Avro Keyboard for Windows

Quick summary of the software

Avro Keyboard is a no-cost typing utility that enables Bengali input on standard QWERTY keyboards. Using phonetic transliteration, you can type Bangla by entering Roman letters which Avro converts into Bengali script. The program was published as open-source by OmicronLab on March 26, 2003, coinciding with Bangladesh’s Independence Day. An alternative package, Bijoy Bayanno, performs similar QWERTY-to-Bangla conversion but has a narrower platform support — Bijoy runs on macOS and Windows only, while Avro is available for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Safety, privacy, and encoding

Avro’s original release is safe to install and use; OmicronLab’s official builds do not include intrusive advertisements or spyware. Be cautious with unofficial forks or repackaged variants of the program, as modified distributions could contain malicious code. The keyboard supports both ANSI and Unicode output — Unicode is the preferred mode for most modern applications, while ANSI can be useful for legacy software. You can switch between encoding modes from the program’s settings menu.

Interface, layout selection, and appearance

Avro provides two main visual modes: a floating toolbar at the top of the screen and a compact system-tray icon.

• Click the Avro logo on the toolbar to access options such as the spell checker and on-screen keyboard.
• Hover over the layout selector to open a submenu where installed keyboard mappings are listed and the active one is indicated.
• Use the menu’s bottom button to reveal the currently active layout.

Available keyboard mappings (examples, shown in a different order):

• Probhat
• National (Jatiya)
• Munir Optima
• Bornona
• Avro Easy
• Avro Phonetic (English → Bangla)

You can make the toolbar semi-transparent and drag it to a different spot on the desktop. If you prefer, move Avro into the system tray with the “Jump to system tray” control; click the tray icon’s restore option to bring back the top bar.

Changing language and switching quickly

The second icon on the top toolbar toggles the active typing language between English and Bangla. The toolbar displays the current mode so you always know which script is active. Quick-switch shortcuts are available — choose a function key (F1–F12) to flip modes instantly, or use CTRL + Space to toggle. Avro keeps track of your selected input mode across open applications for consistent behavior.

Input methods and smart typing features

Avro supports multiple input styles to suit different users:

• Mouse-based entry via on-screen keyboards
• Touch and virtual keyboard support on compatible devices
• Phonetic transliteration where Roman letters are converted to Bengali in real time

A small floating preview pane shows live translations as you type. The program includes a built-in lexicon of roughly 150,000 Bengali words and an editable autocorrect dictionary you can extend or modify. Automatic vowel expansion and intelligent handling of reph placement make typing more natural; an option exists to turn off Auto Reph if you prefer manual control. Most layouts also include Assamese characters.

Typical applications where Avro text can be used (reordered):

• Notepad
• Outlook Express
• Microsoft Office Word
• MSN Messenger
• Facebook
• Adobe Photoshop

Fonts remain consistent when switching between Bangla and English modes so formatting is preserved.

Installation options and platform extensions

You can install a standard desktop version of Avro or use a portable edition for USB/temporary use. Platform-specific builds/extensions include:

• iAvro for Apple devices
• ibus-avro for Linux desktops
• A Google Chrome extension for browser-based typing

Troubleshooting complex script issues on older Windows

If Bengali rendering or complex-script behavior is problematic on legacy Windows releases, OmicronLab provided a helper utility called iComplex. It simplifies installing or removing the complex-script support components and targets older operating systems such as Windows XP, 2000, and Server 2003.

Professional use and workflow integration

Avro is lightweight and suitable for professional environments. It monitors both the Bengali and default keyboard states across applications, offers a custom spell checker, and can be displayed either as a floating toolbar or hidden in the system tray. The preview window and autocorrect features help speed up composition for regular Bangla typists.

Project status and future development

As an open-source project, Avro receives community contributions and occasional updates. Development activity and release timing are irregular; periodic enhancements—like new layouts and browser/OS extensions—are added by contributors when available.