How to Get More Out of Gboard on Android

Gboard is Google's free keyboard for Android with swipe typing, voice input, GIF search, translation, and more — all without leaving the keyboard.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Make sure Gboard is your default keyboard
2.Enable Glide (swipe) typing
3.Use voice typing
4.Search for GIFs from the keyboard
5.Use the clipboard for recent copied items

Make sure Gboard is your default keyboard

~15s

Go to SettingsGeneral ManagementKeyboard list and defaultDefault keyboard → select Gboard. If Gboard is not installed, search "Gboard" in the Play Store and download it.

Enable Glide (swipe) typing

~15s

While Gboard is open, tap and hold the comma (,) key → tap the Settings gearGlide TypingEnable Glide Typing. Now you can slide from letter to letter to form words.

Use voice typing

~16s

While in any text field, tap the microphone icon on the Gboard keyboard. Speak your message. Gboard transcribes as you talk. Tap the microphone again to stop. Review and send.

Quick Tip

Speak punctuation by saying "comma," "period," "question mark" — Gboard inserts the symbols when you say their names.

Search for GIFs from the keyboard

~15s

Tap the emoji or sticker icon on Gboard → tap "GIF." Type a word to search for animated GIFs. Tap a GIF to insert it directly into your message without opening any other app.

Use the clipboard for recent copied items

~15s

Tap and hold the comma (,) key → tap the clipboard icon. Recently copied text appears (saved for one hour). Tap any item to paste it. This is helpful when copying multiple pieces of information from one source.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Get More Out of Gboard on Android

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Gboard is the default keyboard on Pixel phones and available on all Android devices. It goes far beyond basic typing with a collection of features built directly into the keyboard so you never have to switch apps.

Swipe/Glide typing

: Slide your finger from letter to letter without lifting to form words. Google's Gboard pioneered this feature and it remains one of the most accurate implementations. Enable it in Gboard settings → Glide Typing.

Voice input

: Tap the microphone icon to speak instead of type. Gboard transcribes speech in real time with high accuracy. Useful when typing is impractical — in a car, for long messages, or when your hands are occupied.

GIF and sticker search

: Tap the GIF or sticker icon to search for animated images by keyword. Search "congratulations" or "thank you" to find relevant GIFs to send in messages.

Built-in Google Search

: Tap the Google icon (colored G) on the keyboard to search Google without leaving the conversation. Paste the link or information directly into your message.

Translation

: Tap the three-dot menu → Translate. Type in any language and Gboard translates to your chosen language in real time. Send the translated text with one tap.