A mobile keyboard is the single most important tool for digital communication. Without it, a language cannot be used for texting, social media, or searching the web on a phone. This guide outlines the two main paths to getting a mobile keyboard for your language: petitioning major providers or commissioning a custom one.
Prerequisite: Before you can create a keyboard, your language's characters must be in Unicode and you must have a working font. If you haven't completed this step, please review our Unicode Characters guide first.
Path 1: Add Your Language to Existing Keyboards
The most effective and scalable approach is to get your language added to the keyboards that are already installed on billions of devices. Companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft have the resources and distribution channels to make your language instantly available to a global audience.
Who to Contact
Focus your efforts on the major platforms first:
- Gboard (Google): The default keyboard on most Android devices and a popular choice on iOS. Google regularly adds new languages.
- Apple's Native iOS Keyboard: The only keyboard that comes pre-installed on iPhones and iPads. Getting added here is a huge victory for language visibility.
- Microsoft SwiftKey: A highly popular third-party keyboard for both Android and iOS, known for its powerful prediction engine.
How to Make a Request
Prepare Your Case
Gather all necessary information: links to the official Unicode charts for your script, existing fonts, information about the number of speakers, and examples of the language in use.
Find the Official Feedback Channel
Look for "Feature Request" or "Feedback" forms on their official websites or within the keyboard app's settings. Submitting through the proper channel is crucial.
Mobilize Your Community
A single request can be easily overlooked. Organize a community campaign where many speakers submit the same request. The more demand they see, the more likely they are to act.
Be Patient and Persistent: These are large corporations, and the process can take a long time. Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back immediately. Follow up periodically and continue to show evidence of community demand.
Path 2: Commissioning a Custom Keyboard
If petitioning major companies is unsuccessful or too slow, the alternative is to hire a developer or a firm to build a custom keyboard app for your language. This gives you full control over the layout and features, but it requires funding and effort to maintain and distribute.
What You'll Need to Provide a Developer
To get an accurate quote and a functional product, you must provide the developer with a clear set of requirements:
- A Digital Font File: The developer needs the font file (e.g., .TTF or .OTF) that contains all your language's characters.
- A Detailed Keyboard Layout: A visual diagram or specification showing which character goes on which key. This should include what happens on a long-press, the shift-key layout, and any special symbol layers.
- Input Logic Rules: Documentation on how characters combine. For example, does a tone mark get typed before or after the base letter? How are diacritics handled?
- (Optional but Recommended) A Wordlist: A list of common words in your language (in a simple text file) is essential for building auto-correct and predictive text features. The larger the list, the better the predictions will be.
Finding Developers and Estimated Costs
You can find skilled developers on freelance platforms or by searching for specialized software firms.
Freelance Platforms
Sites like Upwork, Toptal, and Freelancer.com host thousands of mobile app developers. Post a job with your detailed requirements.
Visit UpworkSpecialized Companies
Firms specializing in multilingual software or language technology may offer keyboard development services. SIL International's Keyman is a powerful platform for this.
Explore KeymanEstimated Costs
Costs can vary widely based on complexity:
- Basic Keyboard (iOS & Android): A simple keyboard with a custom layout might cost between $3,000 - $8,000.
- Advanced Keyboard: Adding features like auto-correct, predictive text, themes, and emoji can increase the cost to $10,000 - $25,000+.
- Maintenance: Remember to budget for annual maintenance (around 15-20% of the development cost) to keep the app updated for new OS versions.
A Keyboard Needs a Font to Work
Whether you commission a keyboard or get added to Gboard, users will still need a font that can display your language correctly. The next step is to ensure your font is ready.
Learn About Font Development