- Fix the comma next to the space and adjust symbols, number row and auto-spacing for immediate access and smooth typing.
- Configure suggestions, corrections, and a personal dictionary to tailor Gboard to your style without sacrificing privacy.
- Master key features: translation, clipboard, gesture editing, GIFs, one-handed mode, and advanced customization.
Some people get desperate when, overnight, the comma disappears from the main screen of Gboard Or the numeric keypad changes the comma to a period. This annoying problem occurs when there's some kind of misconfiguration. Luckily, it's possible to fix it. Recovering the semicolon in Gboard In a simple way.
This guide not only explains how to use Gboard, but also provides a comprehensive overview: from basic settings and correction options to privacy, smart suggestions, and the best tips and tricks. The goal is to get your keyboard working perfectly and, in the process, get the most out of the most useful features to write faster and with fewer mistakes.
Why do commas and semicolons disappear, and how to make them appear again?
The first is understand what is happeningDepending on the language, the chosen layout, and even the type of field you're typing in, Gboard can relocate or hide punctuation marks. For example, some apps that require numeric input force the decimal separator to a period or comma; the system language and region also play a role. If you want the comma "always readily available," it's advisable to... attach it next to the space bar and review a couple of key settings.
Many users would prefer not to be advised to "hold down the period key" to access other symbols, as that's never as efficient as having the comma visible. That said, there's a tried-and-true trick that works in many versions: holding down the key to the left of the space bar (the settings/voice input key) brings up a pop-up menu with various symbols, and you can select the comma to lock it in place. This anchors the comma next to the space bar. It's available again in one tap.
If your problem is with the numeric keypad, it's common for some users to see a comma at the beginning and then, after a few days, a period. This depends on the app's decimal separator and the language/region. There isn't a visible universal toggle to force one or the other in all contexts, but by checking the Gboard and Android languages, and trying the keyboard layout associated with the language, you can usually get the separator back to the desired one. Furthermore, with the appropriate preferences, the symbols become more accessible in the front row.
Practical options for fixing the comma and speeding up punctuation
Beyond the left spacebar method, it's worth adjusting a couple of preferences that make it easier to access symbols without changing views. In Preferences, you can enable "Press and Hold to See Symbols": this way, each letter displays a secondary symbol with a long press, reducing the number of times you have to switch to the symbol panel. It's also useful to enable "Number Row" for quick access at the top, and adjust the "Keyboard Height" for better visibility. press the keys more precisely that you use the most.
Another interesting feature is auto-space after punctuation. This option was first introduced in Gboard 7.1 under Spell Check as “Auto-space after punctuation” and allows you to automatically insert a space after punctuation marks such as periods, commas, colons, semicolons, question marks, and exclamation points. Although it was released in beta and didn't always work the same way in all languages, its purpose is clear: maintain the flow and avoid pressing the space bar after each symbol.
Keep in mind that the keyboard's behavior can change depending on the app. In numeric fields, the field itself might force the decimal separator. For complete consistency, check your system language, Gboard language, and keyboard layout. If you switch between languages, Gboard detects the language on the fly and adjusts suggestions and corrections, but you can force a specific language if you want to maintain consistency. the same arrangement of signs forever.
Restore Gboard if you've changed your keyboard or it's disappeared
If Gboard switched you to a different keyboard, you can switch back in seconds. Open an app where you can type (like Gmail or Keep), tap a text field, tap and hold the globe icon at the bottom, and choose Gboard. That's it! He is selected again without having to go into system settings.
It's possible that after an update, Gboard might disappear from the list of on-screen keyboards. To reactivate it, go to Android Settings, find System, tap Keyboard, and then On-screen keyboard. Enable Gboard there, and it will be available in any app. If you're using Android 8 (Go edition), keep in mind that Some steps may vary. and certain options will not be available.
Time-saving tips and features in Gboard
Gboard is set up in a snap right from the keyboard. Tap the G icon in the top left corner and go to Settings; if it's not there, tap the three dots for more options. You can also access settings by pressing and holding the comma, where you'll see the gear icon. This way, everything is at your fingertips, without having to... exit the app where you are writing.
Customize the toolbar
From the three dots, drag shortcuts to the top and remove any you don't use. Change the keyboard theme to apply colors, backgrounds, or dark mode, and decide whether or not you want to see the Gboard app icon in the app drawer from Advanced Settings. These are tweaks that, although small, improve the experience In day to day.
Integrated translation
Open the three-dot menu and tap Google Translate to type in one language and have the keyboard paste the translation directly into the app. If you translate frequently, drag the icon to the bar to keep it always visible. This workflow avoids switching between apps and makes it easier to use your device. converse in another language be much more fluid.
Precision when editing
Activate the cursor keyboard to easily move the insertion point and select text. You can also move the cursor by sliding your finger along the space bar to the left or right, and select and delete text by sliding from the backspace (DEL) key. These are gestures that, once mastered, multiply your speed.
