Fedora 28 Add Second Keyboard Layout With Localectl Guide

Hey guys! Ever wanted to switch between different keyboard layouts on your Fedora 28 workstation? It's super handy for typing in multiple languages or just trying out different keyboard configurations. Today, we're diving deep into how to add a second keyboard layout using localectl. It might sound a bit technical, but trust me, it's totally doable, and I'm here to guide you through every step. We’ll break it down in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you're not a Linux guru. So, let’s get started and make your keyboard multilingual!

Understanding the Current Layout

Before we jump into adding a second layout, let's first figure out what your current keyboard situation looks like. This is crucial because we need to know what we're starting with to make the changes effectively. The tool we'll use for this is localectl, which is a command-line utility in Fedora (and many other Linux distributions) for managing system locale and keyboard layout settings. It’s like the control panel for your keyboard, but accessed through the terminal. Think of it as the backstage pass to your system’s language settings. We'll use the command localectl status to check the current setup. This command gives us a snapshot of the system locale, the virtual console (VC) keymap, and the X11 layout. Understanding these elements is key to making informed decisions about adding a second layout. Let's break down each of these components to ensure we're all on the same page. First off, the system locale, indicated by LANG=en_US.UTF-8 in your case, defines the language and regional settings for the entire system. This affects things like date and time formats, currency symbols, and the default language for system messages. While the system locale is important for overall system behavior, it doesn't directly control the keyboard layout. Next, the VC Keymap, shown as us, refers to the keyboard layout used in the virtual console. The virtual console is the text-based interface you see when you switch out of the graphical environment (usually by pressing Ctrl+Alt+F2 to F6). This is a more basic level of keyboard mapping that's independent of the graphical interface. Finally, the X11 Layout, also displayed as us, specifies the keyboard layout used in the X Window System, which is the graphical environment you're using with GNOME on Fedora. This is the layout you're most likely interacting with daily. Knowing your current X11 layout is crucial because this is where we'll be adding our second layout. By understanding these different components, we can confidently proceed with adding a second keyboard layout without accidentally messing up our existing settings. So, now that we've checked our initial setup, we're ready to move on to the exciting part: actually adding that second layout!

Identifying Available Keyboard Layouts

Okay, now that we know our current layout situation, it's time to explore the possibilities! Adding a second keyboard layout means choosing one that suits your needs, whether it's for typing in a different language or just experimenting with a new configuration. The first step in this process is to find out what layouts are available on your system. Luckily, localectl comes to the rescue once again. We can use the command localectl list-x11-keymap-layouts to get a comprehensive list of all the keyboard layouts that are supported by the X Window System on your Fedora 28 workstation. This command is like opening a menu of keyboard options, giving you a peek at the vast array of layouts you can choose from. The list can be quite long, so don't be intimidated! Take your time to scroll through and see what catches your eye. You'll find layouts for various languages and regions, each with its own unique character mappings and key arrangements. For example, you might see layouts like de for German, fr for French, es for Spanish, and so on. Each of these layouts is designed to make typing in that language more efficient and natural. But it's not just about languages. You'll also find variations within languages, such as us for the standard US layout, but also us(dvorak) for the Dvorak layout, which is an alternative keyboard arrangement designed for more efficient typing. When you're browsing the list, pay attention to the layout codes, which are typically two-letter abbreviations for the language or region. These codes are what we'll use later when we actually add the layout. It's also worth noting that some layouts have variations or options associated with them. For example, the us layout might have options for different key combinations or dead keys. These options can further customize the layout to your specific needs. So, take some time to explore the list of available layouts and identify a few that you might be interested in trying out. Make a note of the layout codes, as we'll need them in the next step. Once you've found a layout (or layouts) that you like, we can move on to the next stage: setting the second keyboard layout using localectl. We're getting closer to our goal of multilingual typing! Finding the perfect layout is like finding the perfect tool for a job, and now we're armed with the knowledge to make that choice.

