Download and install Unikey for Windows and MacOS computers

1. What is Unikey application?

UniKey is a free Vietnamese typing support software developed by Pham Kim Long, first launched in 1999. Immediately after being announced, the application was loved by users, widely used on all computer operating systems because the typing tool is simple, easy to use but still ensures high accuracy and efficiency. With

The software allows users to enter Vietnamese data easily, integrating many useful features such as converting uppercase - lowercase letters, removing Vietnamese accents, providing many useful shortcuts. UniKey helps users increase productivity at work and study, especially necessary for those who often have to compose documents in Vietnamese.

2. Features of Unikey software

UniKey is a Vietnamese typing software that is loved by users when looking for an effective Vietnamese input support tool because it possesses many outstanding features as follows:

2.1. Support for various Vietnamese typing styles

UniKey supports many popular Vietnamese typing methods such as: Unicode, TCVN (ABC), VIQR, VNI, VPS, VISCII, BK HCM1, BK HCM2, Unicode UTF-8, Unicode NCR,... This helps users easily choose the typing method that suits their habits and preferences or to meet the data entry needs for documents of units, businesses, agencies, organizations,... 

2.2. Automatically check and correct spelling errors

UniKey integrates the feature of automatically checking and correcting spelling errors during data entry. The software can detect and automatically correct common errors when entering Vietnamese data such as: L and N, S and X, ng and ngh, ... This feature not only helps improve the accuracy of the text but also supports users in checking and correcting errors immediately, avoiding errors and saving time when editing text.

2.3. Fast text encoding conversion

The software allows quick conversion between Vietnamese encodings with a few simple operations and shortcuts to optimize Vietnamese input on the computer. This is very useful when users need to convert text documents written in different encodings without installing additional supporting software.

2.4. Shortcut function

UniKey provides a shortcut table setting feature to save time on data entry. When you need to type complex phrases, characters or long sentences, you just need to type the shortcuts as desired and niKey will automatically replace them with the full content when entering data, helping to save time and increase work efficiency. 

2.5. Support Vietnamese typing in all applications

UniKey works stably on all Windows versions (Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, 2000, XP and 9x) and MacOS operating system, and integrates well with all applications. You can type Vietnamese conveniently in office software such as: Microsoft Office, Google Docs, ... to web browsers and chat software such as: Chrome, CocCoc, Skype, Zalo, .... This helps users to easily type Vietnamese anywhere without encountering compatibility problems.

2.6. Convert uppercase to lowercase

The software allows quick conversion between uppercase and lowercase for the entire text or a selected part of the text. This feature is especially useful when you need to edit titles or text that are entered in the wrong format without having to manually do it, which is time-consuming and laborious.

2.7. Feature to remove Vietnamese accents

UniKey supports the feature of removing Vietnamese accents for the entire text, helping to quickly convert accented text to unaccented text and vice versa. This is useful in situations where text needs to be edited according to international standards or used in systems that do not support accented Vietnamese.

2.8. Light capacity, does not take up many resources

UniKey has a compact capacity, only a few hundred KB, does not take up much disk space and system resources. The software starts quickly and operates smoothly on all computer configurations, including low-configuration computers, and when operating does not affect the overall performance of the system.

2.9. Simple, friendly interface

UniKey's interface is designed to be simple, friendly and easy to use, helping users quickly get acquainted and operate without difficulty. Despite having many complex features, UniKey still maintains its intuitiveness, helping users to search and set up, use functions such as code conversion, customize typing style or define shortcut tables easily to improve efficiency. 

3. Computer configuration requirements when using Unikey

As mentioned above, UniKey has become a powerful support tool for users in editing Vietnamese text but has a light capacity, does not require high computer configuration to be installed and used. Specifically, computers that want to download and run UniKey need to satisfy the following basic configuration requirements:

3.1. Operating system

UniKey supports most Windows versions (Windows 98/ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10 32-bit/64-bit). 

UniKey has its own version for MacOS called UniKey for Mac (also known as EVKey), compatible with the latest versions of MacOS.

3.2. Hardware configuration 

Pentium processor (CPU) or equivalent, older generation processors such as Intel Celeron or older AMD chips are also compatible.

RAM: Minimum 256MB RAM. Recommended is 1GB RAM or more.

Hard drive capacity: Your computer only needs a few MB of free space to install and use UniKey.

