Typing, Keyboard and Language Settings

Typing

The iPad uses an onscreen touch keyboard to input text. The default keyboard is based on the language and region that were used to set up the iPad initially. However, the keyboard can be reconfigured at any time through the Settings app -> General Keyboard. Furthermore, additional keyboards can be added including those created by third-part developers.

The keyboard appears whenever the iPad identifies an area where text input is required. The screen will then split with the keyboard occupying the bottom half. The keyboard can be hidden at any time by pressing the minimize keyboard icon located in the bottom right hand corner of the keyboard layout. Alternatively, pressing in a space where keyboard input is not required will also minimize the keyboard.

Apple Keyboard

The Apple keyboard is the standard keyboard that comes built-in with all iPads. As this is the keyboard that most users will use, it may be useful to become familiar with some of its features. There have been several versions of the keyboard with the release of new iOS versions with the most dramatic visual change occuring with iOS11. Here are some of the layouts of some of the iPad keyboards:

iOS 8

Our tour starts with the iOS 8 keyboard, not because it was necessarily the original but more so because it is unlikely that there are too many users with an iPad running an earlier version of iOS. On this keyboard, there is a Caps lock button on both sides that toggle between upper and lower case. The keyboard defaults to upper case for the first letter and after that the keyboard changes to lowercase. To type in All Caps for an extended period of time, double tap the Caps Lock arrow. This will keep the keyboard locked in upper case as indicated by the Caps Lock arrow which has a horizontal line underneath it.

Located underneath the Caps lock button on the left side of the keyboard, is the number/symbol toggle. Apple preferred a fuller sized keyboard with a cleaner look rather than jamming number keys above the letters. To enter numbers and/or symbols, push on the ?123 toggle key. The key will then change to #+= which opens additional symbols options. The key will further change to ABC prompting users to revert back to the letter keyboard. To the right of the toggle key is the Emoji button allowing users to express themselves with a quick emoji rather than in text. To switch back to text, hit the ABC button on the emoji screen. Continuing to the right is the dictation button indicated with a microphone icon. Using dictation allows a user to "type" using their voice. The dictation feature requires an internet connection. When the iPad is no longer connected to the internet, the symbol will be greyed out indicating that the service is not available. See dictation tips for suggestions to enhance accuracy. On the bottom right corner is the keyboard dismiss button which minimizes the keyboard. Holding down the keyboard dismiss button however, brings up a menu to Dock/Undock the keyboard or to Split the keyboard. These features are further explained below in greater detail. Foreign language users may find it useful to learn about a method to quickly entering letters that exist in other language alphabets. Depressing a key and holding it down reveals alternate forms of that letter. Similarly, pressing down the period symbol within a browsing app allows users to quickly choose the domain (e.g. .com, .ca, .org, etc).

Special Input Methods (language specific)

Some languages allow input in alternate ways (for example, Japanese Kana and Chinese Cangjie). When these keyboards are selected, you can use your finger or a stylus to write characters on the screen. Supports for these languages include:

• building Chinese characters from the component Cangjie keys where suggested characters appear as you type
• using up to five strokes in the correct writing sequence (horizontal, vertical, left falling, right falling and hook), suggested Chinese characters will appear. If unsure of the correct stroke, enter an asterisk. To see more character options, type another stroke, or scroll through the character list.
• write Chinese characters directly on the screen with your finger when Simplified or Traditional Chinese handwriting input is turned on. As you write character strokes, the iPad recognizes them and shows matching characters in a list with the closest match at the top. You can type some complex characters by writing two or more component characters in sequence. Roman characters are also recognized.
• Use the Kana keybad to sellect syllables. For more syllable options, tap the arrow key and select another syllable or word from the window.
• Use the Romanji keyboard to type syllables. Alternative choices appear along the top of the keyboard; tap one to type it. For more syllable options, drag the list to the left or tap the arrow key.

3rd Party Keyboard Support

Ironically, although we start our keyboard tour with iOS 8, it is also the first time that Apple has allowed third party keyboards to replace the default Apple keyboard. This essentially opens up a wide array of specialized and alternate means of inputing text ranging from Google's Gboard to more specific applications. Here are some popular 3rd party keyboards for the iPad and how to install them.

iOS9 Keyboard

In iOS 9, Apple introduced Trackpad Mode, a way to move the cursor for easier text editing. To use this feature, press down on the keyboard with two fingers and swipe across the on-screen keyboard (iPad only). On iPhones with 3D Touch functionality, this is activated by hard pressing the on-screen keyboard with one finger. Additionally, on an iPad:

• tap two fingers once to select the word
• tap two fingers twice to select the sentence
• tap two fingers three times to select the paragraph

iOS 12 Keyboard features

iOS 12 re-introduced a new trackpad feature where the space bar is held down until the keys disappear. At this point the user can drag their finger along the display to move the cursor. This unifies the trackpad feature that previously had been accessed differently depending on whether the device was an iPad or an iPhone (3D touch functionality only).