How to Enable and Use the On-Screen Keyboard on Raspberry Pi

Ben
Ben
@benjislab

The Raspberry Pi is a versatile single-board computer that supports various peripherals and accessories. However, there are times when you might not have a physical keyboard at hand or need an accessibility feature like an on-screen keyboard. Whether you're working on a kiosk project, setting up a media center, or simply exploring the Raspberry Pi's capabilities, an on-screen keyboard can be incredibly useful. In this post, we'll guide you through enabling and using the on-screen keyboard on Raspberry Pi.

Why Use an On-Screen Keyboard?

An on-screen keyboard provides a virtual keyboard on your Raspberry Pi's display, allowing you to input text without the need for a physical keyboard. This feature is particularly beneficial in several scenarios:

  • Accessibility: For users with mobility or dexterity challenges, an on-screen keyboard can make interaction easier.
  • Portability: When carrying additional peripherals is impractical, the on-screen keyboard ensures you can still input commands and navigate your Raspberry Pi.
  • Projects: For touch screen projects or when space is at a premium, an on-screen keyboard is a convenient solution.

Enabling the On-Screen Keyboard in Raspberry Pi OS

Raspberry Pi OS, previously known as Raspbian, is the official operating system for the Raspberry Pi. It comes with built-in support for an on-screen keyboard. Here's how to enable it:

  1. Update Your Raspberry Pi: Ensure your Raspberry Pi is up to date by opening a terminal and running:
sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade
  1. Install the On-Screen Keyboard: If the on-screen keyboard isn't already installed on your Raspberry Pi, you can install it by running:
sudo apt install matchbox-keyboard

  1. Access the On-Screen Keyboard: Once installed, you can access the on-screen keyboard in two ways:

    • Via the Accessories Menu: Navigate to the Raspberry Pi's main menu, then Accessories, and select "Keyboard". This action will bring up the on-screen keyboard.

    • Via the Command Line: You can also launch the on-screen keyboard directly from the terminal by typing matchbox-keyboard and pressing Enter.

Customizing the On-Screen Keyboard

The default layout of the on-screen keyboard might not suit everyone's needs, but unfortunately, customization options are limited within the default Matchbox Keyboard. For more advanced customization, you might consider third-party virtual keyboard software like Florence or Onboard, which offer more layout options and settings.

Tips for Using the On-Screen Keyboard

  • Shortcut on the Taskbar: For easier access, you can add a shortcut to the on-screen keyboard on the taskbar by right-clicking the taskbar, selecting "Add / Remove Panel Items", and then adding "Keyboard".
  • Touch Screen Compatibility: If you're using a touch screen with your Raspberry Pi, the on-screen keyboard becomes an even more powerful tool. Ensure your touch screen is correctly configured for the best experience.

Conclusion

The on-screen keyboard is a valuable feature for Raspberry Pi users, enhancing accessibility, portability, and convenience. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily enable and start using the on-screen keyboard on your Raspberry Pi, whether for development, daily use, or innovative projects. As you become more familiar with its functionality, you'll find the on-screen keyboard an indispensable tool in your Raspberry Pi toolkit.