Layout changer

Layout Switcher Extension for Firefox

This extension helps you quickly switch keyboard layout for selected text in input fields using hotkeys. It supports automatic punctuation correction when switching from English to Russian layout.

MAIN FEATURES

Keyboard Layout Switching Select any text in input fields, text areas, or contenteditable elements and press the hotkey combination to instantly switch the keyboard layout. The extension automatically detects the current layout and switches it to the opposite one.

Supported Layouts The extension supports multiple keyboard layouts including Russian, English, Ukrainian, and Belarusian. It can switch between Cyrillic and Latin scripts seamlessly.

Automatic Punctuation Correction When switching from English to Russian layout, the extension automatically corrects punctuation marks. For example, question mark becomes comma and slash becomes period when appropriate.

Customizable Hotkeys You can choose from several predefined hotkey combinations or create your own custom hotkeys. The default combination is Alt+Shift+L, but you can change it to any combination you prefer.

Easy Configuration Click on the extension icon to open the settings popup where you can select hotkey combinations and add your own custom shortcuts. All settings are saved automatically in local storage.

HOW TO USE

Basic Usage

1. Type some text in an input field using the wrong keyboard layout
2. Select the text you want to fix
3. Press the hotkey combination (default: Alt+Shift+L)
4. The text will automatically switch to the correct layout

If nothing is selected, the extension will automatically find and correct the last entered sequence of characters before the cursor.

Punctuation Correction When you type text thinking you are on Russian layout but actually on English, and you press the key for comma or period, you might get question mark or slash instead. The extension automatically corrects these when switching layouts:

• Question mark (?) becomes comma (,)
• Slash (/) becomes period (.)

This correction only works when switching from English to Russian layout, as the extension detects the context and applies appropriate fixes.

Settings Menu Click on the extension icon in the toolbar to open the settings popup. Here you can:

• Select a hotkey combination from predefined options
• Add your own custom hotkey combinations by pressing the keys
• Remove custom hotkeys you no longer need
• See instructions on how to use the extension

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Compatibility This extension works with all types of input fields including regular input elements, textarea elements, and contenteditable divs. It uses Manifest V3 and requires Firefox 142.0 or higher.

Privacy The extension does not collect any data. It only uses local storage to save your personal settings such as selected hotkey combinations. No information is sent to external servers or third parties.

Performance The extension is lightweight and does not impact browser performance. It only activates when you press the hotkey combination, ensuring minimal resource usage.

SUPPORTED KEYBOARD LAYOUTS

Russian Layout Full support for Russian Cyrillic keyboard layout with all letters, numbers, and special characters. The extension can switch between Russian and English layouts bidirectionally.

English Layout Complete support for English QWERTY keyboard layout. All letters, numbers, and punctuation marks are properly handled during layout switching.

Ukrainian Layout Support for Ukrainian Cyrillic layout including special Ukrainian letters like i, e, and others. The extension recognizes and switches Ukrainian characters correctly.

Belarusian Layout Support for Belarusian Cyrillic layout with special Belarusian characters. The extension handles Belarusian-specific letters during layout switching.

CUSTOMIZATION

Adding Custom Hotkeys

1. Open the extension settings by clicking the icon
2. In the custom hotkeys section, click on the input field
3. Press the key combination you want to use
4. Click the Add button or press Enter
5. The new hotkey will be available in the dropdown menu

The extension validates hotkey combinations to ensure they are valid and do not conflict with system shortcuts.

Removing Custom Hotkeys To remove a custom hotkey, simply click the Remove button next to it in the settings menu. The hotkey will be removed from the list and will no longer be available for selection.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Extension Not Working If the extension does not respond to hotkey presses, make sure:

• You have selected text in an input field
• The input field is active and focused
• The hotkey combination is correctly configured in settings
• You have reloaded the extension after changing settings

Text Not Switching If text does not switch when you press the hotkey:

• Make sure you have selected the text you want to switch
• Check that the text contains characters that can be switched (not just numbers or special symbols)
• Verify that the extension is enabled in Firefox

Punctuation Not Correcting Punctuation correction only works when switching from English to Russian layout. If you are switching from Russian to English, punctuation marks will not be automatically corrected as this is the expected behavior.

INSTALLATION

From Source

1. Download the extension archive
2. Open Firefox and navigate to about:debugging
3. Click This Firefox
4. Click Load Temporary Add-on
5. Select the extension folder or ZIP file

From Firefox Add-ons Once published, the extension will be available in the Firefox Add-ons store. Simply search for Layout Switcher and click Install.

UPDATES

The extension will automatically check for updates when published in the Firefox Add-ons store. You will be notified when a new version is available and can update with a single click.

FEEDBACK AND SUPPORT

If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for improvement, please contact the extension developer through the Firefox Add-ons page. Your feedback helps make the extension better for everyone.

LICENSE

This extension is provided as-is for free use. The source code is available for review and modification.

VERSION HISTORY

Version 1.0.0

• Initial release
• Support for Russian, English, Ukrainian, and Belarusian layouts
• Customizable hotkeys
• Automatic punctuation correction
• Settings popup interface
• Support for all input field types