How to Create APL or Math Symbols Keyboard Layout

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. For emoji, see Download Free Unicode Fonts.

APL Symbols in Unicode

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

〔►see Unicode APL Symbols〕

APL Symbols Meaning and Code Example

〔►see APL Symbols Meaning and Code Example〕

Generic Math Symbols

• Unicode Math Symbols ∑ ∫ π² ∞
• Unicode Arrows → ⇒ ⇄ ↻
• Unicode: Brackets, Quotes «»「」【】《》
• Unicode: Greek Alphabet α β γ

Create Your Own Layout

Mac

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

Windows

〔 Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator 2017-03-12 By Microsoft. At https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/globalization/keyboardlayouts〕

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

Put the following in your emacs init.

;; 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.

see Emacs: How to Define 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.

Insert by Abbrev

You can insert Unicode by abbrev. For example, typing alpha follow by space, becomes α.

see Emacs: Abbrev Mode Tutorial

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 Mode

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

You can add your own abbrevs for APL symbols.

APL Keyboard Keycaps

You can buy a keyboard with APL keyboard keycaps.

〔►see IBM Model M keyboard, Unicomp〕

back to Keyboard Shortcut and Layout Tutorial