What Is an AZERTY Keyboard? A Complete Guide

Published: 2 Sep 2025

Have you ever seen a keyboard that looks different from the one you’re used to? If some of the letters seem out of place, you might be looking at an AZERTY keyboard. This unique layout is mainly used in France and some other French-speaking countries.

Unlike the common QWERTY keyboard, the AZERTY version is specially designed to match the French language and typing habits. But what exactly is the AZERTY keyboard, and why do people use it?

In this article, we’ll learn about what is an AZERTY keyboard?

Table of Content

What is an AZERTY Keyboard?
History of the AZERTY Keyboard
Where Is the AZERTY Keyboard Used?
Design and Layout of the AZERTY Keyboard
Benefits and Drawbacks
1. Advantages of the AZERTY Keyboard
2. Disadvantages of the AZERTY Keyboard
Who Should Use an AZERTY Keyboard?
Conclusion
FAQs

What is an AZERTY Keyboard?

The AZERTY keyboard is a special type of keyboard. People in France, Belgium, and some other French-speaking places use it. The name AZERTY comes from the first six letters on the top row: A, Z, E, R, T, Y.

It looks different from the normal keyboard used in English-speaking countries, which is called QWERTY.

AZERTY helps people type French words more easily.
It has special keys for letters with accents like é, è, and ç.
People in France and Belgium mostly use this keyboard.
Some keys are in different places than on the QWERTY keyboard.
It makes typing in French faster and more comfortable.

History of the AZERTY Keyboard

Many people don’t know that different countries use different types of keyboards. One of these is the AZERTY keyboard, which is made especially for typing in French.

The AZERTY keyboard was first made in France in the early 1900s.
At that time, people used typewriters to type letters and documents.
Most typewriters came with the QWERTY layout, which was made for English typing.
But typing in French was not easy on QWERTY. It didn’t have the right keys for French accents like é, è, à, and ç.
French writers needed a layout that worked better for their language.
So, French engineers changed the keyboard layout and moved some letters around.
They put the most commonly used French letters in better spots to make typing faster.
The top row of letters became A, Z, E, R, T, Y instead of QWERTY, and that’s how the AZERTY name came.
This new layout helped people type French words more quickly and easily.
Over time, it became the standard keyboard in France, Belgium, and other French-speaking places.
Even today, the AZERTY keyboard is still used in schools, offices, and homes across French-speaking countries.

Where Is the AZERTY Keyboard Used?

The AZERTY keyboard is mostly used in places where people speak French. It is very common in France and Belgium, and also used in some parts of Luxembourg and Switzerland. Many African countries, like Algeria, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast, also use it because French is spoken there.

Used in schools, homes, and offices in French-speaking countries.
Helpful for students, teachers, and office workers.
Common in government offices and companies.
Many French websites and apps support AZERTY.
It is the standard layout in France and Belgium.

This keyboard helps French speakers type faster and more easily.

Design and Layout of the AZERTY Keyboard

The AZERTY keyboard looks a bit different from the QWERTY keyboard. It was made to match the needs of French speakers, so the keys are arranged in a special way to make French typing easier.

The top row of letters starts with A, Z, E, R, T, Y instead of Q, W, E, R, T, Y like in QWERTY.
Some special characters like @, &, and = are placed in different spots or may need the Shift key.
It has easy access to French accents such as é, è, à, and ç, which are not found on English keyboards.
These changes help French speakers type faster and avoid mistakes when using accented letters.
Visually, it looks very similar to QWERTY, but the letter and symbol placement is different, which can confuse non-French users at first.

This layout is designed to support the French language in a smooth and user-friendly way.

Benefits and Drawbacks

The AZERTY keyboard makes French typing feel natural and smooth, reducing hand strain during long writing tasks.

However, for people who often switch between languages or devices, the layout can slow them down and cause typing mistakes.

Advantages of the AZERTY Keyboard

The AZERTY keyboard is very helpful for people who speak and write in French. It is specially made to support the language and make typing easier and faster. Let’s talk about some benefits of the AZERTY keyboard.

It supports the French language by placing common French letters and symbols in easy-to-reach places.
People in France and Belgium are already familiar with this layout, so it feels natural and comfortable to use.
It makes typing accents like é, è, à, and ç much easier, which are very common in French words.
Many apps and programs in French come with keyboard shortcuts that match the AZERTY layout.
The design allows for smooth and fast typing in French without needing extra tools or settings.

