If you’re using Ubuntu 22.04 and the Albert launcher isn’t supporting Chinese input, you’re not alone. Albert is a powerful application launcher that can enhance your productivity, but improper configuration can lead to issues with non-English languages. This guide will help you configure Albert to support Chinese input effectively, ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience.
Understanding the Issue
Albert is a versatile and efficient launcher for Linux systems, allowing users to access applications and files and perform web searches quickly. However, when it comes to supporting non-English languages like Chinese, users might encounter issues where Chinese input doesn’t function as expected within Albert. This problem typically arises due to misconfigurations in the input method framework or environment variables that Albert relies on.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding with the solutions, ensure you have the following:
- Ubuntu 22.04 installed and updated.
- Albert Launcher installed. If not, you can install it using:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nilarimogard/webupd8 sudo apt update sudo apt install albert
- Administrator (sudo) privileges on your system.
- Internet connection to download necessary packages.
Step 1: Install and Configure an Input Method Framework
Ubuntu primarily uses IBus as its default input method framework. However, Fcitx is often recommended for better compatibility with Chinese input. You can choose either based on your preference.
Option A: Using Fcitx
- Install Fcitx and Required Modules
sudo apt update sudo apt install fcitx fcitx-googlepinyin fcitx-config-gtk -y
fcitx
: The core Fcitx framework.fcitx-googlepinyin
: A popular Chinese input method engine for Fcitx.fcitx-config-gtk
: Configuration tool for Fcitx.
- Set Fcitx as the Default Input MethodOpen the Language Support settings:
- Press
Super
(Windows key) and type “Language Support”. - In the “Language” tab, under “Keyboard input method system”, select “Fcitx” from the dropdown menu.
- Click “Apply”, then close the window.
- Press
- Configure Fcitx
- Launch Fcitx Configuration:
fcitx-config-gtk3 &
- In the Fcitx Configuration window, click the “+” button to add input methods.
- Search for “Google Pinyin” and add it.
- Ensure Google Pinyin is selected as your active input method.
- Launch Fcitx Configuration:
Option B: Using IBus
If you prefer sticking with the default IBus framework:
- Install IBus and Chinese Input Engine
sudo apt update sudo apt install ibus ibus-sunpinyin -y
ibus
: The core IBus framework.ibus-sunpinyin
: A Chinese input method engine for IBus.
- Set IBus as the Default Input Method
- Open Language Support as described above.
- Under “Keyboard input method system”, select “IBus”.
- Click “Apply”, then close the window.
- Configure IBus
- Launch IBus Preferences:
ibus-setup &
- In the Input Method tab, click the “+” button.
- Search for “Sun Pinyin” and add it.
- Ensure Sun Pinyin is active.
- Launch IBus Preferences:
Step 2: Ensure Environment Variables are Set Correctly
For Albert to recognize and work seamlessly with your chosen input method, certain environment variables need to be correctly set.
- Open Your Shell Configuration FileDepending on your shell, this could be
~/.bashrc
or~/.zshrc
. For Bash, edit~/.bashrc
:nano ~/.bashrc
- Add the Following Lines at the EndFor Fcitx:
export GTK_IM_MODULE=fcitx export QT_IM_MODULE=fcitx export XMODIFIERS=@im=fcitx
For IBus:
export GTK_IM_MODULE=ibus export QT_IM_MODULE=ibus export XMODIFIERS=@im=ibus
- Save and Exit
- Press
Ctrl + O
, thenEnter
to save. - Press
Ctrl + X
to exit.
- Press
- Apply the Changes
source ~/.bashrc
Step 3: Configure Albert to Recognize the Input Method
Albert needs to inherit the environment variables to utilize the configured input methods.
- Create an Environment File for Albert
sudo mkdir -p /etc/profile.d sudo nano /etc/profile.d/albert.sh
- Add the Following LinesFor Fcitx:
export GTK_IM_MODULE=fcitx export QT_IM_MODULE=fcitx export XMODIFIERS=@im=fcitx
For IBus:
export GTK_IM_MODULE=ibus export QT_IM_MODULE=ibus export XMODIFIERS=@im=ibus
- Save and Exit
- Press
Ctrl + O
, thenEnter
to save. - Press
Ctrl + X
to exit.
- Press
- Make the Script Executable
sudo chmod +x /etc/profile.d/albert.sh
- Restart Albert
- Close Albert if it’s running.
- Launch Albert again:
albert &
Step 4: Install Chinese Language Packs
To ensure full support for Chinese input and display, install the necessary language packs.
- Install Chinese Language Support
sudo apt install language-pack-zh-hans language-pack-zh-hant -y
language-pack-zh-hans
: Simplified Chinese.language-pack-zh-hant
: Traditional Chinese.
- Configure Language Settings
- Open Settings > Region & Language.
- Under Languages, click “Manage Installed Languages”.
- Ensure that Chinese (Simplified) and/or Chinese (Traditional) are installed.
- Apply changes if necessary and restart your system if prompted.
Step 5: Restart Your System
To apply all configurations and ensure that both Fcitx/IBus and Albert work together seamlessly, restart your computer.
sudo reboot
Step 6: Test Chinese Input in Albert
After restarting, verify that Chinese input works within Albert.
- Launch AlbertPress the configured shortcut (default is
Alt + Space
) to open Albert. - Activate Chinese Input Method
- Use the input method shortcut (commonly
Ctrl + Space
orSuper + Space
) to switch to Chinese input. - Alternatively, click on the input method indicator in the system tray and select your Chinese input method.
- Use the input method shortcut (commonly
- Type in Albert
- Start typing your search query in Chinese.
- Albert should recognize and display the Chinese characters as you type.
- Troubleshoot if Necessary
- If Chinese input isn’t working, ensure that:
- Fcitx/IBus is running.
- Environment variables are correctly set.
- Albert has permission to access input methods.
- If Chinese input isn’t working, ensure that:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why Isn’t Albert Recognizing Chinese Input Despite Correct Configuration?
Ensure that:
- The input method framework (Fcitx/IBus) is actively running.
- Environment variables are correctly set both for the user and system-wide.
- Albert is launched after setting the input method configurations.
2. Can I Use Multiple Input Methods with Albert?
Yes. Fcitx and IBus support multiple input methods. You can switch between them using keyboard shortcuts, and Albert will recognize the active input method.
3. Should I Prefer Fcitx Over IBus for Chinese Input in Albert?
Fcitx is often recommended for better compatibility and performance with Chinese input methods. However, both frameworks can work effectively when properly configured.
4. Is There a Way to Automatically Switch Input Methods When Using Albert?
While there’s no direct integration, you can use keyboard shortcuts to switch input methods before activating Albert. Some users create custom scripts or utilize window rules to automate this process.
5. Does Albert Support Chinese Search Results?
Yes, once Chinese input is correctly configured, Albert can search using Chinese characters, provided the indexed data includes Chinese content.
Useful Resources
Conclusion
Configuring Fcitx or IBus to work with Albert on Ubuntu 22.04 enables seamless Chinese input, enhancing your efficiency and user experience. By following the step-by-step guide above, you can ensure that Albert recognizes and supports Chinese characters without issues. Remember to verify each configuration step, and don’t hesitate to consult the useful resources and community forums if you encounter any challenges.
Embrace the power of Albert combined with robust input methods like Fcitx or IBus, and unlock a more productive and versatile computing environment on your Ubuntu system.
Happy Typing!