Install Fcitx5 Cangjie Input Method on Ubuntu 24.04

Posted on by Rico

Ubuntu 24.04 comes with fcitx5 + New Zhuyin (新酷音) as the default Chinese input method.
However, if you prefer using Cangjie, you will notice it’s not available by default.

To enable Cangjie input method, you must install an additional package:

👉 fcitx5-table-extra (contains Cangjie, Quick, Dayi, and many table-based IMEs)

This article documents the complete steps.

🧩 Step 1: Install fcitx5 and the Cangjie IME package

Run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install fcitx5 fcitx5-config-qt fcitx5-table-extra

Package explanation:

  • fcitx5 — input method framework
  • fcitx5-config-qt — GUI configuration tool
  • fcitx5-table-extra — includes Cangjie, Quick, Dayi, etc.

🧩 Step 2: Set fcitx5 as the default input method

Run:

im-config -n fcitx5

Logout and login again.

🧩 Step 3: Enable Cangjie

Open the fcitx5 configuration tool:

fcitx5-configtool

or search “Fcitx5 Configuration” in the GUI.

➕ Add the input method:

  1. Click +
  2. Uncheck Only Show Current Language
  3. Search for Cangjie
  4. Add:
    • Cangjie
    • Quick (Simplified Cangjie)
    • Cangjie3 / Cangjie5 (optional)

🧩 Step 4: Test the Input Method

Switch input method (Ctrl + Space by default).
Type “L” → should output 「中」 if Cangjie works.

🧩 Step 5: Troubleshooting

❓ fcitx5 not starting?

fcitx5 -rd

❓ Cangjie still not found?

Check package:

apt list --installed | grep fcitx5-table

Expected:

fcitx5-table-extra

🎉 Conclusion

If you rely on the Cangjie input method on Ubuntu 24.04, remember to install:

👉 fcitx5-table-extra

This enables all Cangjie/Quick variants and makes Chinese input much more flexible.