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Ukelele
Ukelele
3.5.0

4.3

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Ukelele free download for Mac

Ukelele3.5.0

14 December 2020

Unicode keyboard-layout editor.

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

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 3.5.0:
  • There were various problems with the Keyboard Type dialog, including a potential crash. These have been fixed.
  • Updated the manual. All the currently available keyboard types are now laid out in an appendix.

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How would you rate Ukelele app?

39 Reviews of Ukelele

5
Aargl
19 January 2019
Version: 3.3

Most helpful

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! :-)
(3)
2
Atalantia
10 October 2020
Version: 3.4.2
Save as... doesn't work. I deleted one saved file and wanted to resave it as a bundle.... I was lost and 1 h work to. Crap GUI programming here.
(0)
5
richardkaufmann1
19 November 2019
Version: 3.4b3
It's a wonderful little app helping enormously to customize the keyboard mainly for layouts with uncommon diacritics. Thanks a lot!
(0)
5
Aargl
19 January 2019
Version: 3.3
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! :-)
(3)
4
csheremecom8874
10 May 2018
Version: 3.2.7
How can I map a key to insert a thinspace [ ] ? I teried dragging 2008 from Unicode on Show Symbols, but it doesn't work…
(0)
3
lars-fornarve
14 October 2017
Version: 3.2.7
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!
(0)
Show comment (1)
5
William-Walles
12 August 2016
Version: 3.0.5
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!
(1)
5
Bioxy
30 May 2016
Version: 3.0.3
(See comment below)
(1)
Bioxy
30 May 2016
Version: 3.0.3
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.)
(1)
5
Nontroppo
21 October 2015
Version: 3.0.0
What a great update, thank you so much for keeping this unique program up-to-date and accessible!
(1)
4
macsavy
25 November 2014
Version: 2.2.8
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.
(0)
Show comment (1)
0.5
hanns1730
04 August 2014
Version: 2.2.8
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 :(
(0)
5
Cattus-Thraex
31 May 2012
Version: 2.2
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).
(3)
Lolita
02 February 2012
Version: 2.1.8
Is this a kernel extension?
(1)
Show comment (1)
3.5
CPa
06 January 2012
Version: 2.1.8
Snow Leopard / Mac mini, Logitech illuminated keyboard Ukelele v.2.1.8 When I select Preferences, Themes Ukelele crash width crash file available in my Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/
(0)
Show comment (1)
5
Kamuela
29 December 2010
Version: 2.1.4
Great app, even though I'm not much to tinker with keyboard layouts. one thing though.. shouldn't it be UKULELE? and not UKELELE? BTW Ukulele translates into: Jumping Flea. Which is what the Hawaiians thought it sounded like when played.
(1)
Show comment (1)
Cattus-Thraex
13 November 2010
Version: 2.1.1
UKELELE is one of those small Mac OS gems, which make me use Mac OS, not Windows or Linux. I have no preconceived ideas, but—when working with linguistc text, dialectal texts or other similar stuff—some applications in Mac OS simply can do what you want, unlike similar Windows or Linux apps. When this achieved, the next step is to have an easy-to-use keylayout editor, as the existing, default keylayout are not sufficient in many instances. With this in view, perhaps Apple may do more in this respect. Note that, out of the basic Apple applications, only TextEdit can easily handle combined diacritical marks. Pages cannot do that.
(1)
Show comment (1)
Cattus-Thraex
26 July 2010
Version: 2.0
UKELELE is that piece of a wonderful application, which makes work easier and faster. All those needing to write special texts (in the field of linguistics, dialectology and other specialized fields) will need UKELELE in order to creater their custom keyboard layouts. Meanwhile, it has grown up as a mature application, of professional level. Congratulations to John Brownie for his constant work.
(2)
John-Brownie
09 February 2010
Version: 2.0b4
I believe that most of the problems with beta versions of version 2.0 have been solved, though there are still some minor issues to work on. Hopefully just about everything is working correctly now.
(0)
John-Brownie
09 February 2010
Version: 2.0b4
I believe that most of the problems with beta versions of version 2.0 have been solved, though there are still some minor issues to work on. Hopefully just about everything is working correctly now.
(0)
John-Brownie
26 January 2010
Version: 2.0b3
I'm sorry, but there are some issues with using keyboard layouts created in Ukelele 2.0 beta versions. These are slowly coming to light, and I will be addressing these as soon as possible. If you have problems, you can still use version 1.8.4, which still works reliably. Please contact me directly (contact details are in the Read Me file) if you have questions.
(0)
5
Nontroppo
16 January 2010
Version: 2.0b1
Wow, great update to a great app. I like to customize my option+keyboard mapping to add more esoteric unicode characters into easy reach, and this works brilliantly. The V2.0 update brings a great new UI, and the attention to detail and very thorough documentation are simply amazing for a free app. Highly recommended!
(0)
Meego
16 January 2010
Version: 2.0b1
When the keyboard on my MBP stopped working, i bought a spare one on ebay. The problem was, my original keyboard was french (azerty), and the new one was english (qwerty). So, i switched the plastic keys to mimic a french keyboard. And then I created a custom layout with Ukelele to sort everything out. Thanks Ukelele!
(0)
5
Hal0thane
01 August 2008
Version: 1.8
