How to Create APL or Math Symbols Keyboard Layout

By Xah Lee. Date: 2011-03-04. Last updated: 2016-08-12.

This page shows you how to create a keyboard layout for inputting math symbols. for {Windows, Mac OS X, Linux}.

For example, you can create APL (programming language) keyboard layout, or for LaTeX/XeTeX, or simply as a system to type math symbols in plain text.

APL Keyboard Layout

Unicode Font

First, you need to have a font that has the math characters you need. The DejaVu font has all APL symbols and vast majority of math symbols.

Download DejaVu fonts at http://dejavu-fonts.org/

For other choices, see: Best Unicode Fonts for Programer

APL Symbols in Unicode

You'll need the Unicode characters when setting up a layout.

Here's a complete list of APL symbols in Unicode.

¯ × ÷ ∘ ∣ ∼ ≠ ≤ ≥ ≬ ⌶ ⋆ ⌾ ⍟ ⌽ ⍉ ⍝ ⍦ ⍧ ⍪ ⍫ ⍬ ⍭ ← ↑ → ↓ ∆ ∇ ∧ ∨ ∩ ∪ ⌈ ⌊ ⊤ ⊥ ⊂ ⊃ ⌿ ⍀ ⍅ ⍆ ⍏ ⍖ ⍊ ⍑ ⍋ ⍒ ⍎ ⍕ ⍱ ⍲ ○

⍳ ⍴ ⍵ ⍺

⍶ ⍷ ⍸ ⍹ ⍘ ⍙ ⍚ ⍛ ⍜ ⍮

¨ ⍡ ⍢ ⍣ ⍤ ⍥ ⍨ ⍩

⎕ ⍞ ⍠ ⍯ ⍰ ⍌ ⍍ ⍐ ⍓ ⍔ ⍗ ⌷ ⌸ ⌹ ⌺ ⌻ ⌼ ⍁ ⍂ ⍃ ⍄ ⍇ ⍈

〔➤see APL Symbols Meaning and Code Example〕

Find Math Symbols

For other math symbols, such as ∑ ∫ → ↦ ℝ ∈ , see:

Creating Your Own Unicode Layout

mac unicode char — Mac OS X, 【`⌥ Opt`+`key`】 can be customized to insert your favorite symbol.

Mac

For Mac OS X, see: Mac: How to Create Keyboard Layout and Keybinding

Windows

For Windows, use 〔Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator 2012-11-19 By Microsoft. @ http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/goglobal/bb964665.aspx〕

For more Microsoft Windows keymapping tools, see: Microsoft Windows Keyboard Software Guide

Linux

For other Linux keyboard and keybinding tools, see: Linux Keybinding Tutorial Index.

Using Emacs

If you are using emacs, you don't need any of the OS layout.

emacs provides you the most flexibility. There are many ways to setup to insert a particular character.

Insert by Keyboard Shortcut

;; example of systematic keys to insert math symbols
(global-set-key (kbd "<f9> <right>") "→")
(global-set-key (kbd "<f9> a") "α")
(global-set-key (kbd "<f9> b") "β")
(global-set-key (kbd "<f9> t") "θ")

The F9 key can be any other key.

You can also set up Hyper and ❖ Super keys.

This method of input is:

fastest for inputing symbols. Direct key press.
good if you have less than 50 symbols.
not good if you have hundreds of symbols, because it's hard to memorize keys.

For more detail, see: Emacs: How to Define Keys.

Insert by Abbrev

You can insert Unicode by abbrev. ➢ for example: typing alpha becomes α. For how, see: Using Emacs's Abbrev Mode for Abbreviation.

This method is:

good for hundreds of symbols, because this method lets you type a short name of the symbol, and is easy to remember.
slower than a keyboard shortcut.

Insert by Short Code and Activation Key

Another way is to type a short code, from 1 to 4 letters, then press a hotkey to change it to a math symbol.

See: Emacs: xah-math-input.el

It is designed for working with typing math in general, not specifically for APL.

You can add your own abbrevs for APL symbols.

back to Keyboard Shortcut and Layout Tutorial