What is the UniBijoy keyboard layout?

UniBijoy is the Unicode-compatible version of the classic Bijoy Bengali keyboard layout. Same key positions for every letter as Bijoy, but it outputs Unicode Bengali, so the text works everywhere modern (web, Google Docs, WhatsApp, phones). It's a free, drop-in layout for Avro Keyboard on Windows.

Does UniBijoy work with the latest Avro Keyboard version?

Yes. Avro's .avrolayout format has been stable since Avro 5.1.0, and the layout works with every Avro version through Avro 5.6.0 (released February 2026). It also works on Avro for Linux and iAvro for macOS.

What's the difference between Bijoy and UniBijoy?

Bijoy (in Bijoy Bayanno) outputs ANSI / legacy Bengali encoding that needs a matching Bijoy font to display correctly. UniBijoy uses the same physical key layout but writes Unicode Bengali, which displays on any modern OS, browser, or phone without special fonts.

Can I use UniBijoy on Linux or macOS?

On Linux you don't need the .avrolayout file — IBus with ibus-m17n ships the same layout as 'Bengali (Unijoy)'. See the Linux install guide. On macOS you can use iAvro or Avro for Mac, which also supports the UniBijoy layout.

Yes — UniBijoy and Avro Keyboard are both free and open source. Avro Keyboard is licensed under the Mozilla Public License.

Why use UniBijoy instead of Avro Phonetic?

Avro Phonetic converts romanized text (type 'bangla' → 'বাংলা'). UniBijoy is a fixed layout — each key maps to one specific Bengali letter, same as classic Bijoy. Use UniBijoy if you already know the Bijoy layout or prefer consistent, predictable typing to phonetic guessing.

Download UniBijoy Keyboard Layout for Avro Keyboard (Free, Windows)

Q: How do I install UniBijoy in Avro Keyboard?

Download the UniBijoy.zip from this page, extract UniBijoy.avrolayout, and double-click it — Avro installs the layout automatically. Restart Avro, and UniBijoy appears in the layout selector alongside Avro Phonetic and Provat.

Download the free UniBijoy keyboard layout for Avro Keyboard on Windows — step-by-step install guide, Bijoy key map, and compatibility table for every Avro version.

Updated April 2026 — verified against Avro Keyboard 5.6.0 (released Feb 2026). Download still works; compatibility table refreshed.

If you’re used to the classic Bijoy keyboard layout but want free, Unicode-compatible Bengali typing on Windows, the UniBijoy layout for Avro Keyboard is what you want. It uses the exact same key positions as Bijoy — so your muscle memory transfers perfectly — but outputs Unicode text that works on every modern website, app, and phone.

This post gives you the free UniBijoy download and the step-by-step install.

Download UniBijoy keyboard layout

Download UniBijoy.zip (≈150 KB) — contains UniBijoy.avrolayout, ready to install into Avro Keyboard.

MIT-licensed community layout. Works on Avro Keyboard 5.1.0 through 5.6.0 (current stable as of April 2026).

Avro Keyboard compatibility table

The .avrolayout format has been stable since Avro 5.1.0. The UniBijoy layout works with every version listed below. If you’re starting fresh, download the latest Avro (5.6.0).

Avro version	Released	UniBijoy compatible	Download
Avro 5.6.0	Feb 2026	Yes	Official (omicronlab.com)
Avro 5.5.0	2020	Yes	setup_avrokeyboard_5.5.0.exe
Avro 5.1.0	2014	Yes	setup_avrokeyboard_5.1.0.exe
Avro 4.5.3	Archived	Yes (untested)	Older builds are no longer officially hosted — use 5.6.0 instead.

Recommendation: Install Avro 5.6.0 from OmicronLab’s official site. Older versions are listed for people maintaining legacy systems — don’t install 5.1.0 if you have a choice.

Install UniBijoy in Avro Keyboard — step by step

The whole install takes under three minutes.

1. Download and install Avro Keyboard

Grab Avro 5.6.0 from OmicronLab and run the installer. Avro is free and works on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 (both 32-bit and 64-bit).

2. Download the UniBijoy layout

UniBijoy.zip — 150 KB, contains one file: UniBijoy.avrolayout.

