OpenKey

OpenKey is an open‑source Vietnamese input method for macOS that replaces the system’s default keyboard handling. It implements a “Backspace” technique to eliminate the persistent underline issue found in the built‑in Vietnamese IME, and it supports multiple typing styles such as Telex, VNI, and Simple Telex. The application can convert between several character encodings, including Unicode, TCVN3, VNI Windows, and CP 1258, making it useful for editing legacy documents.

The tool offers a range of optional features: modern orthography toggles, quick Telex shortcuts, grammar and spelling checking, automatic restoration of keys after invalid words, and customizable shortcuts for switching input modes. Users can enable a “smart mode” that remembers the last language used per application, auto‑capitalize sentence starts, and define macros with unlimited length. Additional settings control startup behavior, menu‑bar appearance, and compatibility fixes for autocorrect in browsers and Office apps.

OpenKey is distributed under the GPL license, allowing anyone to download, compile, and modify the source. Updates are delivered automatically, and the project encourages redistribution of derived versions as long as they remain open source and credit the original work. The software is stable and intended for macOS users who need reliable Vietnamese typing with extensive configurability.