title: Custom Layouts
description: Create and edit your own keyboard layouts
category: Layouts
difficulty: advanced
Custom Layouts
Design your own keyboard layouts from scratch or modify existing layouts to match your preferences.
Quick Summary
| What | Description |
|---|
| Purpose | Create personalized layouts |
| Access | Settings > Layouts > Custom Layouts |
| Features | Visual editor, templates, import/export |
Creating a Custom Layout
Step 1: Open Custom Layouts
- 1. Open Settings > Layouts
- 2. Tap Custom Layouts
- 3. Tap Create New Layout
Step 2: Choose Starting Point
| Option | Description |
| Blank | Start from scratch |
| Template | QWERTY, AZERTY, etc. |
| Clone | Copy existing layout |
Step 3: Design Layout
The visual editor shows:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Layout Name: [My Custom Layout ] │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ┌───┐ ┌───┐ ┌───┐ ┌───┐ ┌───┐ ... │
│ │ Q │ │ W │ │ E │ │ R │ │ T │ │
│ └───┘ └───┘ └───┘ └───┘ └───┘ │
│ ↑ Tap to edit key │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ [Add Row] [Remove Row] [Key Width] │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
Step 4: Edit Individual Keys
Tap any key to edit:
| Setting | Description |
| Primary | Main character |
| Shifted | Shift character |
| Subkeys | 8-direction subkeys |
| Width | Key width multiplier |
Step 5: Save and Test
- 1. Tap Save Layout
- 2. Tap Test Layout to preview
- 3. Make adjustments as needed
- 4. Tap Done when satisfied
Layout Elements
Row Configuration
| Row | Typical Contents |
| Row 1 | Number row (optional) |
| Row 2 | QWERTY top row |
| Row 3 | Home row (ASDF...) |
| Row 4 | Bottom row (ZXCV...) |
| Row 5 | Space row |
Key Types
| Type | Examples | Properties |
| Letter | A, B, C | Has shift variant |
| Number | 1, 2, 3 | Symbol on shift |
| Symbol | @, #, $ | May have shift variant |
| Action | Shift, Backspace | Special behavior |
| Space | Spacebar | Wide key |
Key Width
| Width | Use Case |
| 0.5x | Narrow keys |
| 1.0x | Standard letters |
| 1.5x | Shift, Tab |
| 2.0x | Enter key |
| 5.0x | Spacebar |
Advanced Features
Subkey Configuration
For each key, define 8 subkeys:
[1] [2] [3]
\ | /
[4] -- [Key] -- [5]
/ | \
[6] [7] [8]
Key Actions
Assign special actions to keys:
| Action | Description |
| Switch Layout | Change to specific layout |
| Emoji | Open emoji picker |
| Symbols | Open symbol keyboard |
| Voice | Start voice input |
| Macro | Execute key sequence |
Import and Export
Export Layout
- 1. Open your custom layout
- 2. Tap Export
- 3. Choose format (JSON or XML)
- 4. Share or save file
Import Layout
- 1. Go to Custom Layouts
- 2. Tap Import
- 3. Select file to import
- 4. Layout appears in list
Share with Others
- 1. Export your layout
- 2. Share the file
- 3. Recipients import via CleverKeys
Tips and Tricks
- • Start with template: Easier than blank canvas
- • Test frequently: Use the test feature often
- • Small changes: Make incremental adjustments
- • Backup first: Export before major changes
[!TIP]
Clone a layout you like and modify just the keys you want to change.
Examples
Programming Layout
Optimize for coding with symbols accessible:
- • Add
{}[]as subkeys - • Place
=and;in easy positions - • Add Tab key in convenient location
One-Handed Layout
Compact layout for single-hand typing:
- • All keys within thumb reach
- • Larger key targets
- • Essential keys only
Settings
| Setting | Location | Description |
| Custom Layouts | Layouts | Manage custom layouts |
| Edit Layout | Custom Layouts | Open editor |
| Export/Import | Custom Layouts | Share layouts |
Common Questions
Q: Can I make a layout with fewer rows?
A: Yes, you can remove rows for a more compact layout. Minimum is 2 rows.
Q: What happens if I delete a custom layout I'm using?
A: CleverKeys switches to the next available layout automatically.
Q: Can I share layouts between devices?
A: Yes, export on one device and import on another.
Related Features
- • Adding Layouts - Add custom layouts to keyboard
- • Per-Key Actions - Customize subkeys
- • Profiles - Save layout configurations