Typing Gujarati on Your Phone and Computer

You don't need special software to type Gujarati today. Modern phones and computers support it well, and phonetic keyboards let you start without learning a new layout.

Unicode: one standard

Gujarati text uses Unicode, so what you type appears correctly on any modern device, website or app. Older, non-Unicode fonts used by some publishers can garble text when pasted, so prefer Unicode.

Phonetic (transliteration) typing

A phonetic keyboard lets you type Roman letters and converts them to Gujarati. Typing gujarati produces ગુજરાતી. Options include:

• Gboard on Android and iPhone, with Gujarati transliteration and a native layout.
• Google Input Tools for desktop browsers.
• Other Gujarati keyboard apps and online typing tools.

Phonetic typing is the fastest way for beginners, because you type the way the word sounds.

Fixed layouts

A fixed layout, such as InScript (the standard Indian layout built into many operating systems), puts each letter on a specific key. It takes practice, but it's efficient for people who type a lot in Gujarati.

Setting up on Android

Open Settings, then System, then Languages and input, then your on-screen keyboard, and add Gujarati. Switch languages with the globe icon.

Setting up on iPhone

Go to Settings, then General, then Keyboard, then Keyboards, and add Gujarati. Choose the layout you prefer.

Setting up on Windows and Mac

Add Gujarati in the language or keyboard settings, and choose a layout (phonetic or InScript). Switch between languages with the language selector or a keyboard shortcut.

Typing tips

• Vowel signs: type the consonant, then the vowel: ka + aa gives કા.
• Conjuncts: type the first consonant, the halant (્) and the second consonant. In phonetic keyboards, you often just type the letters in order (kSha or ksha for ક્ષ).
• Nasal dot (ં): usually n or M on phonetic layouts, depending on the keyboard.
• Long and short vowels: watch the difference: i versus ee gives ઇ versus ઈ.

Common problems

• Words that look right but are spelled wrongly, because short and long vowels sound alike.
• Conjuncts not forming, because a halant is missing.
• Copy-pasted text showing empty boxes, due to missing fonts.

Texting habits

Many Gujarati speakers text in romanised Gujarati (Gujarati written in Roman letters) because it's quick, especially in casual chats. For formal writing, and for dictionary lookups, use Gujarati script.

Typing improves reading

Typing forces you to think about spelling, which strengthens reading. Type each new word you learn, then check it in a dictionary.

Practice

1. Install a Gujarati keyboard today.
2. Type your name and your family members' names.
3. Send a short greeting in Gujarati script to a friend.
4. Check spellings you're unsure of.

Check the spelling of Gujarati words with English Gujarati Dictionary →