Gboard is the default keyboard app for Android devices, developed by Google. It’s one of the most popular keyboard apps for Android users and comes packed with a range of features that can help you type faster and more efficiently. However, there are some hidden features that you might not be aware of. In this post, we’ll explore 10 Gboard hidden features that can help you master the app and take your typing experience to the next level.
#1. Google Search Integration
Google Search Integration is a feature of Gboard, the default keyboard app for Android devices, that allows you to search Google without leaving your current app. This feature is useful if you need to quickly look up something while typing, without interrupting your workflow.
To access Google Search Integration, tap the “G” button on the top left corner of the Gboard keyboard. This will open a search bar where you can type your search query. You can also search for images and GIFs by tapping the appropriate icons on the search bar.
The Google Search Integration feature can be helpful in various situations. For example, if you’re typing an email and need to quickly check a fact or a date, you can use the search bar to look it up without switching to the Google app or a web browser. Similarly, if you’re having a conversation with someone and need to share a link or a piece of information, you can use the search bar to find what you need and share it directly from the keyboard.
Google Search Integration is one of the many features that make Gboard a popular keyboard app for Android users. By integrating Google Search into the keyboard, Gboard saves you time and makes it easier to access information while typing.
#2. Quick Punctuation
Quick Punctuation is a feature of Gboard, the default keyboard app for Android devices, that allows you to quickly insert common punctuation marks while typing. This feature can help you save time and improve your typing efficiency.
To use Quick Punctuation, simply swipe on the period key on the keyboard. Swipe right to insert a question mark, swipe left for an exclamation mark, and swipe down for a comma. You can also swipe up to insert a period.
Quick Punctuation is especially useful when you’re typing on a mobile device, where typing can be slower and more cumbersome than on a physical keyboard. By swiping on the period key, you can quickly insert the punctuation mark you need without having to tap multiple keys or switch to a different keyboard layout.
Quick Punctuation is also customizable. You can go to Gboard Settings > Preferences > Quick punctuation to choose which punctuation marks you want to include in the swipe gestures. You can also turn off Quick Punctuation if you prefer to insert punctuation marks manually.
Overall, Quick Punctuation is a handy feature that can help you type faster and more efficiently on your Android device. By swiping on the period key, you can quickly insert the punctuation mark you need and focus on your writing, without being slowed down by cumbersome typing.
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#3. Text Editing Gestures
Text Editing Gestures is a feature of Gboard, the default keyboard app for Android devices, that allows you to edit text quickly and easily using gestures. These gestures can help you save time and improve your productivity when typing on your mobile device.
Here are some of the text editing gestures you can use with Gboard:
- Gesture Typing: This allows you to type by sliding your finger from letter to letter without lifting it from the keyboard. Gboard will suggest words as you type, and you can select the one you want by tapping on it.
- Swipe to Delete: This allows you to delete text quickly by swiping left across the keyboard. You can delete a single letter or an entire word by swiping across the keyboard at different speeds.
- Swipe to Undo: This allows you to undo your last action by swiping right across the keyboard.
- Swipe to Move Cursor: This allows you to move the cursor quickly and easily by swiping left or right on the space bar. You can position the cursor precisely where you want it without having to tap on the screen.
- Double Tap Shift Key to Enable Caps Lock: This allows you to enable Caps Lock quickly by double-tapping the Shift key. This is useful when you need to type an entire sentence or paragraph in uppercase.
- Long Press for Special Characters: This allows you to access special characters and symbols quickly by long-pressing the corresponding key. For example, long-pressing the dollar sign ($) key will give you access to other currency symbols.
Text Editing Gestures can help you edit text quickly and efficiently, especially when you’re using a mobile device. By using these gestures, you can save time and focus on your writing, without being slowed down by cumbersome typing.
#4. One-Handed Mode
One-Handed Mode is a feature of Gboard, the default keyboard app for Android devices, that allows you to type with one hand comfortably. This feature can be particularly useful if you have a larger phone or if you’re using your device with one hand while on the go.
To activate One-Handed Mode, long-press the comma key on the Gboard keyboard. You can choose whether you want the keyboard to be shifted to the left or right side of the screen. Once you’ve selected your preferred side, the keyboard will shrink and move to that side of the screen, making it easier to type with one hand.