3. Extract the ZIP

Right-click UniBijoy.zip → Extract All (or use 7-Zip, WinRAR, or Windows’ built-in extractor). You’ll get a single file: UniBijoy.avrolayout.

4. Double-click `UniBijoy.avrolayout`

Windows recognises the .avrolayout extension (registered by Avro) and hands the file to Avro, which installs the layout into your profile. A small confirmation dialog appears.

5. Restart Avro and select UniBijoy

Right-click the Avro icon in the system tray → Exit. Start Avro again. In the layout selector (the layout name next to the on-screen indicator), choose UniBijoy.

You’re done. Start typing.

The Bijoy / UniBijoy key map

The layout image below is the reference key map. Every Bengali consonant, vowel, and modifier maps to a specific English key — identical to classic Bijoy.

Bijoy UniBijoy Bengali keyboard layout

Quick reference:

Vowels → right half of the keyboard.
Consonants → left half.
G → Bengali full stop । (dari).
Digits 0–9 → Bengali numerals ০–৯.
Shift + key → aspirated / conjunct forms.

If you can already touch-type Bijoy on Windows, every key is in the same place.

UniBijoy vs. Bijoy vs. Avro Phonetic

Layout	Type of layout	Output encoding	Free	Fastest way to learn
UniBijoy	Fixed (Bijoy key positions)	Unicode	Yes	If you already know Bijoy, zero relearning
Bijoy (Bayanno)	Fixed	ANSI + Unicode	No (paid)	Bangladesh schools and offices
Avro Phonetic	Phonetic / transliteration	Unicode	Yes	If you’re new to Bengali typing
Provat	Fixed (Avro’s own)	Unicode	Yes	If you’re learning Bengali fresh on Avro

TL;DR: if you learned Bijoy at school or work, use UniBijoy — everything transfers. If you’re new, start with Avro Phonetic.

Why use UniBijoy with Avro Keyboard?

Unicode output, classic Bijoy muscle memory. Best of both worlds.
No font hassles. Avro + UniBijoy writes Unicode that every modern app and website already renders correctly.
Completely free. No Bijoy Bayanno licence required.
Works with every Avro feature — auto-correct, spell checker, Unicode-to-ANSI converter, custom fonts.
Portable. Your UniBijoy muscle memory also works on Linux via IBus and macOS via iAvro.

Troubleshooting

Double-clicking `UniBijoy.avrolayout` does nothing

Avro isn’t installed or isn’t registered as the handler. Open Avro → Keyboard Layout menu → Install New Layout → pick UniBijoy.avrolayout.

UniBijoy doesn’t appear in the layout selector after install

Fully exit Avro from the system tray (right-click → Exit) and start it again. Reloading the tray icon isn’t enough — Avro only rescans layouts on a full restart.

Characters look like boxes / tofu

Install or pick a Bengali Unicode font: Noto Sans Bengali, SolaimanLipi, or Kalpurush. On Windows 10+ these are bundled.

Some conjunct forms don’t appear

Make sure you’re using UniBijoy (not Bijoy Classic inside Avro) and your target app supports Unicode complex script rendering. Microsoft Word, Chrome, and Notepad all do; a few legacy terminals don’t.

Want UniBijoy on Linux or macOS?

Linux → Install Bengali Unibijoy keyboard on Ubuntu (IBus + m17n; no .avrolayout file needed).
macOS → iAvro from OmicronLab ships the UniBijoy layout.

FAQ

What is UniBijoy? The Unicode version of the classic Bijoy Bengali keyboard layout. Same keys, Unicode output.

How do I install UniBijoy in Avro Keyboard? Download UniBijoy.zip, extract UniBijoy.avrolayout, double-click it — Avro auto-installs the layout. Restart Avro and select UniBijoy.

Does UniBijoy work with the latest Avro (5.6.0)? Yes. .avrolayout has been stable since Avro 5.1.0 and works through Avro 5.6.0.

Is UniBijoy free? Yes — free and open source.

Can I use it on Linux or macOS? Yes — use IBus on Linux (ships the same layout as “Bengali (Unijoy)”) or iAvro on macOS.

Bengali Unibijoy keyboard setup on Ubuntu — the same layout for Linux users.
Avro Keyboard (official download) — OmicronLab, the creators of Avro.

Questions? Drop a comment below and I’ll help.