Google Input Tools: Easy Writing Tools

Google Input Tools is a multi-language typing tool that allows users to switch effortlessly between different languages. This Chrome extension provides virtual keyboards for over 90 languages, full input method editors (IMEs) or direct transliteration for more than 30 scripts, and handwriting input for over 40 languages. It recently added Hoocąk and Makah languages and updated some on-screen keyboards for improved user experience.

Preferential language or input methods are easily selected from the extension options and these chosen input tools can be enabled anytime directly from the extension. To utilize this tool, select the desired language from the extension icon and click on any text box on the web page. Transliteration, Latin IMEs, and handwriting input are other unique key features. However, due to Google Chrome’s security features, it doesn’t support input in the address bar or within other Chrome extensions or Flash applications. Its user-friendly interface, effective multilingual support, and advanced features make it a useful extension for global users.

Extension NameGoogle Input Tools
Users3,000,000 users
Rating4.0
Version10.2.0.4
UpdatedSeptember 21, 2023

What is the Google Input Tools Chrome Extension

Google Input Tools is a free software extension developed by Google that allows users to enter text in any input field in their preferred language. This innovative tool breaks the language barrier by enabling seamless communication in over 90 languages, ranging from Afrikaans to Zulu.

This easy-to-use tool is massively popular for its adaptability, simplifying typing in a non-Latin script or complex Latin language. Its three main features, transliteration, IME (Input Method Editor), and on-screen keyboards, allow efficient switching between various languages and typing methods.

In the context of transliteration, it converts words from one language into another for more accurate communication. The on-screen keyboard lets the users type in their preferred language using a visual keyboard layout. Google Input Tools also offers an IME option primarily for East Asian languages, where the user can type in Pinyin but the text appears in Chinese characters.

Google Input Tools: Easy Writing Tools
Google Input Tools: Easy Writing Tools

In addition to its functionality for personal communication, the extension also opens up opportunities for businesses to effectively interact with international clients and partners. Understanding and communicating in regional languages is imperative for any globally operating business, and Google Input Tools empowers them to do just that.

In conclusion, Google Input Tools is a bridge to overcoming the global barrier of language differences, facilitating efficient communication across various languages and significantly simplifying the typing process for complex or non-Latin scripts.

How to use the Google Input Tools Chrome Extension

Google Input Tools is a versatile feature allowing users to type and communicate in over 90 languages. This free-to-use tool is an excellent choice for multilingual people or those who are learning a new language.

To use Google Input Tools, install its extension on your browser. Open Google Chrome, visit the Chrome Web Store, then search for “Google Input Tools”. Click on “Add to Chrome”, then on “Add Extension”. Once installed, an icon will appear next to your address bar.

To tailor the tool to your unique needs, click on this icon, then on “Extension Options”. A page featuring over 90 languages will open. Select the languages you prefer by clicking on them and adding them to the right-hand column, then click “Save.” You can switch between your selected languages by clicking the Google Input Tools icon.

To type in your chosen language, hit the icon and choose a language. Then, start typing phonetically in English. Google Input Tools will offer suggestions in your chosen language as you type. Click on the correct option to select it. It’s a user-friendly, interactive way to learn a new language or communicate more effectively in a familiar one.

Google’s smart tool makes typing in any language seem easy. It’s a ground-breaking feature that eliminates linguistic barriers, promotes cultural exchange, and fosters global understanding. Simply by installing and using Google Input Tools, you can communicate effortlessly in languages other than English. It opens a world full of linguistic possibilities right at your fingertips. Give it a try and explore the linguistic diversity that our world offers.

Google Input Tools Chrome Extension
Google Input Tools Chrome Extension

With globalization getting more prevalent, communicating in various languages has become increasingly necessary. Google designed a tool to ease this process – the Google Input Tools extension. This tool lets users type in over 90 languages by providing virtual keyboards, IMEs, or direct transliteration for over 30 scripts and handwriting input for over 40 languages.

Recently, Google updated the tool by adding Hoocąk and Makah languages and updating some on-screen keyboards. With just a click, users can switch to typing in a different language and return to the default language as easily. However, keep in mind that installing this extension means acceptance of the Terms of Service stipulated at http://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/.

To use this extension, one must first install it on their device. After installation, click the extension icon and select “Extension Options” from the pop-up menu. This action opens a new tab where you can choose your preferred languages or input methods.

The keyboards, IMEs, or handwriting input you add to ‘Selected input tools’ can be activated anytime from the extension itself. You can always return to the options page to add, remove, or change the order of your input tools.

Once the desired input tool is selected, click on the extension icon, select the desired language tool in the pop-up menu, and then click on any text box on the web page to start typing in the selected language. To turn off an input tool, click the extension icon and select the “Turn Off” option.

The Google Input Tool also offers a transliteration feature. This is a method of typing the language phonetically in English letters, and they’ll appear in their correct alphabet. It is important to remember that transliteration differs from translation as it converts the sound of the words from one alphabet to the other, not the meaning.

A salient feature of this tool is Latin IMEs. It aids in typing Latin-script languages using the US keyboard. Some features include automatic diacritics, spell correction, and prefix completion.

Another exciting feature is the handwriting input tool. Select the handwriting input of your desired language and hand draw a character on the pop-up handwriting panel using a trackpad or left mouse click. Select the character from the suggestion list, or press ENTER or SPACE key to select the first suggestion.

It should be noted that due to Google Chrome’s security features, usage of the Google Input Tools extension is limited. It does not assist with inputting the address bar (omnibox) on the Chrome Web Store or inside other Chrome extensions. It also does not currently assist with input inside Flash applications.

To sum up, the Google Input Tools extension is invaluable for those who often find themselves switching between different languages. It provides a seamless and efficient way of typing in languages other than the default one set on your device. However, users must first agree to the Terms of Service at https://chrome.google.com/extensions/intl/en/gallery_tos.html before installing the extension.

Various keyboard shortcuts have been provided for ease of access and navigation. Users can visit the support page at https://chrome.google.com/webstore/support/mclkkofklkfljcocdinagocijmpgbhab to assist or report an issue. The world of communication became much more accessible with this incredible Google Input Tools extension. Leap and start typing in more languages today!

Install Chrome Extension

What is Google Input Tools?

Google Input Tools is a service provided by Google that allows you to type in over 90 different languages. It includes virtual keyboards, input method editors, and handwriting input, which you can use on any device.

How do I use Google Input Tools?

You can access Google Input Tools by adding it as an extension on your browser or downloading the software for your device. After installation, you can simply choose your desired language and input method to start typing.

Is Google Input Tools free to use?

Yes, Google Input Tools is completely free to use.

Does Google Input Tools work on all devices?

Google Input Tools is available for Chrome, Windows, and Android platforms. However, as of current updates, it’s not available for iOS devices.