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Andy Walker / Android Authority
My experience with Google’s Gboard has been quite extensive, as I often toggle between it and other keyboard alternatives. Recently, I explored HeliBoard, an open-source keyboard praised for its minimalistic design and emphasis on user privacy. Yet, after acquiring the latest Pixel and Galaxy devices, I recognized the need to integrate Gboard into my typing routine more consistently.
While Gboard has generally enhanced my typing experience across modern Google and Samsung smartphones, I sought to optimize its functionality further. By reassessing the app’s features, settings, and shortcuts, I tailored them to align with my unique typing habits, ultimately increasing my productivity.
Is Gboard your go-to keyboard on Android devices?
1103 votes
Yes, I exclusively use Gboard on my phone.
89%
No, I prefer a different keyboard on my phone.
11%
I organized my Gboard toolbar for better efficiency
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Initially, my Gboard toolbar was somewhat chaotic, albeit filled with useful shortcuts for text management. Gboard offers approximately twelve customizable shortcut buttons, allowing for rearrangement above the keyboard. I took the initiative to organize these icons based on my frequency of use to enhance typing efficiency on every device I own.
While my shortcut arrangement may not suit everyone’s preferences, here’s how I have mine set up, left to right:
Clipboard
GIF
Settings
Text editing
Translate
Gboard accommodates up to five icons on the toolbar; additional tools can be accessed via a fixed Shortcuts button. This includes options such as Theme, Floating, and Resize, which I seldom utilize.
While discussing the toolbar layout, I also activate the Show recently copied text and images in suggestions bar option found within the Clipboard settings.
I’ve enhanced my Gboard gestures and long-press techniques
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Like many Google applications, Gboard is rich with gestures that users can take advantage of, though many remain undiscovered due to a lack of visibility within the app itself. Once incorporated into my typing routine, these gestures have become indispensable for improving my typing efficiency.
Here are some of my preferred Gboard gestures:
- Press and hold, then slide left or right on the spacebar to navigate through text.
- Swipe left on the backspace/delete key to delete entire words quickly.
- Activate one-handed mode by long-pressing the Enter key on the right side; for left-handed users, use the comma key.
- Long-press the full stop icon to access common punctuation marks.
I’ve mastered a convenient case-switching shortcut
There’s no greater annoyance than Gboard incorrectly changing the case of a word. Fortunately, there’s an efficient way to toggle between lowercase, sentence case, and uppercase. Simply highlight the word and hit the shift key to adjust the case swiftly, saving time and effort compared to entering Editing mode and correcting the error manually.
I utilize Editing mode for refining longer texts
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Occasionally, I rely on Editing mode when dealing with longer pieces of text. Given that my smartphone has become my primary note-taking device, I often find myself needing to refine my hastily written thoughts. Editing mode in Gboard is perfectly suited for this task.
To activate Editing mode, tap the caret icon featuring two small arrows. I keep this option readily accessible in my toolbar. Upon activation, Gboard transforms into a directional pad with the Select option at its center, allowing for straightforward navigation between characters and entire words. The right side offers options for Cut, Copy, Paste, and backspace, while the bottom icons facilitate quick jumps to the beginning or end of the text.
I would appreciate a more compact version of these functions integrated into the keyboard, and while Google has made some enhancements with Undo and Redo buttons, I have yet to see this rolled out on my devices.
I guide Gboard’s suggestions toward better accuracy
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Typing freely without assistance is my default method for sending quick messages. However, to accelerate typing on Gboard, utilizing the app’s suggestions becomes essential. To ensure the accuracy of these suggestions, I occasionally select the words Gboard recommends, especially when time allows for it.
The more I interact with Gboard’s suggestions, the more tailored they become to my frequently used terms. Although I often forget to employ this feature, it’s a work in progress for me, and I believe it significantly enhances the overall experience.
While I generally prefer manual typing, utilizing Gboard’s suggestions for lengthy or repetitive phrases can save considerable time. Furthermore, better customized suggestions improve the performance of swipe typing as well.
I finally evaluated my Text correction settings
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Although I previously avoided relying too heavily on Gboard’s text correction, I recently realized the value in allowing it to assist me in reducing frequent typos, especially when using a new device. Consequently, I revisited my Text correction settings within Gboard.
To access these settings, select the cog and navigate to Text correction. Here is a summary of the adjustments I made:
- Show suggestion strip: On
- Next-word suggestions: On
- Don’t suggest offensive words: Off
- Suggest Contacts: Off
- Auto-correction: On
- Undo auto-correct on backspace: Off
- Autospace after punctuation: Off
- Auto-capitalization: On
- Double-space period: On
- Spell check: On
- Grammar check: On
I transformed my Personal dictionary into an efficient text expander
Lastly, the significance of the personal dictionary should not be overlooked. While it is primarily designed to store frequently used words—like local terms that might not be recognized—its potential to function as a text expansion tool is immense.
For instance, when I need to inform my partner that I’m on my way, instead of composing “I’m leaving in a bit,” I’ve set up the entire phrase to be suggested when I type “ilb.” This allows me to seamlessly insert longer phrases with just three letters, streamlining my texting process.
By expanding short snippets into longer expressions, the personal dictionary can save significant time daily. You can access it by tapping the cog, then navigating to Dictionary > Personal dictionary. After choosing your language, simply hit the + button to add new word and shortcut combinations.
While there are many Gboard features I haven’t explored in this article, the ones I’ve shared profoundly enhance my typing efficiency. If you have specific tips or features that have significantly improved your Gboard experience, I invite you to share your insights in the comments below.
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