1. Introduction to Malayalam Typing Online

Malayalam (മലയാളം) is one of the oldest and most beautiful classical languages in the world. It is the official language of Kerala, India, and is spoken by over 38 million people worldwide. Despite being a rich language with a deep literary history, typing in Malayalam on a computer or smartphone has traditionally been challenging for many people.

The main reasons people struggle with Malayalam typing are:

• The Malayalam script has a complex set of characters and conjunct letters
• Most keyboards are designed for English (Latin) characters
• Installing Malayalam keyboard software can be confusing
• Old documents use non-Unicode fonts that are incompatible with modern systems
• Finding reliable translation tools for Malayalam is difficult

This is exactly why TypeMalayalam.com was built — to solve all these problems in one place. You do not need to install any software, download any app, or have any technical knowledge. Everything works directly in your web browser, completely free.

In this guide, we will take you through every tool on the platform with detailed tutorials, use cases, and tips. By the end of this article, you will be able to:

• ✅ Type Malayalam using English phonetics (transliteration)
• ✅ Use a virtual Malayalam keyboard online
• ✅ Convert old Karthika/Thoolika fonts to Unicode Malayalam
• ✅ Extract Malayalam text from images using OCR
• ✅ Translate subtitle (.srt) files into Malayalam
• ✅ Translate Korean content to Malayalam
• ✅ Download free Malayalam Unicode fonts

Let's get started!

2. Malayalam Translator – Type Malayalam Using English Letters

The most popular tool on TypeMalayalam.com is the Malayalam Translator — also known as a transliteration tool. This tool lets you type Malayalam words using English letters (the way they sound), and it automatically converts them into proper Malayalam script.

🔗 Tool URL: typemalayalam.com/en/malayalam-translator

What is Transliteration?

Transliteration is the process of converting text from one writing system to another based on phonetic similarity — meaning you write how a word sounds, not how it is spelled in English.

For example:

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Use Malayalam Transliteration

Step 1: Open your browser and go to typemalayalam.com/en/malayalam-translator

Step 2: You will see a text input area on the screen. Click inside the input box.

Step 3: Start typing any Malayalam word using English phonetics. For example, type enthanu and press the Spacebar or Enter.

Step 4: The tool will automatically convert it to Malayalam: എന്താണ് (meaning "what is it").

Step 5: You can copy the Malayalam text by clicking the Copy button and paste it anywhere — WhatsApp, Facebook, Word document, email, etc.

Who Should Use This Tool?

• 📱 Social media users who want to post in Malayalam but don't know the keyboard layout
• 📝 Students writing essays or assignments in Malayalam
• 💼 Professionals composing emails or reports in Malayalam
• ✍️ Writers and bloggers creating Malayalam content online
• 🏠 Malayali diaspora living abroad who want to communicate in their mother tongue

Pro Tips for Better Transliteration Results

• Use double letters for elongated sounds: aa → ആ, ee → ഈ, oo → ഊ
• Use capital letters for retroflex sounds: T → ട, N → ണ
• Press Backspace to cycle through alternate character options if the auto-conversion is not exactly right
• Type entire sentences for better context-aware transliteration

3. Malayalam Virtual Keyboard – Type Without Installing Anything

For users who already know the Malayalam script and want to type directly, the Malayalam Virtual Keyboard is the perfect tool. It displays a full on-screen keyboard with Malayalam characters, allowing you to click and type without needing any hardware keyboard change or software installation.

🔗 Tool URL: typemalayalam.com/en/malayalam-keyboard

Why Use a Virtual Keyboard?

Most computers and laptops do not have a Malayalam keyboard layout by default. While you can configure your operating system to add Malayalam input, this requires:

• Changing system settings
• Memorizing the keyboard layout
• Installing language packs
• Administrator access (not always available on shared computers)

The virtual keyboard at TypeMalayalam.com eliminates all these requirements. Just open the webpage and start typing — even on shared or public computers.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Use the Malayalam Virtual Keyboard

Step 1: Navigate to typemalayalam.com/en/malayalam-keyboard

Step 2: You will see an on-screen keyboard with Malayalam vowels (സ്വരങ്ങൾ), consonants (വ്യഞ്ജനങ്ങൾ), and matras (vowel signs / ചിഹ്നങ്ങൾ).

