If you’re seeking an alternative to your smartphone or tablet’s default keyboard, SwiftKey is a compelling option, available on both iOS and Android devices. Initially released in 2010, Swiftkey brings artificially intelligent typing predictions, nearly limitless customization, and varied typing style options to your smart device. Whether you are looking for a keyboard that can increase the efficiency of your daily typing, or you simply wish it to conjure up a bubble gum inspired theme, our tips and tricks will help you get the most out of SwiftKey.
Please note that some SwiftKey features are only available on Android devices due to iOS limitations; these limits are identified below.
Backup and Sync Your Settings (Android & iOS)
Before you dive into customizing SwiftKey for your device, be sure to set up the application’s built-in backup function. With the setting enabled, SwiftKey will save data it has learned about your typing style to the cloud, which can then be retrieved by any other smartphone or tablet device that is signed in and also utilizing the keyboard. To ensure your backup is enabled, open the SwiftKey app on your device and navigate to Account; from there, select the Backup & Sync option, then make sure the option is enabled.
Add a Number Row (Android)
Are you tired of needing to access a sub-menu for typing numbers? Luckily, if you’re an Android user, you are only a few taps away from adding a number row to your Swiftkey keyboard. To enable the number row, begin by bringing up the keyboard, next open the Toolbar with the plus icon (+), select the Settings option (represented by a gear), and scroll down until you uncover the Number Row option — then enable the setting with a checkmark.
Enable Classic SwiftKey Gestures (Android)
If you aren’t a fan of SwiftKey’s Flow feature, which allows you to type a word by merely sliding your finger between the appropriate letters, you may wish to experiment with the Classic SwiftKey mode. To disable SwiftKey Flow and switch to Classic mode, begin by opening the Swiftkey app and navigating to the Typing section. Next, select Typing & Autocorrect, then scroll down and choose Gesture Input. Select the Gestures option, which will enable Classic Swiftkey mode, allowing you to swipe left on the keyboard to delete a word, down to minimize the keyboard, and up to capitalize.
Customize Your Keyboard Theme (Android and iOS)
One of the more fun aspects of SwiftKey is the ability to customize how your keyboard appears; you can either select from several preset themes or ultimately build your own keyboard from scratch. To select a keyboard theme, start by opening the Swiftkey app on your device, then select the Themes option. Scroll through the select of keyboard themes, and choose your favorite by tapping on it. If you want to get a bit more personal, select the Design your theme option to create a keyboard based on an image from your photos.
Enable Support For Multiple Languages (Android and iOS)
Do you speak more than a single language? Swiftkey Keyboard allows you to add multiple languages to your keyboard for autocorrect and dictionary precision. To add additional keyboard language profiles, open the Swiftkey app and select the Languages setting; from here, pick and download any additional language options. At this time, Android users can select up to five languages, while iOS users can select two. If your language utilizes a different keyboard layout such as AZERTY instead of QWERTY, you can effortlessly switch between the layouts by holding down the spacebar at any time.
Become a Power User with SwiftKey Clipboard (Android)
Do you wish that you could save content that you copy in a longer-lasting clipboard? SwiftKey includes a powerful built-in clipboard for Android that saves text you copied for up to one hour. To access your clipboard and paste content from it, begin by bringing up the keyboard, next tap the Clipboard icon; here you will find all of your saved clips from the past hour. If you ever wish to delete a saved clip, simply swipe left or right across it, and it is gone into the ether.
Move Your Keyboard by Undocking It (Android)
Here is another SwiftKey tip limited to the Android community; the ability to un-dock or float your keyboard. Don’t want your keyboard to sit at the bottom of your screen? Not a problem with only a few taps! Once your keyboard is open, select the Toolbar by tapping the plus icon (+), next select the Settings option (represented by a gear), lastly, tap Float. You can now drag your keyboard around the screen to a spot you wish. To re-dock your keyboard, merely drag it to the bottom of your screen.
Check Your SwiftKey Stats (Android and iOS)
Want to see how SwiftKey has improved your typing experience? Simply open the SwiftKey app and scroll down to view your Usage Stats. From within the Usage Stats section, you can view your Type Map – a view of how your keyboard has adjusted behind the scenes to fit your typing style, how many typos the keyboard has corrected, the distance your finger has traveled using the Flow feature, and more. The stats might not be particularly useful, but they can be fascinating to view, giving you a better idea of how well SwiftKey is working for you.
Quickly Insert Emojis, GIFS, and Photos (Android and iOS)
Are you attempting to express emotion via text, but need a GIF to really get the point across? SwiftKey allows you to quickly insert an emoji, GIF, or image from your camera roll with the tap of a button. With the keyboard open, select the Toolbar by tapping the plus icon (+), next select the media you wish to insert. Additionally, when selecting a GIF or emoji, you can either manually search for the content or use the search bar to hone in on exactly what you need.
Enable Arrow Keys For Fast Navigation (Android)
Our last SwiftKey tip is for Android users looking to navigate text fields quickly. If you find yourself desiring arrow keys, your wish is granted. Begin by opening the SwiftKey app on your device and selecting the Typing setting. Next, select Keys and then scroll down to the Arrow Keys option. When enabled, your keyboard will show arrow keys at the bottom of the screen, which you can use to navigate large documents or any other field of text content easily.