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Create Custom Keyboard Layouts

Typing Exercises for Your Layout:

Dvorak Colemak Colemak-DH Workman Norman Capewell-Dvorak MTGAP Carpalx (QGMLWY) Carpalx (QGMLWB) Carpalx (QGMLWK) Minimak Halmak Arensito Asset Asset-2 BEAKL (15) BEAKL (19) BEAKL (Wi) MTGAP Programmer NEO-QWERTY hybrids QWERTY-Mod variants Hands Down (Neu) Hands Down (Alt) Engram

Master typing on any keyboard layout with TypingMaster 12's comprehensive custom keyboard layout support.
Import layouts, learn universally, and get detailed statistics on your typing performance.

Download Latest Version 12

TypingMaster 12: Universal Keyboard Layout Support

Experience the most flexible typing tutor with comprehensive custom keyboard layout support.
Whether you prefer QWERTY, AZERTY, DVORAK, COLEMAK, or any regional variant, TypingMaster 12 adapts to your needs.

Custom Keyboard Layout Features

Discover the comprehensive keyboard layout support that makes TypingMaster 12 the most versatile typing tutor

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Custom Keyboard Layouts

Follow this comprehensive guide to set up and use custom keyboard layouts with TypingMaster 12.
You can download pre-made keyboard layouts from kbdlayout.info or create your own with MKLC Editor.

1 Install Microsoft KLC Editor

Download and install the Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (KLC) version 1.4 from the official Microsoft download center. This free tool allows you to create, modify, and test custom keyboard layouts.

  • Download from Microsoft Download Center
  • Install KLC Editor 1.4
  • Launch the KLC Editor application
Download Microsoft KLC Editor
Microsoft KLC Editor Interface
KLC Validation Process

2 Create Layout and Validate

Design your custom keyboard layout using the KLC Editor's intuitive interface. Assign characters to keys, configure shift states, and ensure all necessary characters are properly mapped.

  • Create new layout project
  • Assign characters to keys
  • Configure shift states (Shift, AltGr, Ctrl)
  • Test keyboard layout functionality
  • Validate layout integrity

3 Build DLL and Install Layout in Windows

Once your layout is validated and tested, build the DLL installer package from the KLC Editor. This creates a Windows installer that will register your custom layout system-wide.

  • Go to Project menu in KLC Editor
  • Select "Build DLL and Setup Package"
  • Run the generated installer (setup.exe)
  • Choose layout from Windows regional settings
  • You can switch keyboard layouts from the language icon near the clock in the corner of the Windows taskbar.
KLC Setup Installation
TypingMaster Custom Layout Selection

4 Install TypingMaster 12 and Configure

Install TypingMaster 12 and set up your custom layout profile. The application will automatically detect your custom layout, or you can manually select and import .KLC file (Keyboard Layout Creator/File Menu/Save Source As..)

  • Install TypingMaster 12
  • Choose "Custom Layout" profile during setup
  • TIP: On the next page, launch the TypingMeter to analyze your writing on all apps.
    Known limitations in TypingMaster version 12.0.947:
    Fast Touch Typing Course requires QWERTY/QWERTZ/ AZERTY/DVORAK, PipeGame is currently available only for QWERTY.
TypingMaster Keyboard Settings

5 Configure Keyboard Settings

Access TypingMaster's settings to confirm your custom layout is properly configured and working. If your custom layout isn't automatically detected, you can manually import it.

  • Go to TypingMaster Settings
  • Check Keyboard Layout section
  • Click "Add Custom Layout" if needed
  • Verify layout appears in settings automatically
  • Import .klc file if needed for manual setup
  • Select appropriate physical layout from dropdown: 101 ANSI keyboards use a wide rectangular Enter key, while 102 European ISO keyboards use a tall, L-shaped Enter key and include one extra key next to the left Shift. Choose the variant that matches your physical keyboard to avoid incorrect key mapping.

6 Practice with Universal Course

Start learning with the Universal Touch Typing Course, specifically designed to work with ANY keyboard layout through systematic finger training.

  • Navigate to Universal Touch Typing Course
  • Course adapts to your custom layout automatically
  • Follow systematic finger movement patterns
  • Complete 14 lessons (6:40 - 20:00 hours)
  • Track your progress and improvement
Universal Course Selection
Custom Review Drill Interface

7 Advanced Practice with Custom Review

Use the Custom Review feature to practice specific keys from your custom layout, focusing on challenging character combinations and finger positioning.

  • Access Custom Review from main menu
  • Get visual feedback with virtual keyboard
  • Receive finger guidance and positioning hints
  • Advanced TypingMeter & Bigram Analytics:
    Revolutionary key-to-key bigram analysis powered by TypingMeter: Collects detailed key pair data showing how accurately and quickly you type from one key to the next.

💡 Pro Tips for Custom Layout Success

Layout Validation

Always validate your layout in KLC Editor before building to catch potential issues early.

Regional Settings

Access Windows regional settings to switch between layouts using Win+Space or language bar.

Universal Course

The Universal Course works with ANY left-to-right layout - ideal for learning touch typing universally.



Start Universal Keyboard Layout Training Today!

Download TypingMaster
Custom Keyboard Layout Import

Import Custom Keyboard Layouts

Bring your preferred keyboard layout to TypingMaster 12 with comprehensive import support:

  • Import custom keyboard layout files (.KLC format) directly from settings if the dynamic auto-detection feature does not work
  • Universal Keyboard Import works with both ANSI 104/ISO 105 key layouts
  • Support for QWERTY, AZERTY, DVORAK, and COLEMAK layouts
  • Regional pre-made keyboard variants including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Khmer, Thai, and Vietnamese layouts
Universal Course Layout Support

Improve Your Custom Layout Typing Skills

Universal Custom layout practice lets you focus on the exact key positions you use daily. You can train weak zones, build new muscle memory, and track progress with targeted exercises. Whether you use Colemak, Dvorak, Workman, or a layout you designed yourself, structured training reduces errors and shortens the learning curve.

  • Universal Course supports any language and keyboard layout, not just English or QWERTY based layouts
  • Consistent finger movement patterns across all layouts
  • Learn touch typing consistency regardless of language or keyboard style
Bigram Heat Map Analytics

Advanced TypingMeter & Bigram Analytics

Premium Version: Revolutionary key-to-key bigram analysis powered by TypingMeter:

  • Collects detailed key pair data showing how accurately and quickly you type from one key to the next
  • Visualizes typing patterns with rich heat maps and timing metrics
  • Automatically generates personalized bigram exercises targeting your difficult key pairs
  • Export and compare bigram data with filters
  • Click on bigrams to read detailed tips and analysis
Lesson Editor for Custom Courses

Create Your Own Typing Tests

Design personalized typing tests:

  • Create custom typing tests for your specific layout
  • Import test texts from RTF, DOC, HTML, and TXT files with Unicode support
  • Copy and paste any text to create personalized typing exercises
  • Adjust typing test duration and custom pass limits

💡 Experience Universal Keyboard Layout Training Today!

Download TypingMaster Version 12 Now

💬 Share Your Feedback

We value your insights on custom keyboard layouts! Send us your feedback, ideas, or layout requests.

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