Gboard is Google’s virtual keyboard, a tool full of smart and practical features for everyday use. But many users are unaware of some of its hidden features, such as finding an emoji by drawing or even doing an online search. In addition, the application allows you to search for GIFs in a collection, use Google Translate in real time and even dictate the text by voice commands.
To top it off, there are theme customizations, and advanced broker features and quick word suggestions. All of this for free on your smartphone. Want to discover all the tricks? Then, see the following tips for Android phones.
Discover all the functions of Google’s virtual keyboard, GBoard – Photo: Anna Kellen Bull / dnetc
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Gboard has native support for animated images. To find it, open Google’s virtual keyboard and tap the «happy face» emoji button. Then select the «GIF» button at the bottom of the screen. Search for the theme you prefer and tap the image to send.
Find GIFs on Gboard for Android – Photo: Playback / Barbara Mannara
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Have you ever thought about searching Google without having to open the browser on your phone? Gboard has this native function. To use, just open the keyboard and touch the colored «G» button. A search bar will appear for you to type in the term you prefer. Confirm with the «magnifying glass» button to search. The results will be listed and you can send it to your friend with the «Share» button.
Search Google using Gboard on Android – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
3. Use emojis and find them with drawings
Step 1. On Gboard, tap the emoji button, with a happy face, at the base of the keyboard. Then select the same emoji again. A list of the faces will be shown. Note that there is a theme bar to choose from. Just select what you prefer and send in the conversation.
Find colorful emojis on Gboard by cell phone – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
Step 2. The drawing function is practical so as not to waste time searching for the emoji in the different categories. To do this, touch the pencil icon in the «Search emoticons» bar. Then make your drawing and observe the results at the top of the screen.
Find emojis by drawing on Gboard – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
Gboard supports Portuguese, for those who prefer to use voice typing. Open the keyboard and tap the microphone button. Then the system will start listening to you. Just speak to see the words form in the text field.
Type texts by voice in Gboard for Android – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
5. Use Google Translate
Step 1. To use Gboard’s native translator, tap the «G» button at the top left of the screen, and then select the Google Translate icon. A translation box at the top will open. Select the source language of the text (which you will type) and the final language (into which it will be translated).
Find Google Translate built into Gboard – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
Step 2. Now, just type your text in the blank area of ​​the Google keyboard and watch the translation being applied in real time, directly in the messenger text field. You can invert the languages ​​in a simple way, using the double arrow, in the translator. Then, just send the message to your contact.
Translate your conversations using Gboard – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
Step 1. To make the use more practical, the user can shrink the virtual keyboard in one of the corners to type with just one hand. To do this, touch the colored «G» button on the Gboard and select the «One-handed typing» button. The keyboard will automatically shrink on the right side.
Activate typing with one hand on Gboard – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
Step 2. If you prefer it even smaller, touch the adjustment button in the left corner of the screen. A field will be opened to enlarge or reduce the keyboard, as you prefer. Are you left-handed? Try adjusting and dragging the keyboard to the left of the screen.
Adjust typing with one hand on Gboard – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
7. Copy and paste text quickly
Enter the text you want to copy intelligently. Then, tap the Gboard «G» button and select the tool with an «I». A command screen will open to copy the text. You can use the quick «Select all» and «Paste» buttons in the right corner. You can also do something more detailed: tap «Select» and copy the text in each letter using the side arrows. Then confirm in «Copy».
Manage copy and paste and texts using Gboard – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
8. Theme customizations
Step 1. Tired of the look of your keyboard? Know that it is possible to change it. Open Gboard and tap the «G» button. Then select the «Themes» button. Gboard already has several native themes, including landscapes. Select the one you prefer.
Choose a different theme for your Gboard on Android – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
Step 2. Then, the preview of how the keyboard will look will be shown. If you prefer, activate the edges of the keys to improve viewing. Confirm in «Apply». See the result on your Gboard.
Change the customization of the Gboard and see the result on the Android phone – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
9. Text correction and quick word suggestions
Step 1. First access the Gboard settings. To do this, select the colored «G» button and then tap the «Settings» button. Choose the «Text correction» item.
Access the settings on the Gboard – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
Step 2. Many people don’t like automatic text correction or blocking certain words. There you can adjust as you prefer, activating and removing the features you find most interesting. The suggestion of quick words is very practical, since he learns and shows terms that can be used in his conversation. To activate, turn on the switch next to «Display Suggestions» (leaving in green).
Adjust automatic Gboard correction and activate smart word suggestions – Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Mannara
