Employees worldwide depend on Citrix Workspace app for Linux as their primary, fully-integrated workspace solution to improve productivity and access their critical workflows. With our users top of mind, we are always looking for ways to optimize the platform so that we can deliver a seamless end-user experience. As part of this initiative, we have been working to simplify Citrix Workspace app’s keyboard configuration capabilities to make it simple for the user, while supporting both IT and user requirements.
In earlier versions of Citrix Workspace app for Linux, end users had to manually modify the parameters in the configuration files to configure different keyboard layout modes. However, this was often complex for users and increased the risk of making mistakes within the configuration files.
We have great news! Beginning with version 2203, Citrix Workspace app for Linux is now equipped with three keyboard layout synchronization modes and corresponding, easy-to-navigate UIs that enable you to change your keyboard layout settings. With greater flexibility and choice, end users can simply select their preferred client keyboard layout synchronization from the Citrix Workspace app for Linux user interface.
Keyboard Layout Synchronization Modes
In the past, we’ve received questions from our end users regarding which keyboard layout (client or VDA-side) is synchronized when they launch their ICA sessions. The answer would depend on the keyboard sync mode setting being leveraged. Let’s look at the different keyboard layout synchronization modes now supported in Citrix Workspace app for Linux version 2203.
Sync Once at Session Launch
This is the default mode. If “Sync only once – when session launches” is selected, the VDA is automatically synchronized to the client-device’s keyboard layout when the ICA session is established. For example, if you’re using a German keyboard on your client device when a session is initiated, your VDA will instantly switch to German at session launch. Keep in mind that if the keyboard layout from your client device is changed during the session, the VDA keyboard will remain unchanged.
This mode is recommended for users who use a single language most of the time. With this selected, there’s no need to switch between languages quickly. You’ll automatically receive your preferred keyboard whether you’re accessing from your client device or the VDA.
Allow Dynamic Sync
If you frequently leverage multiple languages or keyboards — for example, you write in English and French throughout the course of the day — this mode is perfect for you.
The “Allow dynamic sync” mode dynamically synchronizes the client-side keyboard layout to your virtual app or desktop during your sessions. Every time you change your client keyboard, the VDA keyboard automatically changes in-session to align with your client keyboard layout. With this mode, you’re able to switch with ease from your preferred keyboard to the other layouts you use, helping you stay productive. To enable this mode, in addition to selecting “Allow dynamic sync,” you’ll need to configure the VDA settings. Learn more in the Notes section below.
Don’t Sync
In “Don’t sync” mode, the client keyboard layout is not synchronized to the VDA upon establishing the ICA session. Every time you log in or reconnect to the VDA, you will use the VDA-side default keyboard layout, and any changes to the keyboard layout on the client device will not be synchronized to the VDA.
This ensures a consistent and reliable keyboard experience for users. No matter the keyboard layout on their client device, the user can be confident that the keyboard they use in their VDA sessions is what they’ve defined previously.
Notes
- For more information on enabling the Unicode Keyboard Layout Mapping feature on the Windows VDA, see this Knowledge Center article
- Check out our Dynamic Keyboard Layout Synchronization documentation to learn about enabling the Dynamic Keyboard Layout Sync feature on the Linux VDA.
- When using a Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2019, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Citrix\ICA\IcaIme registry path and add a DWORD value with the key name DisableKeyboardSync and set the value to 0.
- The input method editor (IME) is not supported on Citrix Workspace app for Linux, so when the input language is Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, keyboard layout synchronization is still not yet provided.
- Make sure the following two lines are presented in the $HOME/.ICAClient/All_Regions.ini file on Linux client (if not, delete the All_Regions.ini, alternatively, add the two lines manually): KeyboardSyncMode= and KeyboardEventMode=.
Learn More
Try your favorite keyboard layout synchronization mode on Citrix Workspace app for Linux today! With these new capabilities, you can spend less time updating configuration files and more time focused on the work that matters. Get started by downloading the latest version of Citrix Workspace app for Linux on the Citrix Downloads page. To learn more about this feature, please visit our product documentation.
