Telugu Typing - A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Keyboard PART 1: Understanding the Telugu Script and Keyboard Layouts

The Telugu script is a beautifully structured syllabic writing system, which means each written symbol typically represents a complete syllable rather than an individual letter. This makes the script highly expressive and efficient for native speakers. To type Telugu confidently, it helps to understand the core building blocks of the script.

Overview of the Telugu Script
Telugu is built from four main components:

Vowels (Achulu – అచ్చులు) [16]
These stand alone as full sounds and include:
అ, ఆ, ఇ, ఈ, ఉ, ఊ, ఋ, ౠ, ఎ, ఏ, ఐ, ఒ, ఓ, ఔ, అం, అః

Consonants (Hallulu – హల్లులు) [36]
These cannot be pronounced without a vowel and include:
క, ఖ, గ, ఘ, ఙ, చ, ఛ, జ, ఝ, ఞ, ట, ఠ, డ, ఢ, ణ, త, థ, ద, ధ, న, ప, ఫ, బ, భ, మ, య, ర, ల, వ, శ, ష, స, హ, ళ, క్ష, ఱ

Gunintalu (Vowel Modifiers)
These are vowel signs that attach to consonants to change the sound.
For example: క + ా = కా

Vattulu (Conjunct Consonants)
Some consonants join using the Halant (్) to form compact conjunct characters.
Example: క + ్ + ష = క్ష

Telugu Keyboard Layouts
Several input methods allow you to type Telugu digitally, each with its own learning curve and convenience:

• InScript Keyboard: The official Government-standard layout for Telugu typing.
• Phonetic Typing: Type the sound in English (like “telugu”) to get “తెలుగు”.
• Google Input Tools: A widely used online tool for effortless Telugu typing.
• Transliteration Keyboards: Automatically convert English phonetics into Telugu script.

Understanding these layouts makes it easier to choose the typing style that fits your comfort level, whether you're a beginner or aiming for professional-level Telugu typing.