Step 3: Click on the Malayalam characters in the order you want them. The text will appear in the text area above the keyboard.

Step 4: Use the Backspace key on the virtual keyboard to correct mistakes.

Step 5: Once done, click Copy Text to copy your typed content to the clipboard.

Step 6: Paste it wherever you need — social media, documents, forms, emails, etc.

Understanding Malayalam Character Layout

The Malayalam script consists of:

• Vowels (സ്വരങ്ങൾ): അ, ആ, ഇ, ഈ, ഉ, ഊ, ഋ, എ, ഏ, ഐ, ഒ, ഓ, ഔ, അം, അഃ
• Consonants (വ്യഞ്ജനങ്ങൾ): ക, ഖ, ഗ, ഘ, ങ, ച, ഛ, ജ, ഝ, ഞ, ട, ഠ, ഡ, ഢ, ണ, ത, ഥ, ദ, ധ, ന, പ, ഫ, ബ, ഭ, മ, യ, ര, ല, വ, ശ, ഷ, സ, ഹ, ള, ഴ, റ
• Vowel Signs (മാത്രകൾ): ◌ാ, ◌ി, ◌ീ, ◌ു, ◌ൂ, ◌ൃ, ◌െ, ◌േ, ◌ൈ, ◌ൊ, ◌ോ, ◌ൌ, ◌ം, ◌ഃ
• Virama (ചന്ദ്രക്കല): ◌് (used to create conjunct consonants)

Common Use Cases for the Virtual Keyboard

• Filling online forms that require Malayalam input
• Typing addresses in Malayalam for delivery or official documents
• Writing Malayalam names correctly with proper script
• Teachers preparing Malayalam worksheets or test papers
• Typing Malayalam in design tools like Canva or Adobe

4. Malayalam Font Converter – Convert Old Fonts to Unicode

This is one of the most powerful and unique tools on TypeMalayalam.com. The Malayalam Font Converter converts text written in old, proprietary Malayalam fonts (like Karthika, Thoolika, Revathi, Shree-ML, Manjari, etc.) into modern Unicode Malayalam.

🔗 Tool URL: typemalayalam.com/en/font-converter

Why is Font Conversion Necessary?

Before Unicode became the standard, Malayalam text was typed using ASCII-based fonts. These fonts stored Malayalam characters by mapping English letters to Malayalam glyphs. This means the actual data stored is English, but it displays as Malayalam only when the correct font is applied.

Problems with old Malayalam fonts:

• ❌ Text appears as gibberish when the font is not installed
• ❌ Cannot be searched online (Google cannot read it)
• ❌ Cannot be copied and pasted correctly
• ❌ Screen readers cannot read it (accessibility issue)
• ❌ Not compatible with modern mobile devices
• ❌ Cannot be used in modern web development

Unicode Malayalam, on the other hand:

• ✅ Works on all devices without any font installation
• ✅ Is searchable and indexable by Google
• ✅ Can be copied and pasted correctly everywhere
• ✅ Works with screen readers for visually impaired users
• ✅ Is the international standard for Malayalam text

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Convert Malayalam Fonts

Step 1: Open typemalayalam.com/en/font-converter

Step 2: Select the source font from the dropdown menu. For example, choose Karthika if your document was created using the Karthika font.

Step 3: Paste your old font text into the input text area on the left side.

Step 4: Click the Convert button.

Step 5: The converted Unicode Malayalam text will appear in the output area on the right.

Step 6: Click Copy to copy the Unicode text and use it in your project.

Popular Old Malayalam Fonts Supported

Real-World Use Case: Digitizing Old Malayalam Documents

Imagine you have an old Malayalam book or newspaper article scanned as a PDF. The text inside was created using Karthika font. If you copy the text from the PDF and paste it anywhere, it looks like random English letters and symbols.

