The Accent Hold GNOME extension brings macOS-style press-and-hold accent menus to Ubuntu desktops.
Operating natively on Wayland across GNOME 45 through 50, it triggers character pickers on long keypresses, supports custom JSON configurations, and integrates smoothly with standard input methods and Electron apps.
Until now, the process in Ubuntu required more complex key combinations and special codes. Instead, the new method offers an automated experience. If someone accidentally holds down a key, normal typing is not affected.
Customization and compatibility
Users can customize the feature through the settings, specifying how long the key must be held down before the options menu appears. There is also the ability to edit a settings file to remove unwanted characters or add new ones, such as frequently used symbols.
The extension works exclusively in Wayland environments and is compatible with common input methods, including browsers and other applications. The developer says it works with all keyboard layouts, and for some applications there is a keyboard shortcut available if the menu doesn't appear automatically.
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The installation is compatible with GNOME versions 45 to 50 and can be easily done either through the official extensions website or through the related management application. An update that will add support for version 51 is currently pending review.
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