An input method editor (IME) is a program or operating system component that allows computer users to enter complex characters and symbols (such as Japanese, Chinese, Tibetan and Korean characters), using a standard Western keyboard. It is also often called input method environment.

The term IME is generally used in a Microsoft Windows context. Other operating system may have a different name for same idea: for example, Input Method for Mac OS, FEP for MS-DOS, or XIM for X Window System.

See also

• Keyboard layout
• Japanese language and computers
• Chinese input methods for computers