With TypeMalayalam's Font Converter, you can:

1. Copy the raw text from the PDF
2. Select "Karthika" as the source font
3. Paste and convert to Unicode
4. Now the text displays correctly on any device
5. Upload it to a website, share it on social media, or store it digitally

This is invaluable for libraries, archives, journalists, researchers, and historians working with historical Malayalam content.

5. Malayalam OCR – Extract Text from Images

OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. The Malayalam OCR tool at TypeMalayalam.com allows you to upload an image containing Malayalam text and automatically extract that text into editable, copyable content.

🔗 Tool URL: typemalayalam.com/en/malayalam-ocr

What is Malayalam OCR?

OCR technology scans an image, identifies the visual patterns that form characters, and converts them into machine-readable text. Malayalam OCR specifically recognizes the unique curves, loops, and complex conjunct characters of the Malayalam script.

When Would You Use Malayalam OCR?

• 📰 You have a scanned newspaper article in Malayalam and want the text
• 📷 You took a photo of a Malayalam sign, menu, or notice board
• 📚 You have old Malayalam books in image/PDF format
• 📋 You received a scanned government letter in Malayalam
• 🎓 You want to digitize Malayalam study materials
• 🏢 Converting printed Malayalam invoices or receipts to digital text

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Use Malayalam OCR

Step 1: Go to typemalayalam.com/en/malayalam-ocr

Step 2: Click the Upload Image button or drag and drop your image file into the upload area.

Step 3: Supported formats include JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, and PDF. Make sure your image is clear and well-lit for best results.

Step 4: Click the Extract Text or Recognize button.

Step 5: Wait a few seconds while the AI processes your image.

Step 6: The extracted Malayalam text will appear in the output box. Review it for any errors.

Step 7: Click Copy or Download to save the extracted text.

Tips for Better OCR Accuracy

• 📸 Use high-resolution images (at least 300 DPI for scanned documents)
• 💡 Ensure good lighting — avoid shadows on the text
• 📐 Make sure the text is not skewed or rotated
• 🖊️ Printed text gives better results than handwritten text
• 🔳 Use black text on white or light background for best accuracy
• 🖼️ Crop unnecessary parts of the image before uploading
• 📏 Ensure the font size in the image is large enough to be clearly visible

OCR Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Handwritten Malayalam OCR has lower accuracy than printed text
• Very old or worn-out documents may have errors
• Complex backgrounds can confuse the OCR engine
• Always proofread the extracted text before using it

6. SRT Translator – Translate Subtitles to Malayalam

The SRT Translator is a unique and powerful tool that allows you to translate subtitle files (.srt format) into Malayalam. This is perfect for people who want to watch international movies, TV shows, or YouTube videos with Malayalam subtitles.

🔗 Tool URL: typemalayalam.com/en/srt-translator

What is an SRT File?

An SRT (SubRip Subtitle) file is a plain text file that contains subtitle information for a video. Each subtitle entry includes:

• A sequence number
• A timecode showing when the subtitle appears and disappears
• The subtitle text itself

Example of a typical SRT file entry:

1
00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,000
Hello! How are you today?

2
00:00:05,000 --> 00:00:08,000
I am doing great, thank you!
    

After translation to Malayalam, it would look like:

1
00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,000
ഹലോ! നിങ്ങൾ ഇന്ന് എങ്ങനെ ഉണ്ട്?

2
00:00:05,000 --> 00:00:08,000
ഞാൻ വളരെ നന്നായിരിക്കുന്നു, നന്ദി!
    

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Translate SRT to Malayalam

Step 1: Download the SRT subtitle file for the video you want to translate. You can find SRT files on websites like OpenSubtitles, Subscene, or download directly from YouTube.

Step 2: Go to typemalayalam.com/en/srt-translator

Step 3: Click Upload SRT File and select your .srt file from your computer.

Step 4: Select the source language of the subtitle (e.g., English, Hindi, Tamil, Korean, etc.)

Step 5: Select Malayalam as the target language.