Graphics card: UniKey does not require a dedicated graphics card and does not use graphics resources.

3.3. Support software

Some older versions of UniKey (Windows XP and Windows 7) may require .NET Framework 2.0 or 3.5 to be installed. Newer versions of UniKey can run independently without this supporting software.

4. Instructions for downloading and installing Unikey for computers

UniKey can run smoothly on most computers, including low-configuration and old computers. If you want to use this Vietnamese typing software on your computer, please refer to the detailed instructions for downloading and installing the application below:

4.1. Quick Guide

Below are the steps to download and install UniKey for your computer.

Step 1: Download  UniKey for your computer

@link

Step 2: Unzip and open the downloaded file, the downloaded file is usually in .zip format. You need to unzip and open the .exe file inside (for example: UniKeyNT.exe). Then double-click the .exe file to run UniKey without installation. UniKey will work immediately after you open this file.

Step 3: Install on the computer, the commonly used code is "Unicode", then select the typing method as "Telex" or "VNI" according to your Vietnamese input habits and start using UniKey for applications that require input on the computer.

4.2. Detailed instructions

Below are detailed instructions on how to download and install Unikey software for Windows and MacOS computers:

4.2.1. Download and install Unikey software for Windows computers

Step 1: Download UniKey from the homepage

Go to UniKey's official website www.unikey.org , find the list of published UniKey versions, select the version that matches the Windows operating system you are using, click on the link to download the software version.

For example: UniKey 4.3 RC4: This is the latest version, supporting most current Windows versions. UniKey 32-bit: For computers running 32-bit Windows. UniKey 64-bit: For computers running 64-bit Windows.

Step 2: Unzip and open the downloaded file

After downloading, the UniKey file will be in .zip format. You need to unzip this file by right-clicking and selecting “Extract All” or using decompression software such as WinRAR, 7-Zip. 

Then, in the extracted folder, find the file named UniKeyNT.exe or UniKey.ex, double-click this file to open UniKey.

Step 3: Install and set up before use

You can find and open the software after completing the above decompression step. When opening UniKey for the first time, you need to set the initial options as follows: Character set - select Unicode, Input method - select TELEX or VNI, click "Expand" to set up other options. Finally, click "Close" to save the settings and UniKey will run and a small icon will appear on the Taskbar.

Step 4: Set up auto-start with Windows (optional)

If you want to avoid installing every time you turn on your computer, enable the option to automatically start the software by right-clicking on the UniKey icon on the Taskbar and selecting “Control Panel”. Select “Start with Windows” so that the software automatically starts every time you turn on your computer. Click “Close” to complete the setup. UniKey will always be ready when you start your computer.

4.2.2. Download and install Unikey for MacOS computers

On MacOS, UniKey does not have an official version, but you can use a similar application called EVKey, developed based on UniKey and supported on Mac devices. How to download and install as follows:

Step 1: Download EVKey for MacOS

Go to EVKey official website https://evkeyvn.com , then find the version for MacOS, click the download link EVKey version for MacOS. 

Step 2: Install EVKey on MacOS

The downloaded file will be in .dmg format. Double-click on the downloaded .dmg file to open it. Then in the installation window, drag the EVKey icon to the “Applications” folder to install the software into the system.

Step 3: Open and set up EVKey

Go to the “Applications” folder and double-click the EVKey icon to open the software. When you first launch EVKey, it will ask for keyboard access, please do the following:

Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > select the “Privacy” tab and select “Input Monitoring”. Then, check the “EVKey” box.

Step 4: Set up the encoding table and input method

Open EVKey and select the "Unicode" code table, then choose TELEX or VNI typing method according to your usage habits.

Step 5: Set up autostart with MacOS (optional)

Go to System Preferences > Select “Users & Groups” > Add EVKey to Login Items. Next, in the “Login Items” tab, click the “+” sign to add EVKey to the list. The software will automatically start with MacOS.

After completing the above steps, you are ready to use UniKey or EVKey to type Vietnamese on your Mac computer.

Use UniKey or EVKey to type Vietnamese on your Mac computer.

Conclusion 
Installing UniKey on Windows and MacOS is very simple and quick, with just a few basic steps you can use the software to type Vietnamese effectively. Hopefully the detailed instructions in the article will help you easily install the application for your computer and make the most of UniKey's features. If you encounter any difficulties during the installation process, do not hesitate to leave a comment or contact us for support.