I just switched from a PC to a Mac and I don't know what to do regarding an IME. I downloaded Google IME because that's what I am used to from when I was using a PC, but I don't know any of the keyboard shortcuts to quickly change between English and Japanese. I've tried searching for them, but I can't find any information anywhere. If I have to manually switch between languages it seems using Kotoeri might be better. Is Kotoeri any good compared to Google IME though? I'm just looking for advice on which program to use or if anyone knows the keyboard shortcuts for Google IME on a Mac. Thanks.

Go to System Preferences -> Language & Text -> Input Sources tab. You can customise the shortcut used to switch between IMEs here. You can also tick the box "Show Input menu in menu bar", which gives you a visual indicator of the active language/IME + dropdown menu for selecting an IME with the mouse.

Personally, I switched to the Google IME so that if I ever want/need to do Japanese input on Linux or Windows, I know that I will get consistent input behaviour/response.

I switched my Mac to Google IME after being very disapointed with Kotoeri and the default Chinese handwriting pad (there isn't a Japanese one). Now whenever I need to use a Mac for a while I always use Google IME.

kentaro858 Wrote:I don't know any of the keyboard shortcuts to quickly change between English and Japanese.

The keyboard shortcut you're looking for is ⌘+Space (Command-space, configurable via System Preferences -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts tab -> Input Sources option), which cycles through the input methods. I have Google IME to show two: hiragana and alphanumeric (obviously you get katakana by typing with the Shift key).

I also have US Extended keyboard turned on too (for all my ȯȧė needs), so I sometimes have to cycle through the list before getting to what I want.

And turn on the Language menu bar like @douglast said.