The Q9 input method, invented by Qcode Information Technology Ltd. of Hong Kong, is an input method that uses only the number keys on a numeric keypad to input Chinese characters into a digital device. It is considered an easy method to use even though it is a "structural" input method. It is used on some mobile phones in Hong Kong. It provides an alternative to Cangjie input method as well, as this utilizes the numeric keypad on personal computers. However, besides its use for cell phones, the use of this input method on personal computers is limited, due to its proprietary nature and that personal computers do not have Q9 input method pre-installed. Since the speed of the input method relies upon using numeric keypad on PCs, this method is impractical for use on most laptops. Q9 input method is available as a FEP on Symbian S603rd Edition mobile devices.
The 9 positions of the number pad are shown with 9 Chinese characters and 9 stroke shapes; the first 5 of these stroke shapes are the same as in the Wubihua method, and the others are more elaborate shapes generated according to context. At any time you may choose either a character or a stroke shape from any one of the 9 squares. If the character you want is not available, choose a stroke shape that closest to the character's first stroke ; the stroke shape in position 5 is a general concept of "other strokes". If the character is still not available, choose either the character's second stroke shape, or elaborate on the first stroke shape. If the character is still not available after this second shape has been entered, the third stroke shape to enter is that corresponding to the character's last stroke. Finally if the character is not listed, then you can press 0 to see another page of similar characters. Usually, only full-form Chinese characters are available on the Q9 method, although some versions allow Simplified characters to be found as well. Additional controls are usually available to reset the input method's state, and to switch to English letters, digits or punctuation.
The system encounters problems with Mac OS X Q9 input. In the glitch, the selection bar for the input method would grey when being selected. However, older browser versions continue to support Q9 input.