Step 6: Click Translate and wait for the process to complete.

Step 7: Download the translated Malayalam SRT file and add it to your video player.

How to Add Malayalam Subtitles to Your Video

Once you have your Malayalam .srt file, you can use it with:

• VLC Media Player: Go to Subtitles → Add Subtitle File → Select your .srt file
• YouTube: Upload to your video via YouTube Studio → Subtitles tab
• WhatsApp/Telegram video sharing: Embed subtitles using video editing software
• Video editing software like DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, or CapCut

Who Benefits Most from the SRT Translator?

• 🎬 Malayalam film enthusiasts who want to watch international content in their language
• 🎓 Students and educators translating educational videos
• 📺 Content creators adding Malayalam subtitles to reach Kerala audience
• 🌍 NGOs and non-profits translating awareness videos into Malayalam
• 🏢 Businesses creating Malayalam training videos for employees

7. Korean to Malayalam Translator

K-drama. BTS. Korean food. Korean skincare. The Korean wave (Hallyu) has taken Kerala by storm! TypeMalayalam.com recognizes this trend with a dedicated Korean to Malayalam Translator tool.

🔗 Tool URL: typemalayalam.com/en/korean-translator

Why a Korean-Malayalam Translator Specifically?

General translation tools like Google Translate support Korean to English or English to Malayalam — but direct Korean to Malayalam translation is rare and often inaccurate when done through two-step translation (Korean → English → Malayalam).

TypeMalayalam's Korean translator provides:

• More natural and contextually accurate Malayalam output
• Better handling of Korean cultural terms and K-drama slang
• Direct translation without multiple conversion steps
• Interface designed in both English and Malayalam

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Korean to Malayalam Translation

Step 1: Visit typemalayalam.com/en/korean-translator

Step 2: In the left input box, type or paste your Korean text. Example: 안녕하세요, 저는 케랄라에서 왔어요

Step 3: The source language should be set to Korean (한국어).

Step 4: Make sure the target language is set to Malayalam (മലയാളം).

Step 5: Click Translate.

Step 6: The Malayalam translation appears on the right: ഹലോ, ഞാൻ കേരളത്തിൽ നിന്ന് വരുന്നു

Step 7: Copy and use the translation wherever needed.

Common Uses of Korean to Malayalam Translator

• Translating K-drama dialogue for understanding
• Reading Korean product labels, skincare ingredients, food packaging
• Communicating with Korean business partners or tourists in Kerala
• Translating Korean songs (K-pop lyrics) to Malayalam
• Academic research on Korean-Malayalam linguistic comparison
• Translating Korean recipes and cooking instructions

Interesting Korean-Malayalam Cultural Connections

Did you know that Kerala and South Korea share some fascinating cultural connections?

• There is a historical legend that Queen Heo Hwang-ok, who married Korean King Kim Suro in 48 AD, may have been from Ayodhya or possibly from a coastal South Indian region
• Thousands of Malayalees live and work in South Korea
• K-drama popularity in Kerala is among the highest in India
• Korean language courses are increasingly popular in Kerala colleges

8. Malayalam Font Downloads – Free Fonts for Your Projects

TypeMalayalam.com offers a curated collection of free Malayalam fonts that you can download and use in your projects — websites, graphic design, printing, documents, and more.

🔗 Tool URL: typemalayalam.com/en/font-downloads

Why Do Malayalam Fonts Matter?

The choice of font dramatically affects how Malayalam text looks and reads. The right font can:

• Make text more readable and beautiful
• Match the mood of your design (formal, casual, traditional, modern)
• Ensure correct rendering of all Malayalam conjunct characters
• Improve brand identity for Malayalam businesses
• Make printed materials look professional

Types of Malayalam Fonts Available

Traditional / Classical Style

• Rachana – Beautiful traditional style, great for books and literature
• AnjaliOldLipi – Classic old-style Malayalam writing
• Meera – Clean and readable, popular for body text

Modern / Contemporary Style

• Manjari – Elegant modern Malayalam font, excellent for headings
• Chilanka – Handwriting style font, perfect for creative projects
• Gayathri – Lightweight modern font, great for web use

Display / Headline Fonts

• Uroob – Bold display font for posters and banners
• Keraleeyam – Decorative style for traditional designs

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Download and Install Malayalam Fonts

Step 1: Go to typemalayalam.com/en/font-downloads

Step 2: Browse the available font collection. You can see a preview of how each font looks.

