FAQ
1. How do I change how my SwiftKey keyboard looks?
To choose a theme (color scheme) press the SwiftKey logo on your keyboard (second button from the bottom left) and choose ‘Settings’. Go to ‘Theme’ and then press ‘Theme’ to set SwiftKey X’s theme.
SwiftKey Tablet X also has two keyboard different layouts, to allow easy typing with thumbs or fingers. To switch between full and split keyboard just press the layout button (to the left of the spacebar).
2. What is the difference between the ‘Precise’ and ‘Rapid’ typing styles in SwiftKey X?
Precise:
- The ‘Precise’ typing style is optimized for careful typists, who often choose predictions.
- In Precise mode SwiftKey will attempt to guess whole words based on the first few letters you type.
- The Precise mode is intended to reduce the number of keystrokes when you type by predicting and/or completing each word.
Rapid:
- The ‘Rapid’ typing style is optimized for very fast typists who want to type quickly without checking predictions frequently.
- The main prediction in this mode will usually not predict words that are significantly longer than the characters you’ve entered.
- The correction algorithm in this mode will focus on typos, and provided you roughly get the character length and position of the letters right, SwiftKey X should work out what you are typing at lightning speed.
3. What is the spacebar functionality in SwiftKey X?
In SwiftKey X, there are three available options with regards to how the spacebar functions. These can be switched between independently of your chosen typing style, although the two typing styles have a recommended default spacebar setting.
- ‘Spacebar will always insert a space’ – This means that pressing the spacebar will not affect your predictions or what you are typing. It will simply function as a spacebar.
- ‘Spacebar will complete the current word’ – Selecting this option means that pressing spacebar when typing a word will automatically enter the middle prediction. If you are not currently typing, then spacebar will simply enter a space, or a period if a space is already present (see ‘Quick “.”‘ in advanced settings to disable this). This mode is the default option for the ‘Precise’ typing style on smartphones.
- ‘Spacebar will always insert a prediction’ – Selecting this option means that pressing spacebar always enters the middle word prediction (plus one space), including next words. The option will never enter a space alone. This is the default option for the ‘Rapid’ typing style on smartphones and is the default for both typing styles on tablets.
To change the function of your spacebar, go to Settings->Advanced->Spacebar will… and choose the relevant option.
4. When I press the space key, SwiftKey keeps choosing a word for me. How do I turn this off?
Please go to Settings -> Advanced -> Spacebar will… and uncheck the ‘always insert a prediction’ option. For more information regarding the three options please see Spacebar functionality question.
5. Where are the directional (arrow) keys?
In SwiftKey X for Phones:
- You can access the directional arrow keys, by going to the THIRD pane; (press “123″ and then “{&=”).
- There is also the option to display arrow keys on the home screen. To turn these on please go into Settings -> Theme -> Arrow Keys. This is primarily for users with large-screen phones who do not have scrollballs or optical navigation aides, such as the HTC EVO/ Desire HD.
Arrow keys are not currently available in SwiftKey Tablet X
6. Downloading/updating a language module won’t work; connection error, download failed or corrupt.
SwiftKey X has a resilient language module download service, so if you have trouble, make sure you have enough space on your SD card and try redownloading with a strong data connection (such as Wi-Fi).
If your phone/tablet is currently connected to your computer it may be configured to mount the SD card to the computer, making the SD card unavailable to the phone/tablet. Try unplugging from your computer or setting your device to “charge only” and try again.
7. I’ve installed SwiftKey but the keyboard on my phone/tablet looks the same.
This simply means you haven’t completed the installer. Tap the SwiftKey X icon on your phone or tablet’s main menu and follow the instructions.
8. Which languages does SwiftKey X support?
SwiftKey X currently supports 35 languages, as detailed on our apps page.
We are working hard to increase our language support for as many languages as possible, so keep an eye out for updates.
9. How do I add a word to the dictionary, or get rid of a word I don’t want?
SwiftKey learns as you type; when you select a word not known by SwiftKey (using the left button in the prediction zone which shows the letters you have typed, or by pressing space if it’s in the middle prediction box), this word is then placed into SwiftKey’s dynamic language model and in future will be used in predictions.
You may need to do this a few times if a popular word is competing with your learned word.
To remove a predicted word, longpress on the prediction and choose ‘Remove’.
10. I still have a question.
We have answers to many more questions about SwiftKey X and SwiftKey Tablet X on our KnowledgeBase.
11. I have an idea for a new feature or improvement.
Fantastic! We love to hear your feedback. Check out our feedback area: SwiftKey X ideas, SwiftKey Tablet X ideas. Add your votes if the idea has been suggested already or post a new idea.
