Allow a different input source for each document

I just received my new MBP and am really happy about it. I'm a switcher so apologies in advance if this question is silly...

I use both Swedish and English keyboard maps. I can switch between them using a shortcut which is fine. However, in the International settings I thought "Allow a different input source for each document" would mean that the input source I use for a specific application will be used as long as the application is running and I don't change it, no matter what source I use in other applications.

For example: I have the English input source as default. Then I open text edit and change the source to Swedish and start typing. So far so good. I then change to another application...

Ok, it seemed that I might be able to answer this myself... as I test I noticed the following:

If I start typing using a source in an application THEN the source is retained. If I just switch to an application, change its source the source is NOT retained and will take the previous one.

Now this is all and well as long as the application you are using actually presents you with a text area to write in. But there are many applications where this is not the case (where you open windows to type text). A really good example is an IM client. Lets say Skype for example (yes I know.. iChat). Until I actually start a chat there is no text input window (well there is one..) which means that it will pick up whatever source was used previously. If I keep all the chat windows open thats fine but as soon as I reopen a windows I might be forced to change the source again

I hope I haven't overcomplicated my question which is simply what to expect when "Allow a different input source for each document" is used (I know it doesn't say "application" there and that might actually be a hint 🙂

Many Thanks for any comments

MBP, Mac OS X (10.4.9), switcher

Posted on Jun 27, 2007 1:51 PM

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2 replies

Jun 27, 2007 2:14 PM in response to __bjorn__

It's not a silly question, but I don't think there is an answer either, as it's not clear exactly what that setting is supposed to do, or if it actually does something consistently for various different kinds of apps.

If you have not already done so, check the box for "show input menu in Finder" in system prefs/international/input menu, so you can see which layout is active at the top right of the Finder.

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Allow a different input source for each document

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