Setting the Second Keyboard Layout with localectl

Alright, we've explored the keyboard layout landscape and hopefully found a new layout that tickles your fancy. Now comes the moment of truth: actually adding that second keyboard layout to your system. This is where localectl really shines, making the process straightforward and manageable. We'll be using the localectl set-x11-keymap command, which is the key to unlocking multilingual typing on your Fedora 28 workstation. This command allows us to specify the keyboard layouts we want to use, along with any options or variations we need. The basic syntax of the command is localectl set-x11-keymap <layout> [<layout> ...] [options]. Let's break this down piece by piece to make sure we understand exactly what's going on. The <layout> part is where you specify the layout codes you identified earlier. You can specify multiple layouts, separated by spaces, if you want to switch between more than two layouts. For example, if you want to switch between US English (us) and German (de), you would include both us and de in the command. The [options] part is where you can add additional customization, such as specifying a variant or a keyboard model. We'll delve into options a bit later, but for now, let's focus on the basic layout setup. So, let's say you want to add the German layout (de) as your second layout, in addition to your current US English layout (us). The command you would use is sudo localectl set-x11-keymap us,de. Notice the comma between us and de. This tells localectl that you want to use both layouts and be able to switch between them. The sudo part is important because localectl requires administrative privileges to make changes to system settings. After running this command, you'll likely need to either reboot your system or restart your X server (the graphical environment) for the changes to take effect. A simple reboot is often the easiest option, but if you're comfortable with it, restarting the X server can be quicker. Once your system has restarted (or the X server has been refreshed), you should be able to switch between your keyboard layouts. The default way to switch layouts in GNOME (the desktop environment used in Fedora 28 workstation) is usually by pressing the Super key (the Windows key) and the Spacebar simultaneously. You should see an indicator on your screen showing the current layout. If you've set up multiple layouts, you can cycle through them using this key combination. And just like that, you've added a second keyboard layout! But we're not stopping here. Let's explore some more advanced options and customizations to really make your keyboard setup sing.

Advanced Options and Customizations

So, you've successfully added a second keyboard layout – awesome! But the power of localectl doesn't stop there. There's a whole world of advanced options and customizations you can explore to fine-tune your keyboard setup and make it truly your own. We're talking about things like specifying keyboard variants, adding options for specific key behaviors, and even setting a keyboard model. These tweaks can make your typing experience even smoother and more efficient. Let's start with keyboard variants. A variant is a specific variation of a layout that might have different key mappings or behaviors. For example, the US English layout has several variants, such as dvorak (an alternative keyboard layout designed for faster typing) and intl (a layout with dead keys for easier accented character input). To specify a variant, you can use the localectl set-x11-keymap command with the layout code followed by the variant in parentheses. For instance, if you wanted to use the US English Dvorak layout, you would use the command sudo localectl set-x11-keymap us(dvorak). You can also combine layouts and variants. If you wanted to switch between the standard US English layout and the US English Dvorak layout, you could use the command sudo localectl set-x11-keymap us,us(dvorak). Next up, let's talk about options. Options are like extra settings that can modify the behavior of your keyboard layout. There are a ton of options available, covering everything from key combinations for switching layouts to the behavior of Caps Lock. To see a list of available options, you can use the command localectl list-x11-keymap-options. This will give you a long list of options, each with a descriptive name and a code. To set an option, you use the --variant flag with the localectl set-x11-keymap command. For example, if you wanted to use the ctrl:swapcaps option (which swaps the Caps Lock and Ctrl keys), you would use the command sudo localectl set-x11-keymap us --variant ctrl:swapcaps. You can specify multiple options by separating them with commas. Finally, let's touch on keyboard models. A keyboard model specifies the physical layout of your keyboard, such as the number of keys and their arrangement. While this is less commonly changed, it can be important if you have a non-standard keyboard. To see a list of available keyboard models, you can use the command localectl list-keyboards. To set a keyboard model, you use the --keymap flag with the localectl set-x11-keymap command. For example, if you had a 105-key keyboard, you might use the command sudo localectl set-x11-keymap us --keymap pc105. By exploring these advanced options and customizations, you can really tailor your keyboard setup to your specific needs and preferences. It's like having a custom-built keyboard experience, right at your fingertips. So, go ahead, experiment, and find the perfect keyboard configuration for you!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Okay, so you've added your second keyboard layout, explored some advanced options, and you're feeling like a keyboard customization pro. But what happens if things don't go quite as planned? Don't worry, it happens to the best of us! Troubleshooting is a normal part of the process, and I'm here to help you tackle some common issues you might encounter. Let's dive into some typical scenarios and how to fix them. One common issue is that the new layout doesn't seem to be working at all. You've run the localectl command, rebooted (or restarted the X server), but you're still stuck with your original layout. What gives? First, double-check that you've used the correct layout codes in the localectl command. A simple typo can throw everything off. Use localectl status to verify the current settings. If the layout codes are correct, make sure you're using the correct key combination to switch layouts. As we mentioned earlier, the default in GNOME is usually Super + Spacebar, but it might be different depending on your desktop environment or settings. Check your system settings for keyboard shortcuts to confirm. Another potential issue is that the layout switches, but the characters aren't mapping correctly. This can happen if you've specified an incorrect variant or options. Again, use localectl status to check your settings and make sure everything is configured as you intended. If you're using a variant, double-check that it's the correct one for your needs. If you've set any options, try removing them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. Sometimes, certain options can conflict with each other or with your system settings. The layout indicator isn't showing up in the system tray. This can be a frustrating issue because you don't have a visual cue to tell you which layout is active. In GNOME, the layout indicator is usually a small icon in the top panel. If it's missing, you might need to enable it in your system settings. Go to Settings > Region & Language > Input Sources and make sure the