Creating a custom keyboard layout for Senthamizh fonts involves a few steps.
Here’s a guide to help you set up a custom layout on your computer:
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Download and Install the Keyman Software
- Keyman is a popular tool for creating and using custom
keyboard layouts.
- Download Keyman from [Keyman's official
website](https://keyman.com/downloads/).
2. Download the Senthamizh Keyboard Layout:
- If a Senthamizh keyboard layout already exists, you can find
it in the Keyman keyboard repository or on Tamil language support sites.
- If it’s not available, you can create your own custom layout
(details below).
3. Install the Senthamizh Keyboard Layout:
- Once you have the layout file (usually with a `.kmp`
extension), open Keyman and use the “Add Keyboard” option to install it.
4. Creating a Custom Keyboard Layout (if needed):
- Keyman Developer: Download and install Keyman Developer
from the Keyman website.
- Create a New Keyboard:
1. Open Keyman Developer and create a new keyboard
project.
2. Define the mappings for the Senthamizh font by
assigning Tamil characters to the keys. This can be done by editing the `.kmn`
file.
3. Save and compile the project to generate the
`.kmp` file.
- Test the Layout: Before finalizing, ensure to test the
layout thoroughly to confirm all characters are correctly mapped.
5. Activate the Senthamizh Keyboard Layout:
- After installing the keyboard, switch to it using the language
bar on your computer (usually found in the taskbar or by using a keyboard
shortcut like Alt + Shift).
Example of Creating a Keyboard Layout in Keyman Developer
1. Open Keyman Developer and start a new keyboard project.
2. Set the Keyboard Properties:
- Define the language (Tamil) and font (Senthamizh) properties.
3. Define Key Mappings:
- For each key, map it to the corresponding Senthamizh
character.
- Example mapping (pseudo-code):
```kmn
+ 'a' > 'அ'
+ 'k' > 'க்'
+ 's' > 'ஸ்'
```
4. Compile the Keyboard:
- Save the mappings and compile the project to create the `.kmp`
file.
5. Install the Keyboard:
- Open Keyman, go to “Configuration,” and add the newly created
keyboard.
Using the Keyboard
- Once the keyboard is installed and activated, you can start typing in
Senthamizh using the custom layout.
- Refer to the specific key mappings you have defined to know which key
produces which character.
Resources for Reference
- Keyman Documentation: Detailed guides on creating and managing keyboard
layouts.
- Tamil Language Support Communities: Forums and groups where you can get help
and share your custom layouts.
By following these steps, you should be able to set up and use a keyboard
layout that works specifically with the Senthamizh font. If you encounter any
specific issues or need further customization, Keyman’s community forums and
support resources can be very helpful.