Step 3: Click the Download button next to the font you want.

Step 4: The font file will be downloaded as a .TTF (TrueType Font) or .OTF (OpenType Font) file.

Step 5 – Installing on Windows:

1. Right-click the downloaded font file
2. Select "Install" or "Install for all users"
3. The font is now available in all Windows applications

Step 5 – Installing on Mac:

1. Double-click the downloaded font file
2. Click "Install Font" in the Font Book that opens
3. The font is now available in all Mac applications

Step 5 – Using on Website (Web Fonts):

/* Add to your CSS file */
@font-face {
  font-family: 'Manjari';
  src: url('manjari.ttf') format('truetype');
}

body {
  font-family: 'Manjari', sans-serif;
}
    

Or use Google Fonts for Malayalam fonts that are available there (Manjari, Gayathri, Chilanka are on Google Fonts).

How to Choose the Right Malayalam Font

9. Pro Tips for Malayalam Content Creators

If you are creating content in Malayalam — whether for social media, a blog, YouTube, or business — here are some expert tips to help you succeed:

Tip 1: Always Use Unicode Malayalam

Avoid typing Malayalam using old font systems. Always use Unicode so your content is readable on all devices, searchable on Google, and shareable without font issues. TypeMalayalam.com produces Unicode output by default.

Tip 2: Use Consistent Spelling

Malayalam transliteration can sometimes produce multiple valid spellings for the same word. Choose one spelling style and stick to it across your content for professionalism.

Tip 3: Combine Tools for Maximum Efficiency

For example, a Malayalam news blogger might:

1. Use OCR to extract text from a printed press release
2. Use Font Converter if the text uses old fonts
3. Use Transliteration to add new commentary
4. Use Font Downloads to style the website beautifully

Tip 4: Optimize for Mobile

Most Malayalam internet users in Kerala browse on mobile devices. Make sure your Malayalam content is mobile-responsive and uses web fonts that load fast on mobile connections.

Tip 5: SEO for Malayalam Content

To rank on Google for Malayalam keywords:

• Use Unicode Malayalam text in your meta tags, title, and content
• Include both English and Malayalam versions of your page (like TypeMalayalam.com does with /en and /ml URLs)
• Add alt text to images in Malayalam
• Use hreflang tags for multilingual pages
• Write long-form content in proper Malayalam

Tip 6: WhatsApp Formatting with Malayalam

You can use formatted text in WhatsApp with Malayalam:

• Bold: *നമസ്കാരം* → നമസ്കാരം
• Italic: _നമസ്കാരം_ → നമസ്കാരം
• ~~Strikethrough~~: ~നമസ്കാരം~

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

11. Conclusion – Your Complete Malayalam Digital Toolkit

Malayalam is not just a language — it is an identity, a culture, and a living connection to one of India's most beautiful and ancient literary traditions. In the digital age, it is more important than ever to be able to express yourself, create content, and communicate in your mother tongue.

TypeMalayalam.com brings together everything you need to type, translate, convert, and create in Malayalam — completely free and in your browser. Here's a quick summary of what we covered:

Whether you are a student typing your first Malayalam essay, a journalist archiving old newspapers, a K-drama fan translating your favorite show, or a developer building a Malayalam website — TypeMalayalam.com has you covered.

Bookmark this page. Share it with your friends. And keep typing in Malayalam! 🙏

മലയാളം ടൈപ്പ് ചെയ്യൂ. മലയാളം ഉപയോഗിക്കൂ. മലയാളം ജീവിക്കൂ.
(Type Malayalam. Use Malayalam. Live Malayalam.)