Keyboard Layout - Typing Kannada

Question

Keyboard Layout - Typing Kannada

There seems to be no other application that is compatible with Macbook for typing regional language, the only option is to use the default input source to type. However, some letters are difficult to type or the keyboard layout does not show the combinations. For example, typing 'pra' in kannada seems to be some key combination which is not known. It would be very helpful if key combinations can be made available to type all the letters.

MacBook Air, macOS High Sierra (10.13.6)

Posted on Sep 12, 2018 12:22 AM

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Answer 1

Sep 13, 2018 10:29 PM in response to prathimafrombangalore

There are two keyboard layouts kannada and Kannada - QWERTY. Which one should one use? both seems to have slightly different set of keys other than the layout difference.

Also how do we get 'ottakshara' as in 'ku sti' or 'ma ttu'?

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Answer 2

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

118,240 points

Sep 14, 2018 5:54 AM in response to prathimafrombangalore

prathimafrombangalore wrote:

Also how do we get 'ottakshara' as in 'ku sti' or 'ma ttu'?

Using Kannada qwerty and the standard forumula (typing jfn, sfti, tftu):

Are those correct?

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Answer 3

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

118,240 points

Sep 12, 2018 3:45 AM in response to prathimafrombangalore

Could you use the camera icon to post a picture here of what you think "pra" should look like?

The standard key combination for typing Unicode Kannada is to type

between the two consonants. Apple's keyboard should let you make everything you need that way.

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Answer 4

Sep 13, 2018 9:50 PM in response to Tom Gewecke

Thank you! The example you have shown above is the correct letter 'pra' however, when I try to type the key combinations suggested, it takes it as 2 letters it does not come as one letter 'pra'. Please find the image attached

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Answer 5

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

118,240 points

Sep 15, 2018 3:04 AM in response to prathimafrombangalore

prathimafrombangalore wrote:

Thank you! Now I know the issue is perhaps the older version of MS Word. But again I have to purchase a new version if I want this to work......😕

Why do you need you use Word? Instead use TextEdit or Pages or LibreOffice. They all export to Word format if you must have that.

(Word 2011 Mac was declared obsolete a year ago)

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Answer 6

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

118,240 points

Sep 14, 2018 3:06 AM in response to prathimafrombangalore

prathimafrombangalore wrote:

Thank you! The example you have shown above is the correct letter 'pra' however, when I try to type the key combinations suggested, it takes it as 2 letters it does not come as one letter 'pra'. Please find the image attached

MS Word is special. You must use the latest Word 2016 and the best font is Tunga. Better to use other apps if possible. Word 2011 Mac cannot support indic scripts at all.

I think it is best to use Kannada qwerty. I don't think there is any real difference in what the two keyboards can produce.

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