Disadvantages of the AZERTY Keyboard

While the AZERTY keyboard is helpful for French users, it also has some problems, especially outside French-speaking countries. Let’s talk about some drawbacks of the AZERTY keyboard.

It is not used worldwide, so people may face problems when traveling or working with international devices.
It is hard for English users because many keys are in different places compared to QWERTY.
Some symbols, like @ or &, are placed differently, which can cause confusion when typing or filling forms.
Gamers and programmers often face trouble because many games and coding tools are designed for QWERTY.
People who switch between QWERTY and AZERTY may make typing mistakes due to key layout differences.

Who Should Use an AZERTY Keyboard?

The AZERTY keyboard is a good choice for people who often type in French. It makes writing faster and easier by giving quick access to special French letters.

Office workers in French-speaking countries.

People who speak and write in French.
Students in countries like France, Belgium, and Senegal.
Writers, bloggers, and content creators use French.
Office workers who type emails, reports, or documents in French.
Anyone living in a French-speaking country and using a computer daily.

Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve discussed the AZERTY keyboard. The AZERTY keyboard plays an important role in helping French speakers type with ease and comfort. While it may not suit everyone, it offers speed and familiarity to those who use French daily.

Choosing the right keyboard layout can truly improve how we express ourselves through typing. For French users, AZERTY feels natural and supports their language needs better than other layouts.
Ready to switch to a layout made for French typing? Try the AZERTY keyboard and feel the difference today!

This layout is helpful for students, writers, and others. Found this helpful? Share your opinion or questions in the comments!

FAQs

Here are some helpful answers to questions people often ask about the AZERTY keyboard.

Which countries use the AZERTY keyboard?

The AZERTY keyboard is mainly used in countries where French is the primary language. These include France, Belgium, and some parts of North and West Africa, like Senegal and the Ivory Coast. In these places, AZERTY is the standard layout for schools, offices, and everyday computer use.

Can I switch my keyboard to AZERTY?

Yes, you can switch your keyboard to AZERTY through your device’s language or keyboard settings. Most computers, tablets, and phones allow you to choose different layouts easily. Once set, your keys will follow the AZERTY pattern even if the physical keys show QWERTY.

Are there different types of AZERTY keyboards?

Yes, there are slightly different versions of the AZERTY keyboard. The French and Belgian layouts look similar but have small changes in symbol and punctuation placement. Some African countries also use custom versions based on their local language needs.

Can I play games with an AZERTY keyboard?

Yes, you can play games with an AZERTY keyboard, but some controls might feel different. Many games are designed for QWERTY, so you may need to change key settings in the game options. Once adjusted, gaming on AZERTY works just fine.

Is it hard to learn the AZERTY layout?

Learning the AZERTY layout can be easy if you use French often or live in a French-speaking country. However, if you are used to QWERTY, it may take some time to get comfortable with the new key positions.

Why are some symbols hard to find on AZERTY?

Some symbols are hard to find on the AZERTY keyboard because they are placed differently than on QWERTY. You often need to use the Shift, Alt, or AltGr keys to type special characters. This can feel confusing at first, especially for people switching from QWERTY.

Should I buy an AZERTY keyboard?

You should buy an AZERTY keyboard if you type in French regularly or live in a French-speaking country. It makes typing faster and easier for French words and accents. If you mostly use English, a QWERTY keyboard might be a better choice.

Why is it called AZERTY?

It is called AZERTY because of the first six letters on the top row of the keyboard: A, Z, E, R, T, Y. This pattern is different from the QWERTY layout used in English-speaking countries. The AZERTY design was made to match the typing needs of the French language.

Is AZERTY good for programming?

AZERTY is not the best choice for programming because many coding symbols like {}, [], and are harder to reach. These symbols often require using the AltGr or Shift keys. That’s why many programmers prefer QWERTY for easier and faster coding.

Can I write in English using AZERTY?

Yes, you can write in English using an AZERTY keyboard, but it may feel a bit slow at first. Some letters and punctuation marks are in different places than on a QWERTY layout. With a little practice, you can still type in English smoothly on AZERTY.