Using International Keyboard on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The international keyboard, also known as the non-English keyboard or QWERTY keyboard layout, is a standard keyboard layout used worldwide. However, many users find it difficult to navigate and type in languages that use non-English alphabets. Mac users can easily switch to international keyboards to type in languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and many others. In this article, we will guide you through the process of using international keyboards on Mac.
Setting Up International Keyboard
To set up an international keyboard on Mac, follow these steps:
- Open System Preferences: Click on System Preferences from the top menu bar.
- Keyboard: Click on Keyboard from the left-hand menu.
- Language and Character Set: Click on Language and Character Set from the left-hand menu.
- Select Language: Click on Select Language from the left-hand menu.
- Choose International Keyboard: Select International Keyboard from the list of available languages.
Switching to International Keyboard
Once you have set up the international keyboard, you can switch to it by following these steps:
- Click on Keyboard: Click on Keyboard from the left-hand menu.
- Select International Keyboard: Click on International Keyboard from the left-hand menu.
- Type in Language: Type in the language you want to switch to.
Using International Keyboard Layouts
International keyboards come with various layouts, including:
- QWERTY: The most common layout used worldwide.
- QWERTZ: Used in Germany and some other European countries.
- AZERTY: Used in France and some other European countries.
- JIS: Used in Japan.
- Kanji: Used in Japan and some other Asian countries.
Using International Keyboard Shortcuts
International keyboards often come with various shortcuts that can save you time and effort. Here are some common international keyboard shortcuts:
- Shift + Option: Opens the Option menu.
- Shift + Control: Opens the Control menu.
- Ctrl + Shift: Opens the Shift menu.
- Alt + Shift: Opens the Alt menu.
- Alt + Option: Opens the Option menu.
Using International Keyboard Characters
International keyboards often come with various characters that can be used to type in languages that use non-English alphabets. Here are some common international keyboard characters:
- Chinese Characters: Use the Shift + Option key to type Chinese characters.
- Japanese Characters: Use the Shift + Option key to type Japanese characters.
- Korean Characters: Use the Shift + Option key to type Korean characters.
- Arabic Characters: Use the Shift + Option key to type Arabic characters.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you use international keyboards on Mac:
- Use the Keyboard Viewer**: The Keyboard Viewer is a built-in tool that allows you to view and edit keyboard layouts.
- Use the Keyboard Shortcuts**: Use the keyboard shortcuts to navigate and type in languages that use non-English alphabets.
- Use the International Keyboard Layouts**: Use the international keyboard layouts to type in languages that use non-English alphabets.
- Use the Character Map**: The Character Map is a built-in tool that allows you to view and edit characters.
Conclusion
Using international keyboards on Mac can be a bit challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, you can easily switch to international keyboards and type in languages that use non-English alphabets. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up an international keyboard, switch to it, and use international keyboard layouts and shortcuts to type in languages that use non-English alphabets.