In One-Handed Mode, the keyboard layout is adjusted to make it easier to reach all the keys with one thumb. For example, the keys are slightly larger, and the space bar and enter key are moved to the side, closer to your thumb. You can switch back to the regular keyboard by tapping the arrow icon at the edge of the screen or by long-pressing the comma key again and selecting “Full Keyboard”.
One-Handed Mode is a useful feature for anyone who needs to type with one hand, whether you’re holding your phone while walking, eating, or multitasking. By shifting the keyboard to one side and adjusting the layout, Gboard makes it easier to type quickly and accurately with one hand, without having to awkwardly stretch your fingers or risk dropping your device.
Overall, One-Handed Mode is a helpful feature that can improve your typing experience and productivity on your Android device, especially if you frequently use your device with one hand.
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#5. Quick Access to Emojis
Quick Access to Emojis is a feature of Gboard, the default keyboard app for Android devices, that allows you to quickly find and insert emojis while typing. This feature can help you express yourself more easily and add some fun and personality to your messages.
To access the emojis, tap the smiley face icon on the Gboard keyboard. You’ll see a list of frequently used emojis, followed by various categories of emojis, such as smileys and people, animals and nature, food and drink, and more. You can swipe left or right to switch between categories or use the search bar at the top to find a specific emoji.
Gboard also offers some other useful features to enhance your emoji experience. For example, when you type a word, Gboard will suggest relevant emojis that you can use to express yourself more vividly. You can also long-press an emoji to see various skin tone options, if applicable, or tap and hold to access related emojis and variations.
Additionally, Gboard allows you to create your own custom emoji stickers using the Gboard Minis feature. To create a Mini, go to the smiley face icon on the keyboard, then tap the “Create” button under the “Minis” section. You can take a selfie, and Gboard will automatically generate a set of personalized stickers based on your facial features and expressions.
Overall, Quick Access to Emojis is a helpful feature that can make your messaging more fun and expressive. By providing quick and easy access to a wide range of emojis and related features, Gboard makes it easier to find and use the perfect emoji to express yourself, no matter what you’re trying to say.
#6. Multilingual Typing
Multilingual Typing is a feature of Gboard, the default keyboard app for Android devices, that allows you to type in multiple languages without having to switch keyboards. This feature can be particularly useful if you speak more than one language, or if you’re communicating with people who speak different languages.
To enable Multilingual Typing, go to your Gboard settings, then select “Languages”. Make sure that the languages you want to use are selected, and that “Multilingual Typing” is turned on. Once enabled, you can switch between languages by pressing the globe icon on the keyboard, or by swiping the space bar left or right.
When you switch languages, Gboard will automatically detect the language you’re typing in and offer relevant suggestions and corrections. This means you can type in different languages in the same sentence, and Gboard will still understand what you’re trying to say.
Additionally, Gboard allows you to add multiple language dictionaries for predictive text and spell-checking. This means that even if you’re not typing in a specific language, Gboard will still suggest relevant words and correct spelling mistakes based on the languages you have enabled.
Overall, Multilingual Typing is a helpful feature that can save time and improve your communication with people who speak different languages. By allowing you to switch between languages easily and offering relevant suggestions and corrections, Gboard makes it easier to type in multiple languages on your Android device.
#7. Glide Typing
Glide Typing is a feature of Gboard, the default keyboard app for Android devices, that allows you to type by sliding your finger over the letters instead of tapping each key individually. This feature can be particularly useful if you want to type quickly and efficiently, or if you have limited dexterity or mobility in your fingers.
To use Glide Typing, start by typing a word as you normally would by tapping each letter individually. Then, without lifting your finger from the keyboard, slide it over the letters in the word. Gboard will detect the word you’re trying to type and insert it for you. You can also use Glide Typing to type entire sentences by sliding your finger over the letters in each word, without lifting your finger between words.
Glide Typing is powered by Gboard’s machine learning algorithms, which can predict the words you’re trying to type based on the path of your finger over the keyboard. This means that even if you make mistakes or your finger slips, Gboard can still recognize the word you’re trying to type and correct any errors.
Additionally, Gboard offers some other useful features to enhance your Glide Typing experience. For example, you can customize the keyboard size and layout to suit your preferences and typing style. You can also adjust the Glide Typing sensitivity to make it easier or harder to type, depending on your needs.
