Documentation

The following Keyboard App Builder documents can be downloaded as PDF files. You are free to print them for personal use and training workshops.

1. Installation InstructionsPDF (600 KB)
For both Windows and Linux: how to download and install each of the three components needed for Keyboard App Builder: the Java Development Kit (JDK), the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) and Keyboard App Builder itself. To install KAB on a Mac, please see ‘3. Installing and Building Apps on a Mac’ below.

2. Building AppsPDF (6.5 MB)
Takes you through the steps of building your first app, answers frequently asked questions.

3. Installing and Building Apps on a MacPDF (1.7 MB)
How to install Keyboard App Builder on a Mac and build Android apps.

Development Kits

These software development kits are a necessary part of Keyboard App Builder and will need to be installed in order to build the Android apps.

Java Development Kit – You need version 17 of the Java Development Kit (JDK). Use the Install JDK wizard within Keyboard App Builder to download and install the JDK.

Android Software Development Kit – Use the Install Android SDK wizard within Keyboard App Builder to download and install the Android SDK.

Keyman

Keyman Developer – the most powerful tool for creating keyboard layouts for any popular platform for any language around the world. Build keyboards layouts for desktop, web, tablet and phone. Optimise your keyboards for each platform, including touch-and-hold keys and alternative layers.

Other Links and Resources

Android Asset Studio – Android Asset Studio provides an online tool, the Launcher Icon Generator, which can create a set of app icons for you from a single image file.

Firebase – The apps you build with Keyboard App Builder can be linked with a Firebase account for analytics, crash reporting and push notifications.

Dictionary App Builder – An app builder for dictionaries and lexicons.

Reading App Builder – An app builder for picture books, health and community development materials, song books, illustrated stories and libraries of easy-to-read books for new readers.