

There are keyboard layouts based on both UK and US Qwerty keyboards. They differ only in the positioning of Latin punctuation. Select the appropriate keyboard:

Phonetic Keyboard (US)
Zip File

Phonetic Keyboard (UK)
Zip File