Integrated clipboard
Tap the three dots to open and activate the Clipboard. Gboard will remember what you've copied in the last hour, so you can paste it with a single tap. It's ideal if you work with snippets of text and don't want to lose your last copied text. Everything stays on your phone, and you're in control. what is kept and what is not.
GIFs, stickers and your own GIFs
The keyboard has a built-in GIF search engine and also lets you create GIFs with the front camera. Historically, the GIF experience has relied on catalogs like Giphy, and at an ecosystem level, Google boosted this aspect with the acquisition of Tenor, which improved access to animations. You can also create "Your Thumbnails" (stickers based on your face) or use sticker packs now available.
Floating keyboard
Activate Floating mode to place Gboard as a small window anywhere on the screen. This is incredibly useful when an app places elements directly on top of the traditional keyboard, obscuring content. To return to normal view, tap the option again. Done, no fuss.
Voice dictation and offline
Tap the microphone in the suggestion bar to dictate. Remember to say “comma” or “period” to insert punctuation. If you run out of data, download offline speech recognition packages from Voice Dictation > Offline Speech Recognition. And if you don't want swear words hidden while dictating, turn off “Hide Offensive Words” in the same menu. do not replace with asterisks.
Google search on the keyboard
By tapping the G, you can search the web and share results (including YouTube videos or definition cards) without leaving the conversation. If you're not interested, hide the Search button in Settings > Search and disable GIF, emoji, or web page searches, as you prefer. Complete control so you can Gboard adapts to you.
Swipe writing
There's no need to type letter by letter; simply slide your finger to write complete words, and Gboard will recognize them accurately. For capitalization tricks, select a word and tap Shift repeatedly to toggle between lowercase, ALL CAPS, and Capitalize the first letter. You can also lock Caps Lock by double-tapping or long-pressing the Shift key. Shift.
Punctuation and editing shortcuts
Press and hold the period to display symbols like question marks, exclamation points, parentheses, or quotation marks. Use a double space to insert a quick period. Enable "Press and hold to see symbols" in Preferences to have each letter display its associated symbol. With these details, you reduce panel switching and You gain speed in each sentence.
More accessible emojis
Turn on recent emojis in suggestions, and if you type in English, you'll see emoji predictions related to what you type. Can't remember the name of an emoji? Use the magnifying glass in the emoji panel and tap the drawing icon to hand-draw what you're looking for: Gboard suggests the closest matches, and you choose the one you like. better fit.
One hand mode
If your phone is large, press and hold the comma and tap the hand icon next to a keyboard to shrink it and tuck it to one side. You can move it to the other side or return it to its normal size with a tap. To switch between numbers and symbols more quickly, remember that when you enter the numeric keypad (calculator style), when you return to letters, press the key in the bottom right corner. It returns you to that mode. at a touch.
Languages and intelligent detection
Add multiple languages in Settings > Languages. Gboard detects the language you're typing in and adjusts suggestions/correction automatically. If you configure more than three, use the globe icon to cycle through your three main active languages. It's the easiest way to switch between languages without sacrificing functionality. good spelling.
Tailored corrections and suggestions
In Spell Check, you can turn automatic correction on or off, suggest contact names, learn words, and filter offensive words. It's a panel full of small switches that let you adjust the keyboard's intervention to suit your style, until you find the perfect balance. agility and control.
When the decimal separator changes on its own: what you can do
Some users notice that, by default, the numeric keypad displays a comma, and then after a few days, a period appears. This isn't a Gboard bug itself, but rather a consequence of how the app defines the numeric field and the regional format. Try setting both Gboard's language and system language to the region that uses your preferred separator, and check if the specific app is forcing the input. In many cases, this adjustment will resolve the issue. the keyboard shows again the desired separator. If you frequently work with both formats, consider adding two languages and toggling them with the globe key.
Availability, compatibility, and important notices
Some features are device- or language-dependent. The latest suggestions have been announced for Pixel 4a and later and in specific languages; Text Review and Smart Compose are limited to US English and a handful of apps. If you're using Android 8 (Go edition), certain settings paths may be different. are not available or the menus change slightly; also, check out the latest news on Android XR apps.
In the proofreading section, auto-spacing after punctuation was initially announced in a beta version and may not display the same way in all languages, although the general concept has been gradually adopted. Check your Gboard settings frequently, as Google adds and refines features without prior notice, and sometimes the options change. change location between versions.
With all of the above, you should have your commas and semicolons under control, along with a keyboard fine-tuned to your writing style: faster access, helpful suggestions, privacy under control, and plenty of shortcuts to save you time. If you notice any strange changes after an update, check Preferences, Languages, and Spell Check: in two minutes you'll get your preferred settings back. write comfortably and without friction.
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