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Ukelele
Ukelele
3.4b2

4.5

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Ukelele free download for Mac

Ukelele

3.4b2
20 September 2019

Unicode keyboard-layout editor.

Overview

Ukelele is a Unicode keyboard layout editor for the XML-format keyboard layout files in OS X (".keylayout" files). It provides a graphical interface to the layout files with support for drag-and-drop character assignments, creation of dead keys, and assignment of multi-character strings.

Ukelele is not able to reassign modifier keys (Option, Shift, Command, Control, caps lock), or change the function of special keys (Return, arrow keys, function keys, etc). Rather, it is for creating keyboard layouts for different languages or other needs.

By the way, the name of this software is intentionally misspelled (try pronouncing it "You-KEY-lay-lay"). Call it an instance of 'artistic license'.

What's new in Ukelele

Version 3.4b2:
  • A new quick entry mode has been implemented to make entering output for a whole key map simpler.
  • Some internal components have been reworked (the Nano framework), allowing support for Dark Mode in macOS 10.14 (Mojave) and later.
  • Updated to the Unicode standard 12.1 for the database of character descriptions.
  • The language registry has been updated to the version of 2019-04-30.
  • If an icon file is not valid, Ukelele now shows an error message rather than silently ignoring the file.
  • When changing the name of an action or state, using characters reserved in XML could cause the XML file to be unreadable. Correct coding is now enforced.
  • The tool (supplied by Apple) for converting the current keyboard input source to XML has a new 64-bit version which is used when running macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later. This has a bug in it, which may lead to unexpected characters at the end of the keyboard’s name, but otherwise works correctly. The older (32-bit) version is used on macOS 10.14 (Mojave) and earlier.
  • Implemented a checkbox to allow caps lock switching for keyboard layouts (such switching will only work on macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later).
  • Ukelele is now notarised so that it will install on macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later.
  • The Sparkle framework, used to do software update checking and installing, has been updated to version 1.21.3, which uses a new signing method which is more secure.

Ukelele Screenshots

  • Ukelele for Mac - review, screenshots
  • Ukelele for Mac - review, screenshots

37 Ukelele Reviews

See all

Rate this app:

Cattus-Thraex
Cattus-Thraex
31 May 2012

Most helpful

A must for all those, who wish to create their own keyboard layouts. Some of my keylayouts were created with Alex Eulenberg’s site, then refined with UKELELE, others created directly with UKELELE. John Brownie deserves all our respect for his work. It is a lot easier to use this app as compared to its Windows equivalent (something like MSKLC or so).
Like (3)
Version 2.2
Aargl
Aargl
19 January 2019
I've discovered Ukelele only a few months ago and I use it exclusively for replacing the coma by a dot, on French numeric keypads. I've been doing this on every Mac I've owned for 20 years or so with Keyboard Maestro and the likes, with some side effects (delay). Thanks Ukelele! :-)
Like (2)
Version 3.3
csheremecom8874
csheremecom8874
10 May 2018
How can I map a key to insert a thinspace [ ] ? I teried dragging 2008 from Unicode on Show Symbols, but it doesn't work…
Like
Version 3.2.7
lars-fornarve
lars-fornarve
14 October 2017
Nice program, but right now unusable, since it tells me "The document xx couldn't be saved. You don't have permission." I have an iMac 27" with High Sierra OS and don't understand why I don't have permission to my own, private computer. Could anyone help? I really need a keyboard layout editor!
Like
Version 3.2.7
1 answer(s)
Cattus-Thraex
Cattus-Thraex
07 December 2017
the problem is with YOUR system, not with UKELELE.
Like (3)
William-Walles
William-Walles
12 August 2016
Very useful tool for creating custom keyboard layouts. I was looking for such kind of software as I often use special symbols and now my work is pretty faster as I do not need to search every single symbol somewhere. Hats off for the developer and million thanks!
Like (1)
Version 3.0.5
Bioxy
Bioxy
30 May 2016
(See comment below)
Like (1)
Version 3.0.3
Bioxy
Bioxy
30 May 2016
I'm a heavy "vi" user, and Ukelele provides the simplest, lightest-weight way I know for moving the frequently used Esc key to its rightful position (where grave accent is located on non-UNIX keyboards). Oh, the conniptions and money I used to go through with other "solutions", just for that simple key swap! (With Mac OS X's built-in keyboard modifier keys facility, all of my vi woes were resolved.)
Like (1)
Version 3.0.3
Nontroppo
Nontroppo
21 October 2015
What a great update, thank you so much for keeping this unique program up-to-date and accessible!
Like (1)
Version 3.0.0
macsavy
macsavy
25 November 2014
Does anyone know how to remap a regular key to a SHIFT key? I inadvertently bought a pre-owned 2011 Macbook Pro (2.53Ghz i5, OS 10.8.5, 4Gb RAM) with an EU/UK keyboard. It works great otherwise, but I cannot manage typing as fast and accurately as usual with a left SHIFT key so tiny--especially since dislocating my left little finger. I downloaded Ukelele and remapped the "capital A with the accent" key into an additional RETURN key, solving the problem with the minuscule EU RETURN key and so many mistypes of it. I've even tried looking up the unicode for the shift key, but it literally will type the U+ etc. numbers, and NOT turn it into a shift key. It says in the manual that "we don't modify modifier keys" or something like that. But I don't want to modify IT, I just want to make another key into a shift key the same way I did with the return key. Also, but not as important, is there any way I can add a key without having to start from scratch with a blank keyboard? On the EU keyboard there's an eject key next to F12. I want to make it into the so sensible DELETE FORWARD key. I'm wanted to attach a screenshot of my modified keyboard but there's no option here I can see. I used the Ukelele Dvorak layout to start with, I believe. (I've used the Dvorak layout for over 20 years now and never get carpal tunnel or tendinitis anymore.) Any help (esp. from the Dev--I will send you $--seriously!) would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.
Like
Version 2.2.8
1 answer(s)
Cattus-Thraex
Cattus-Thraex
09 January 2017
Questions about using UKELELE should be sent to the forum. And, if you read the manual, you do find that UKELELE is NOT for modifying the four system keys.
For what you need, see Karabiner:
https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/25141/karabiner
Like
hanns1730
hanns1730
04 August 2014
did anyone manage to fix the problem with the mac OS 10.5.8 that appears when you click on file>new from current input source? Its sad I was looking forward to this :(
Like
Version 2.2.8
Cattus-Thraex
Cattus-Thraex
31 May 2012
A must for all those, who wish to create their own keyboard layouts. Some of my keylayouts were created with Alex Eulenberg’s site, then refined with UKELELE, others created directly with UKELELE. John Brownie deserves all our respect for his work. It is a lot easier to use this app as compared to its Windows equivalent (something like MSKLC or so).
Like (3)
Version 2.2
Free

4.5

App requirements: 
  • Intel 64
  • OS X 10.9.0 or later
Category: 

Utilities

•

System

Developer Website: 
SIL/John Brownie
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