For years, Android existed with a basic, default keyboard. But in 2016, Google launched their own keyboard, aptly named Gboard. It has become the default keyboard for stock Android mobile devices, and anyone can install it from the Play Store. As of now, Gboard alone has been installed on over a billion Android devices.
There is also an iOS version with more features than the original iOS keyboard (but for this article we will focus on the Android keyboard). Everything from gesture typing to keyboard customization is here. Not to mention a complete Google search engine inside your keyboard. But, what is Gboard and why is Gboard superior to other keyboards? Let’s take a look.
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What is Gboard?
Oddly enough, Gboard is both a first-party keyboard and a third-party keyboard. You may have it pre-installed on your Android smartphone, or you can also install it from the Play Store.
Gboard is also available as a third-party keyboard for iPhone users (it lacks many features compared to the Android version, but the core experience is the same). While iPhone users need to go to the Settings app to enable the keyboard, using Gboard is well worth a try.
Download: Gboard (iOS, Android)
Search Google from Gboard
This is a feature that no other keyboard has. A little Google search feature right inside your keyboard. On the iPhone app, you’ll find a G icon on the right side of the toolbar. In the Android app, the Search feature is in the menu, but you can also drag it to the toolbar.
Using Google Search, you can search for anything on the web. You’ll find the search results in the keyboard view itself, and you can tap the results to paste them right into the text box.
This comes in extremely handy when you’re in a group chat and you need to find and share a link (no more jumping in and out of the browser).
Share GIFs and emojis
No need to install another dedicated GIF keyboard. You can search and find GIFs (as well as emojis), right in Gboard. From the keyboard, tap the Emoji icon, then switch to the GIF section.
Here you can search for any GIF from Google’s vast library. Just tap the GIF to send it in the chat.
And there are Gboard stickers too
Google has also now added support for stickers. In the same Emoji section you will find a new tab for stickers. You can explore available stickers and you can also add other stickers from the store. Gboard supports Bitmoji so you can create and add your own stickers or emojis, right from the keyboard!
Swipe to enter
Swype was the first app to introduce gesture typing, but it’s now available on many default and third-party keyboards. And Gboard is no exception. You’ll get a fast gesture typing experience where you can simply slide your finger over the letters to form words.
Google’s prediction engine is pretty good here, so even if you’re a little silly, Gboard will still suggest the right word (if not, you can always use the hint bar to quickly jump around). to a related word).
Quickly select and delete text
Google has also now added the smaller text selection gestures that you normally see in utility keyboards. You can swipe left or right on Space to quickly move the cursor left or right.
Want to quickly delete a word or several words? Usually, pressing the delete key to delete each character will take quite a while. In Gboard, you can only swipe left from Delete key to start highlighting letters and words. Once you’ve highlighted words, just lift your finger from the keyboard to delete them.
Or use the text editing features
If you want more precision, you can use the Edit Text mode (which you will find in the menu from the toolbar).
Here you will find arrow keys for all four directions, selection feature and the ability to go to the end or beginning of the text. You’ll also find buttons to quickly copy, paste, or select all text.
Type in multiple languages
Gboard integrates Google Translate into the keyboard. But you can go a step further and use multiple languages.
- From the toolbar, tap Gear to open Gboard Settings.
- Here, go to Language and click More keyboards right to buy.
- Now select the language you want to add.
- Now you can customize the language keyboard. By default, Gboard chooses the English translation version, but you can also choose the language keyboard directly. Touch Accomplished to save the changes.
- After you return to the keyboard, touch and hold Globe icon to see a list of all languages. Select your language to switch to it.
One-handed type
Gboard has both a one-handed keyboard mode and a floating keyboard option so you can type however you want.
In floating keyboard mode you can drag the keyboard anywhere and you can also resize it. One-handed mode allows you to attach the keyboard to either side of the screen.
Customize to your heart’s content
Gboard comes with an outstanding theme collection with solid colors, landscapes, and gradients. You will find them in Setting > Topic. If you go to Interests in Settings you will see options to enable number row and emoji toggle key.
From the Layout section you can increase the keyboard height. You’ll also see options to customize keystrokes.
These are the top features that make Gboard stand out from other keyboards. There are a lot of little features in the Gboard app. Share some of your favorite Gboard features with us in the comments section below!
If you’re having any issues with Gboard, check out our Gboard troubleshooting guide.
