Skip to content
FydeOS Help Center

Setup Linux Input Methods

Last Update: 2023-07-18

The Linux subsystem built into FydeOS currently doesn’t support the system’s native input method. This poses a challenge for users needing to input non-English languages, particularly for CJK native speakers. To overcome this, you can install a third-party input method for the Linux subsystem. This guide will walk you through the process of installing and configuring the Fcitx input method on FydeOS’s Linux subsystem.

Step 1: Installing the Fcitx Input Method

  1. Launch the Linux terminal and wait for the Linux subsystem to boot up.
  2. Update your software sources and applications by executing the following command: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade.
  3. Once the update is complete, install the Fcitx input method with this command: sudo apt install fcitx fcitx-lib* -y.

Step 2: Setting Fcitx as the Default Input Method

  1. After the installation, run the following command in the Linux terminal: im-config. Note: Avoid running this command as the root user to prevent connection issues.
  2. A dialog box will appear. Click “OK”, then “Yes”. Select “fcitx” and click “OK” twice.

Step 3: Configuring Fcitx Settings

  1. Run this command in the Linux terminal: fcitx && fcitx-configtool.
  2. A window will pop up. Click the ”+” button in the bottom left corner to open the input method selection window.
  3. Uncheck “Only show current language”, select your desired input method, and click “OK”.
  4. If no input methods appear, close the window, run fcitx-diagnose, and repeat steps 2 and 3.

Step 4: Setting Fcitx as the Language Input Environment

  1. Install the gedit text editor with this command: sudo apt install gedit -y.

  2. Run the following command to configure the language input environment: sudo gedit /etc/systemd/user/cros-garcon.service.d/cros-garcon-override.conf.

  3. Append the following lines to the end of the file:

    Terminal window
    Environment="GTK_IM_MODULE=fcitx"
    Environment="QT_IM_MODULE=fcitx"
    Environment="XMODIFIERS=@im=fcitx"

  4. Save the file and close the gedit editor.

Step 5: Setting Fcitx to Auto-Start in the Linux Subsystem

  1. Modify the auto-start options with this command: sudo gedit ~/.sommelierrc.
  2. Append the following line to the end of the file: /usr/bin/fcitx-autostart.
  3. Save the file and close the gedit editor.
  4. Restart the Linux subsystem with this command: sudo reboot.
  5. You can now switch between non-English and English input methods using Ctrl+Space.

References