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Input Methods (Enterprise)

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Input Methods​

The program has 5 ways to input characters from the keyboard. 5

Different devices handle character input differently, so having several options lets you pick what works best. The first four let you enter any symbols, including emojis; the last one handles only ASCII.

The input method is picked on the device when it starts

If you change the setting while a device is already running, input actions may fail with Used input method does not match the settings. Restart the device to apply the new method.

Details​

ZennoKeyboard​

ZennoLab's own keyboard and, starting from version 2.6.1.0, the default input method. Like ADBKeyboard, it installs automatically when you connect your device and types characters as if you were using a virtual keyboard. It talks to the program directly, so special characters need no escaping and the device confirms the result of the input: if the field would not take the text, or the app has closed, the action fails right away instead of carrying on as if the text had been typed. While the keyboard is active, a ZennoKeyboard {ON} line is shown at the bottom of the screen in place of the keys.

Keep in mind

Input only works while a text field has focus — that is the only moment Android binds the keyboard to the app. With nothing focused, the log shows ZennoKeyboard is not responding. Make sure a text field has focus.

Note

Requires Android 8.1 or newer. On older devices use ADBKeyboard.

ADBKeyboard​

This uses a third-party keyboard that installs automatically when you connect your device. With it, you can type characters as if you were using a virtual keyboard.

AccessibilityService​

Uses UiAutomator2. Lets you set any value for the field that's currently focused. Technically, it doesn't input characters—it just changes the field's Text property to what you want.

Keep in mind

This won't work in apps that don't have a standard element tree. For example, in games.

Native input + Clipboard​

Inputs characters via the IInputManager and IClipboard interfaces. This method is pretty quick.

Note

Inputting Cyrillic/emojis only works on Android 7 and up. ASCII works on any device.

Input text​

Similar to the input text command, but includes all necessary text conversions so that special characters < > | ) ( and others get entered correctly. Only supports ASCII characters.

Recommendation

Character-by-character entry is slow, so it's better to choose an input method with no delay enabled.

What if ZennoKeyboard didn't install?​

  1. You need to install the com.zennolab.zennokeyboard.apk app on your phone (the file is in the Android folder inside the main program folder). For example, use the Install App action.
  2. On your phone, go to the on-screen keyboard settings, enable ZennoKeyboard and pick it as the default input method.
  3. Run the Start VM action. The keyboard will pop up in any field where you need to enter text—you'll see a ZennoKeyboard {ON} line at the bottom.
Note

If the log shows Could not enable ZennoKeyboard, the system is missing the rights to change the input method. On a rooted device ZennoDroid grants them automatically; without root, enable the keyboard by hand — as in step 2.

What if ADBKeyboard didn't install?​

  1. You need to install the com.android.adbkeyboard.apk app on your phone (the file is in the Android folder inside the main program folder). For example, use the Install App action.
  2. On your phone, go to your language input settings and enable AdbKeyboard.
  3. Run the Start VM action. This activates the keyboard. It'll pop up in any field where you need to enter text—you'll see a small Adb keyboard ON notification at the bottom.