Google has unveiled an innovative and visually appealing method to customize Gboard for Android, called “Resize.” This latest feature provides users with a more granular approach to personalize their keyboards, granting greater control over their keyboard’s dimensions and layout.
Accessible via a toolbar/tray option, the “Resize” feature presents users with an intuitive user interface. Users can effortlessly modify the height of Gboard, similar to the existing Settings > Preferences > Keyboard height menu, but with a significant enhancement. Instead of the conventional seven options (Extra-short, Short, Mid-short, Normal, Mid-tall, Tall, and Extra-tall), users can now fine-tune the height by simply dragging the keyboard to the desired dimensions.
Moreover, the width of the keyboard is also adjustable, allowing users to choose between occupying one-third, half, three-quarters, and other screen sizes. This level of flexibility enables a more tailored and efficient typing experience.
Furthermore, if users do not wish to occupy the entire available space, they can effortlessly move the keyboard. By dragging it upwards, users will observe empty space below the last row or spacebar. The modification process concludes with a checkmark selection, confirming the desired keyboard dimensions, or a quick reset to revert to the original keyboard height.
It is important to note that the “Resize” feature differs from the Floating keyboard, which hovers over apps, or the One-handed mode, despite some similarities. In “Resize,” users will not find a column of additional buttons for switching purposes.
The “Resize” feature is currently available in beta version 13.2.05.x of Gboard for Android, compatible with both smartphones and tablets. While it is already accessible to some users, it may not be available on all devices as of this time.