How to add a keyboard layout to iPad?

Question

How to add a keyboard layout to iPad?

I am a very fast typist 80 WPM average, but to get this speed I use Dvorak Spain keyboard layout, sadly MacOS does not bring this layout as Linux does since many years ago, you need to enhance this, fortunately in MacOS is posible to put a personalized .keyboardlayout file in "$HOME/Library/Keyboard Layouts", the question is how can I achieve this for my iPad, would be great that Apple catch up and include this layout by default, you can take the Linux 'es(dvorak)' as standard.

I am an Apple fan and love that MacOS is a BSD derivative and comes with terminal and shell, please give us the power users a better experience, thanks in advance.

iPad

Posted on Oct 19, 2025 12:30 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

jagmeees204

Level 1

101 points

Oct 19, 2025 2:16 AM in response to Alfonso Baqueiro

Right now, iPadOS doesn’t allow the same level of customization for keyboard layouts as macOS or Linux. However, you can either:

Use third-party keyboards (like Gboard or SwiftKey) for some customization.
Dive into building a custom keyboard app if you're into development.
Try using external keyboards that support Dvorak layouts on iPad.

Hopefully, Apple catches up soon and allows for more customization for power users like yourself! Feel free to let me know if you want more help exploring any of these options.

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Answer 2

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

121,884 points

Oct 19, 2025 5:37 AM in response to Alfonso Baqueiro

Alfonso Baqueiro wrote:

I am a very fast typist 80 WPM average, but to get this speed I use Dvorak Spain keyboard layout... the question is how can I achieve this for my iPad

If you are talking about using a hardware keyboard, there is currently no way to do that. For the screen keyboard, check the Keyman app.

To ask Apple to include the feature you want, you can use

http://www.apple.com/feedback

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