After installing the new Linux OS on a PC, I need Simplified Chinese input installed. The installation is a bit tricky. It is not a one-step operation, which is why I have to document it, so that I can reference this article next time I re-install a PC.
This tutorial is for Debian based Linux Desktop. For Arch based or other types of Linux, please search online for reference. The approach is the same. Once, I have installed fcitx5 on an Arch based Linux. That is why I know the approach is the same.
Installation stes:
apt install --no-install-recommends fcitx5 fcitx5-chinese-addons fcitx5-frontend-gtk3 fcitx5-frontend-qt5 fcitx5-module-xorg kde-config-fcitx5 im-config
Once installed, I need to get into the Input Method configuration setting window in "Settings" in the start menu. Just add "Pinyin" as the new input method. After this step, we can see the pinyin input method in the fcitx5 application. But we will not be able to use it for input. The next step is the hard one.
In my user's home folder, I will use touch to create a file called .bash_profile:
cd ~ touch .bash_profile
Then I open this new file in a text editor, "pico" I guess, and add the following lines:
export GTK_IM_MODULE=fcitx export QT_IM_MODULE=fcitx export XMODIFIERS=@im=fcitx
After the lines are added, I will use CTRL+O to save it. Then use CTRL+X to exit the pico editor.
Log myself out. And log myself back in. Once logged in, I can see that my fcitx5 is up and running. I use the keyboard short-cut CTRL+Space after I set the caret to a Desktop window that allows input. The input method will be switched to Simplified Chinese. And it is all done. Note that it is not enable for all users. It is only available for current user. To enable this to all users, please add the same 3 lines at the end of the shared profile /etc/profile. I used to add Java path at the end of this shared user profile as well. Good luck and have fun!
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