Google Indic Input — Free Hindi Typing Tool

Google Input Tools (the Indic input tool) is a free way to type Hindi on Windows — install it, add Hindi, switch input from the language bar, and write Hindi in Roman letters (namaste → नमस्ते) to transliterate to Devanagari. It also supports the Mangal-compatible InScript layout, and everything it produces is clean Unicode that works everywhere.

This makes it one of the simplest ways to get started with Hindi on a computer: there is nothing to configure beyond adding the language, and you can choose the input style that suits you — phonetic for speed, or InScript for the fixed layout used in offices and exams.

Features

• Phonetic Hindi transliteration (namaste → नमस्ते).
• InScript layout support for standard Unicode Hindi.
• Produces clean Unicode text that works everywhere.
• Free from Google.

Features deep-dive

The phonetic transliteration engine is forgiving — type roughly how a word sounds and it offers the correct Devanagari, with alternatives you can pick from when a spelling is ambiguous. The InScript support matters for anyone preparing for standardised tests, because InScript is the official Indian government Devanagari layout and maps directly to Unicode. Critically, everything is Unicode: unlike legacy Kruti Dev fonts, Unicode Hindi displays correctly on every device and is searchable, copy-pasteable, and future-proof.

How to install

1. Download Google Input Tools for Windows (offline installer) or use the Chrome extension for browser-only typing.
2. Run the installer and add Hindi.
3. Switch input from the language bar and type Hindi anywhere.

First-time setup and switching input methods

Once Hindi is added, a language bar / input indicator appears in your Windows taskbar. Click it (or use the Windows language-switch shortcut) to flip between English and Hindi. Within the Hindi input, you can select phonetic or InScript mode. If you installed the Chrome extension instead, it places an icon in the browser toolbar; click it to enable Hindi typing inside web pages only — no system install needed.

System requirements

Windows desktop. For browser-only use, the Chrome extension needs no install.

Common problems and fixes

• Input not switching to Hindi: confirm Hindi is added and selected in the Windows language bar; the keyboard shortcut to cycle languages is the quickest toggle.
• Hindi shows as boxes: this is a font issue — make sure a Devanagari Unicode font like Mangal is available; the tool itself outputs valid Unicode.
• Phonetic vs InScript confusion: if keystrokes produce the wrong characters, you may be in InScript (fixed) when you expected phonetic. Switch the mode from the input menu.
• Chrome extension only typing in the browser: that is expected — the extension is browser-scoped. For system-wide Hindi, install the Windows version.

When to use it

Google Input Tools is excellent for everyday Unicode Hindi — email, documents, chat. For exam practice, confirm whether your test wants InScript or Remington and drill that specific layout. CPCT and many modern exams use Mangal Unicode, which this tool produces.

Phonetic vs fixed layout for exams

Use case	Phonetic	InScript / Remington (fixed)
Everyday email and chat	Best	Works
Learning curve	Minutes	Weeks
Government exam typing	Often not allowed	Usually required
Output	Unicode	Unicode (InScript) / legacy (Remington)

Who Google Input Tools is best for

It is best for everyday Hindi users who want frictionless Unicode typing for messages and documents, and for beginners taking their first steps in Devanagari. Exam candidates can use it to get comfortable with InScript, but should verify and drill their exam's exact layout.

Tip

Phonetic input is the easiest on-ramp to Hindi typing, but most government exams test a fixed layout (Remington/InScript). Use LearnType's Hindi lessons at our courses to build fixed-layout muscle memory, study the Remington Gail layout and exam fonts guide, rehearse with timed past-year passages, and score yourself with the WPM calculator.

Last updated: June 2026.