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VirtualKeyboardScope

The VirtualKeyboardScope is a container control that manages virtual keyboard visibility automatically based on the current input focus. It displays the keyboard when a text input control within it gains focus, and hides it when focus is lost or moved to a non-text control.

Overview​

VirtualKeyboardScope is the recommended way to integrate the virtual keyboard into your application. It provides a seamless experience where the keyboard appears only when needed and properly handles input focus and positioning to prevent the keyboard from obscuring the active input control.

Properties​

PropertyTypeDescription
InputMethodsIEnumerable<VirtualKeyboardInputMethod>Gets or sets the collection of input methods (keyboard layouts and IMEs) available to users.

Usage Examples​

Basic Usage​

<Window xmlns="https://github.com/avaloniaui"
        xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml">
    <VirtualKeyboardScope InputMethods="en-US:kbd:standard">
        <StackPanel>
            <TextBlock>Enter your name:</TextBlock>
            <TextBox />
            <TextBlock>Comments:</TextBlock>
            <TextBox AcceptsReturn="True" Height="100" />
        </StackPanel>
    </VirtualKeyboardScope>
</Window>

Multiple Input Methods​

<VirtualKeyboardScope InputMethods="en-US:kbd:standard, de:kbd:standard, ja:ime:kana">
    <StackPanel>
        <TextBox Watermark="Type here" />
        <TextBlock>The keyboard will support English, German, and Japanese input</TextBlock>
    </StackPanel>
</VirtualKeyboardScope>

Binding InputMethods Dynamically​

<VirtualKeyboardScope InputMethods="{Binding SelectedInputMethods}">
    <StackPanel>
        <TextBox />
        <ListBox ItemsSource="{Binding AvailableInputMethods}"
                 SelectionMode="Multiple"
                 Selection="{Binding SelectedInputMethodsCollection}" />
    </StackPanel>
</VirtualKeyboardScope>

Code-Behind Configuration​

// Get input methods for specific languages using SelectMany + ToList
var inputMethods = new[] { "en-US", "ja", "de" }
    .SelectMany(VirtualKeyboardInputMethod.GetInputMethodsForLanguage)
    .ToList();

// Assign to the VirtualKeyboardScope
myKeyboardScope.InputMethods = inputMethods;

Working with TextInputOptions​

You can customize how input fields work with the virtual keyboard using TextInputOptions attached properties:

<VirtualKeyboardScope InputMethods="en-US:kbd:standard">
    <StackPanel>
        <TextBox TextInputOptions.ContentType="Email" 
                 Watermark="Enter email address" />
                 
        <TextBox TextInputOptions.ContentType="Digits"
                 TextInputOptions.ReturnKeyType="Done"
                 Watermark="Enter PIN code" />
                 
        <TextBox TextInputOptions.ReturnKeyType="Search"
                 Watermark="Search..." />
    </StackPanel>
</VirtualKeyboardScope>

Multiple Scopes​

You can have multiple VirtualKeyboardScope controls in your application, but be aware that only one keyboard will be shown at a time:

<Grid ColumnDefinitions="*, *">
    <!-- First scope with English and German -->
    <VirtualKeyboardScope Grid.Column="0" InputMethods="en-US:kbd:standard, de:kbd:standard">
        <StackPanel>
            <TextBlock>Form 1</TextBlock>
            <TextBox />
        </StackPanel>
    </VirtualKeyboardScope>
    
    <!-- Second scope with English and Japanese -->
    <VirtualKeyboardScope Grid.Column="1" InputMethods="en-US:kbd:standard, ja:ime:kana">
        <StackPanel>
            <TextBlock>Form 2</TextBlock>
            <TextBox />
        </StackPanel>
    </VirtualKeyboardScope>
</Grid>

Best Practices​

  1. Place at the Right Level:

    • Place the VirtualKeyboardScope at the root of your Window/UserControl or at a level that contains all text input controls that should use the keyboard.

  2. Input Methods Selection:

    • Provide input methods relevant to your target audience.
    • Consider offering at least one language layout for each region your application targets.

  3. Content Scrolling:

    • VirtualKeyboardScope automatically handles scrolling to keep the focused input element visible when the keyboard appears.
    • Ensure that your layout can accommodate the reduced screen space when the keyboard is visible. While VirtualKeyboardScope automatically provides an scrolling container, you may still need to adjust your layout for optimal user experience.

  4. Read-Only and Disabled Controls:

    • The keyboard won't appear for read-only or disabled text input controls.
    • Use IsReadOnly="True" for text that should be selectable but not editable.