Keyboard App Builder is a versatile tool developed by SIL International that allows you to design and build custom keyboard apps for smartphones and tablets. These apps enable users to type in their language within other applications like Gmail, Facebook, and WhatsApp, helping communities maintain and flourish in their native languages.

How To Create Customized Keyboard Apps

1. Install Keyboard App Builder

To run Keyboard App Builder, you need three key components installed on your computer:

  • Keyboard App Builder (KAB),
  • Java Development Kit (JDK)
  • Android Software Development Kit (SDK).

1.1. Installing Keyboard App Builder

  1. Go to the Download Page.
  2. Download the latest setup program for your operating system.
  3. Run the setup program to install Keyboard App Builder on your computer.

1.2. Installing Java Development Kit (JDK)

You need version 17 of JDK. You can install it using the Install JDK wizard within Keyboard App Builder or directly from the Azul website.

Option 1: Using the Install JDK Wizard

  1. Launch Keyboard App Builder.
  2. Click the Install JDK button.
  3. Follow the instructions in the wizard.

Option 2: Installing JDK from the Azul Website

  1. Visit the Download Zulu Builds of OpenJDK.
  2. Download the .msi file.
  3. Run the installer and follow the instructions.

1.3. Installing Android Software Development Kit (SDK)

You can download the Android SDK files or copy them from another device

Option 1: Downloading the SDK Online

  1. Launch Keyboard App Builder.
  2. Click the Install Android SDK button.
  3. Follow the Install Android SDK wizard instructions.

Option 2: Copying the SDK Files from Another Source

  1. Copy the Android SDK files from a colleague or another trusted source.
  2. Ensure you have the essential folders such as cmdline-tools, build-tools, platforms, and platform-tools.

2. Build Your First App

2.1. Prepare Your Content

Before you start, ensure you have:

  • A Keyman keyboard layout file (.kmp).
  • Optional: A Keyman lexical model file (.model.kmp) for predictive text and autocorrect.

2.2. Steps to Build

  1. Launch Keyboard App Builder.
  2. Click New App on the toolbar.
  3. Enter your App Name and Package Name.
  4. Select the Keyboard and Lexical Model files.
  5. Choose your Color Scheme and Default Interface Language.
  6. Select Interface Languages.
  7. Choose the App Icon.
  8. Set the Signing details (keystore and alias).
  9. Configure the Project settings.
  10. Review and finalize your settings.

2.3. Build the App

  1. Click the Build Android App button.
  2. Wait for the build process to complete.
  3. The resulting file will be an APK file.

3. Install the App on Your Phone

  1. Connect your Android phone to your computer using a USB data cable.
  2. Enable USB Debugging in Developer Options on your phone.
  3. In Keyboard App Builder, click the Install APK button.

Additional Information

For in-depth details on specific steps or troubleshooting tips, refer to the detailed PDF documents provided:

By using Keyboard App Builder, you contribute to the mission of empowering language communities around the world, promoting linguistic diversity, and enabling people to thrive using their valued languages.