diff --git a/know-how/software/windows/_posts/2020-01-06-uk-extended-keyboard-with-even-more-extensions.md b/know-how/software/windows/_posts/2020-01-06-uk-extended-keyboard-with-even-more-extensions.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..597ee99 --- /dev/null +++ b/know-how/software/windows/_posts/2020-01-06-uk-extended-keyboard-with-even-more-extensions.md @@ -0,0 +1,54 @@ +--- +title: UK Extended keyboard with even more extensions +layout: default +created: 2020-01-06 11:57:02 +0100 +updated: 2020-01-06 11:57:02 +0100 +toc: false +tags: + - know-how + - software + - windows + - keyboard + - driver + - layout + - microsoft + - umlaut + - umlauts +--- +Recently, I switched from a German QWERTZ to a UK Extended QWERTY keyboard layout - for easier +access to characters for programming. + +The UK Extended keyboard is great in that it still provides means to type umlaut characters which +I still need when writing German mails. For normal umlauts, you can type AltGr + 2 +followed by any vowel to get e.g. `ä`, `ö` or `ü`. To the get the "sz" ligature, in Linux, you can +type AltGr + s which produces a `ß`. + +However, after changing the keyboard layout on my Windows 10 work PC, I've noticed that the official +UK Extended layout doesn't usually provide the `ß`. And while Linux people were smart and added it, +in Windows AltGr + s does nothing. + +But luckily, Microsoft provides a small tool to create custom keyboard layouts: The +[Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=22339). +And it still works with Windows 10. + +During installation, make sure to install it into a path **without any spaces**, because otherwise +you won't be able to compile the layouts. I've installed it into `C:\kbdcreator`. + +After installation, you can run it from the Start menu. Choose *File* --> *Load Existing Keyboard...* +and look for "United Kingdom Extended" to not have to start from scratch. + +With the keyboard loaded, check the box "Alt+Ctrl (AltGr)" on the left and then click the "s" (VK_S) +button. An input box should appear - copy&paste a "ß" (U+00df) and click "OK". + +Now also check the "Shift" checkbox on the left and click "s" again. This time, copy&paste the upper +case version "ẞ" (U+1e9e) and confirm with "OK". + +You can now edit the Metadata by opening *Project* --> *Properties*. Remember, what you've configured +as the "Description" and "Language". That's where you'll find the keyboard again later. + +Once you're satisfied, you can compile the keyboard by selecting *Project* --> *Build DLL and Setup Package*. +This will build installers for 32bit and 64bit Windows. After that is done, you're asked if you want +to open the output folder. Do this and double-click the `setup.exe` to install your newly created +keyboard. + +With this installed, you can now open the Windows Control Panel and add this keyboard to your system.