Snapshot: What Gboard brings to your phone

Gboard is Google’s complimentary keyboard app for mobile devices that goes beyond basic typing. It combines swipe input, speech-to-text, and an in-keyboard web search so you can get more done without hopping between apps. If you want to speed up everyday tasks and keep common actions in one place, Gboard is a solid option to try.

Quick web and language tools

  • Use the embedded Google search button on the keyboard to pull up web results without leaving the conversation or app you’re using.
  • Translate text on the fly from within any app that accepts typing.
  • The voice-to-text capability handles many languages, making dictation useful for international users. Note: online connectivity is required for the built-in search and some multilingual features to work.

Typing shortcuts, gestures, and editing tricks

Gboard includes a number of convenience gestures and shortcuts:

  • Glide (swipe) typing and predictive suggestions to speed input and reduce errors.
  • Tap the space bar twice to automatically insert a period at the end of the previous sentence.
  • Drag your finger along the space bar to move the cursor precisely where you need it.
  • Tap a key to remove a single character; swipe left across the delete key to remove larger chunks (word or sentence). There is no dedicated undo button, so use bulk deletion with care.
  • A one-handed layout shrinks and repositions the keyboard for easier single-thumb typing.

GIFs, customization, and Google integration

  • Search for GIFs directly from the keyboard and send them in compatible apps — you can also craft your own GIFs using Gboard.
  • Personalize the keyboard’s appearance with themes and even a photo as the background.
  • The app syncs with other Google services and benefits from Google’s security infrastructure, which many users find reassuring compared with smaller third-party keyboards.

Main features at a glance

  • Glide typing for fast input
  • Voice transcription in multiple languages
  • Built-in Google search within any app
  • GIF discovery and GIF creation tools
  • Real-time translation while you type
  • Autocorrect and word prediction
  • Cursor placement via the space bar and double-space period insertion
  • One-handed mode for easier thumb typing
  • Theme options, including photo backgrounds
  • Integration with Google accounts and services
  • Security protections backed by Google

Helpful usage reminders

  • Security protections backed by Google
  • Integration with Google accounts and other apps
  • Customize the keyboard with photos or pre-made themes
  • Enable one-handed mode when you need single-thumb convenience
  • Move the cursor precisely by sliding on the space bar
  • Rely on autocorrect and suggestions, but proofread quickly
  • Use the translate feature to avoid switching apps
  • Find or create GIFs without leaving the keyboard
  • Tap the search icon to look things up inline
  • Use voice typing and glide typing for faster input

Final thoughts

Gboard packs many productivity features into a single keyboard app: faster entry methods, in-line search and translation, GIF tools, and customization options. Its close ties to Google services and broad language support make it a practical choice for users who want more than a basic typing experience.

Technical

Title
Gboard
Requirements
  • Android
  • iPhone
Language
English
Available languages
  • Greek
  • English
  • Italian
  • Arabic
  • Portuguese
  • Czech
  • Russian
  • Dutch
  • Portuguese
  • Norwegian
  • Turkish
  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Polish
  • French
  • Danish
  • Japanese
  • Swedish
  • Hindi
  • Spanish
  • Korean
  • German
  • Finnish
License
  • Free
Latest update
2023-07-11
Author
Google Inc.

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