Thanks for the updated version! (I had run into the double-click crash issue, so I'm eager to use the new version for some quick touch-ups I need.) Ukelele has been fantastic for helping me to be more productive with my Mac! I decided some time ago that I would start using the Caps Lock state to support an "alternate typing context" -- when my Caps Lock is engaged, it means I am in "Typography Mode" and thus I use only curved quotation marks, em and en dash, etc. Ukelele made it VERY easy (relatively speaking, of course) for me to accomplish this. If you're interested in my key layout, the rationale, and more about how I use my keyboard layout, this blog post has all the information. Thanks again!
(0)
Corfan
23 July 2008
Version: 1.8b6
I have made a layout in the graphic interface and after i have saved it in the directory called "Library/Keyboard Layout", but he doesn't appear in "International" preference panel (I use Mac OS 10,5). Why? PS: excuse-me for my very bad english... :P
(1)
Show comments (3)
Liana
29 October 2007
Version: 1.8b3
Hi, I have just downloaded and have been working my way through the Ukelele program - it has been great so far. My dilemma is I need to setup some keys to quit an application on a Mac- a combination of keys e.g. 'Command + a,b,c', that a user will more than likely never press at the same time. So 'Command + a,b,c' will perform the operation 'Command + q' (the shortcut for quitting most apps on a mac)... is Ukelele capable of doing this? Thanks - any help, advice and/or ideas would be most appreciated.
(0)
5
anonymous-snipe-293
18 July 2007
Version: 1.8b3
Extremely useful, very well done, regularly improved, and free : 5 stars!
(0)
Pascalpp
25 June 2006
Version: 1.7b5
Not that it matters much, but 'ukelele' is actually spelled 'ukulele'.
(1)
Show comment (1)
Tony-Aguila
01 June 2006
Version: 1.7b2
This has nothing to do with any shortcoming on the part of Ukelele, but I want to point out that there are a number of programs out there, notably the Adobe creative suite, that do not work correctly with XML keyboard layouts (which is what Ukelele creates). I end up still using my original customized Dvorak layout (pre-OS X keyboard suitcase). The reason I have been working with XML keyboard files and Ukelele is my concern that one of these days, Apple might decide to drop support for keyboard resource files (.rsrc) which would put me in a very difficult position.
(0)
4.5
Qaitakalnin
10 May 2006
Version: 1.6.7
Ukelele is quick to use and easy to understand. Without having to read any documentation, I got everything done. While such a statement may not be true for all users, I feel comfortable in saying that the learning curve will be small for most. This application has allowed me to create custom keyboard layouts for my linguistics work. Since I use old languages (such as Old English or Old Norse) and the International Phonetic Alphabet often, I'm required to use so-called "nonstandard" characters regularly. Now I can type these things without a hitch. Many thanks to the developer! All we need now is a Universal version.
(0)
Show comment (1)
5
Yoxi
22 December 2005
Version: 1.6.4
I found this app very straightforward to use - within 15 minutes of downloading, I'd created an alternative layout to the one I normally use that has a couple of extra dead-keys for macron and caron, very useful for writing romanised pinyin. I found Ukelele very logical to use for this, anyway, and the help very clear. Thanks to the developer.
(0)
4.5
Cattus Thraex
19 April 2005
Version: 1.5
UKELELE has almost got to the point of perfection, so to speak. There still are some bugs, to be reportedly solved soon, but not essential. As to the need for non-Unicode (e.g. Roman or Cyrillic encoding) as one user asked for, last version allows any of the encodings in MAC OS X, just change the id to positive, e.g. up to 15000 for Roman, and you are there. Just note that, if you make use of chars not present in the standard Roman encoding, they are not available. The same for Central European or Cyrillic. Practically, such a keylayout creator is most useful for Unicode encoded keylayouts as all other chars are available via normal Option+key functions, including dead keys.
(0)
4.5
Anonymous
08 January 2005
Version: 1.5b2
I'm surprised others have had problems. No problems here.
(0)
3.5
Anonymous
26 December 2004
Version: 1.5b1
I modifyed my existing keyboard just changed output characters and it vrushed my Finder including any applications. I hardly recovered by starting in Safe Mode my Jaguar and removed it from Keyboard Layouts folder. as soon as I put in it none of the apps start. am i doing something wrong or whayts going on.
(0)
Show comment (1)
Anonymous
13 October 2004
Version: 1.0.5
Works great, but there's one catch. Not all my software is Unicode-friendly. So whenever I use a program or I'm on a web page that isn't set up for Unicode, it reverts back to whatever the nearest Roman keyboard was (and for an annoying while, that was the Dvorak keyboard). Wish it had a Roman keyboard function.
(0)
3.75
Anonymous
24 September 2004
Version: 1.0.5
Finally a way to do this for OS X. It only took a few years for somebody to do this for OS X. Thanks to the developer. Not nearly as intuitive or easy to edit as old ResEdit key layout editor, but it does work. Dead keys take some playing with to see how they are done. Some programs seem to be able to use the keyboards created and some cannot; it is not intuitive as to why. A short tutorial would be helpful.
(0)
Anonymous
20 September 2004
Version: 1.0.5
alright it works since version 1.0.4, but the enter key doesnt work for me...
(0)
Anonymous
06 August 2004
Version: 1.0.3
This is THE simple app, I waiting for! Since ResEdit useless with osx, there was no app to edit custom keyboard layouts without understanding XML. It's punishing! Thank you!
(0)
2.25
Lordlothar250
19 July 2004
Version: 1.0.2
this program is stupid! it doesnt work!!! i save the .keylayout file into my ~/Library/Keyboard Layouts/ folder, then logout and login and it doesnt show up anywhere... tried alot but never worked...
(0)
Show comments (2)
Anonymous
05 July 2004
Version: 1.0
Can't really use app., but wonder about it if developers can't spell. It's "ukUlele."
(0)
Show comments (6)

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