# OpenBoard

> free and open-source Android keyboard

**Wikidata**: [Q111939410](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111939410)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/openboard-q111939410

## Summary
OpenBoard is a free and open-source Android keyboard developed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0. It is designed as a virtual keyboard for Android devices, allowing users to input text through a software interface.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Free and open-source Android keyboard
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 3.0
- **Latest Version**: 1.4.5 (released on 2022-08-05)
- **Operating System**: Android
- **Programming Language**: Java
- **Source Code**: Available on GitHub under the openboard-team repository
- **Translation Support**: Contributions via Weblate
- **Related Software**: HeliBoard (a fork of OpenBoard)
- **Matrix Room**: #openboard:matrix.org for community discussions
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted

## FAQs
### Q: What is OpenBoard, and is it free to use?
A: OpenBoard is a free and open-source Android keyboard that allows users to input text on their devices. It is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, meaning users can freely run, study, modify, and distribute it.

### Q: Where can I download OpenBoard?
A: OpenBoard's source code is available on GitHub at [https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard](https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard). Users can compile the code themselves or download pre-built versions from the repository.

### Q: Is OpenBoard still being developed?
A: As of the latest available data, the most recent version of OpenBoard is 1.4.5, released on August 5, 2022. Development activity may vary, but the project is considered stable with no major updates since then.

### Q: How does OpenBoard differ from other Android keyboards?
A: OpenBoard is a virtual keyboard designed specifically for Android, offering a free and open-source alternative to proprietary keyboard apps. It is part of a lineage of keyboards, including HeliBoard, which is a fork of OpenBoard.

### Q: Can I contribute to OpenBoard's development?
A: Yes, contributions are welcome. The project accepts translations via Weblate at [https://hosted.weblate.org/projects/openboard/](https://hosted.weblate.org/projects/openboard/), and the source code is available on GitHub for developers to modify and improve.

## Why It Matters
OpenBoard provides a free and customizable keyboard solution for Android users, particularly those who prefer open-source software. By being distributed under the GNU GPL, it ensures users have the freedom to use, modify, and share the software. This aligns with the principles of free software, empowering users with control over their digital tools. While it may not have seen recent updates, its availability on GitHub allows for community-driven maintenance and adaptation. OpenBoard serves as a practical example of how open-source projects can fill niche needs in the Android ecosystem, offering an alternative to proprietary software.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Alternative**: Provides a free and customizable keyboard for Android users.
- **GNU GPL Licensing**: Distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, ensuring user freedom.
- **Community-Driven Development**: Source code is available on GitHub, allowing for community contributions.
- **Forked by HeliBoard**: HeliBoard is a derivative of OpenBoard, indicating its influence in the Android keyboard space.
- **Translation Support**: Offers multilingual support through Weblate, making it accessible to a broader user base.

## Body
### Overview
OpenBoard is a free and open-source virtual keyboard designed for Android devices. It is developed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, which grants users the freedom to run, study, modify, and distribute the software. The project is hosted on GitHub under the openboard-team repository, where users can access the source code and contribute to its development.

### Development and Releases
OpenBoard has undergone several releases, with the latest stable version being 1.4.5, released on August 5, 2022. Previous versions include 1.4.4b (January 23, 2022), 1.4.3 (May 3, 2021), and earlier iterations such as 1.0 (January 2, 2020). The project has seen incremental updates, with the most recent activity documented in the GitHub release history.

### Community and Support
OpenBoard engages with its user community through a Matrix room at #openboard:matrix.org. Additionally, translations are managed via Weblate, allowing contributors to add support for multiple languages. The project's open-source nature encourages collaboration and customization, making it adaptable to different user needs.

### Relationship with HeliBoard
HeliBoard is identified as a fork of OpenBoard, indicating a lineage of development. This relationship suggests that HeliBoard builds upon or modifies OpenBoard's codebase, potentially offering additional features or improvements tailored to specific user requirements.

### Technical Specifications
OpenBoard is written in Java and is designed to run on the Android operating system. Its source code is available for compilation and customization, ensuring flexibility for users who wish to modify the software to suit their preferences.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "OpenBoard",
  "description": "Free and open-source Android keyboard",
  "operatingSystem": "Android",
  "applicationCategory": "VirtualKeyboard",
  "license": "https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html",
  "codeRepository": "https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard",
  "version": "1.4.5",
  "datePublished": "2022-08-05",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123456789", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenBoard"]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases)
2. [Release 1.0. 2020](https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases/tag/v1.0)
3. [Release 1.1. 2020](https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases/tag/v1.1)
4. [Release 1.2. 2020](https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases/tag/v1.2)
5. [Release 1.3. 2020](https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases/tag/v1.3)
6. [Release 1.4. 2020](https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases/tag/v1.4)
7. [Release 1.4.1. 2020](https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases/tag/v1.4.1)
8. [Release 1.4.2. 2020](https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases/tag/v1.4.2)
9. [Release 1.4.3. 2021](https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases/tag/v1.4.3)
10. [Release 1.4.4b. 2022](https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases/tag/v1.4.4b)
11. [Release 1.4.4. 2022](https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases/tag/v1.4.4)