Overall, Glide Typing is a helpful feature that can improve your typing speed and accuracy on your Android device. By allowing you to type by sliding your finger over the keyboard, Gboard makes it easier to type quickly and efficiently, without having to tap each letter individually.
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#8. Personal Dictionary
Personal Dictionary is a feature of Gboard, the default keyboard app for Android devices, that allows you to add and manage your own custom words and phrases. This feature can be particularly useful if you frequently use technical terms, acronyms, or uncommon words that are not recognized by Gboard’s default dictionary.
To access the Personal Dictionary, go to your Gboard settings, then select “Dictionary”. From there, you can add new words and phrases, as well as manage and edit existing ones. When you add a new word or phrase, you can also provide a description or context to help Gboard recognize it better.
Once you’ve added your custom words and phrases to the Personal Dictionary, Gboard will recognize them and offer them as suggestions when you type. This means you can save time and improve your typing speed and accuracy by not having to type out the same words and phrases repeatedly.
Additionally, Gboard allows you to sync your Personal Dictionary across multiple devices using your Google account. This means you can access your custom words and phrases on all of your Android devices, and even on other platforms where Gboard is available, such as iOS.
Overall, Personal Dictionary is a helpful feature that can save time and improve your typing experience on your Android device. By allowing you to add and manage your own custom words and phrases, Gboard makes it easier to type with confidence and accuracy, no matter what words or phrases you need to use.
#9. Keyboard Themes
Keyboard Themes is a feature of Gboard, the default keyboard app for Android devices, that allows you to customize the appearance of your keyboard. This feature can be particularly useful if you want to personalize your keyboard to suit your style or preferences.
To access the Keyboard Themes, go to your Gboard settings, then select “Themes”. From there, you can choose from a variety of pre-installed themes, or you can create your own custom theme using your own images or colors.
Gboard offers a wide range of pre-installed themes to choose from, including different color schemes, patterns, and designs. You can also customize the keyboard background, key borders, and key shapes to suit your preferences.
If you want to create your own custom theme, Gboard allows you to choose a background image from your device’s gallery or take a new photo. You can also choose custom colors for the keyboard background, key text, and key borders to create a unique look that reflects your style.
Once you’ve selected your theme, Gboard will apply it to your keyboard, and you can start typing with your new personalized look. If you ever want to switch back to the default theme or try a different one, you can do so from the Themes menu.
Overall, Keyboard Themes is a fun and useful feature that allows you to personalize your keyboard and make it your own. By offering a wide range of pre-installed themes and the ability to create your own custom themes, Gboard makes it easy to create a keyboard that reflects your style and preferences.
#10. Voice Typing
Voice Typing is a feature of Gboard, the default keyboard app for Android devices, that allows you to input text using your voice instead of typing on the keyboard. This feature can be particularly useful if you want to type hands-free, or if you have limited dexterity or mobility in your fingers.
To use Voice Typing, start by opening an app where you can type, such as a messaging app or a document editor. Then, tap on the microphone icon on the Gboard keyboard, which will activate the voice recognition feature. Once the microphone is active, you can start speaking, and Gboard will transcribe your speech into text.
While you’re using Voice Typing, Gboard will display what you’re saying in real-time on the screen. You can also use voice commands to add punctuation or formatting, such as saying “period” to add a full stop, or “new paragraph” to start a new paragraph.
Gboard’s Voice Typing feature is powered by Google’s speech recognition technology, which can recognize natural language and adapt to different accents and speech patterns. This means that even if you speak quickly or with an accent, Gboard can still accurately transcribe your speech into text.
Overall, Voice Typing is a helpful feature that can improve your typing speed and accuracy on your Android device, especially if you want to type hands-free or have limited mobility in your fingers. By allowing you to input text using your voice, Gboard makes it easier to type with confidence and accuracy, no matter what your typing needs are.
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Conclusion:
Gboard is a powerful and versatile keyboard app for Android devices that offers a wide range of features and functionalities to help you type with speed, accuracy, and ease. From voice typing and multilingual typing to the personal dictionary and keyboard themes, Gboard provides many tools and options to help you customize your typing experience and make it your own.
Whether you’re a fast typist who wants to type even faster, or someone who struggles with typing on a small screen, Gboard has something to offer to everyone. By taking advantage of the various features and tips outlined in this blog post, you can master Gboard and enjoy a more efficient and personalized typing experience on your Android device.