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KCharSelect vs Smile: catalog facts
KCharSelect	Smile
Best for: Linux users who need to insert symbols and look up Unicode characters	Best for: Linux users who type emoji often and want a dedicated picker
Free Free and open source under the GPL-2.0-or-later licence.	Free Free and open source under the GPL-3.0-or-later licence.
Linux	Linux
Search characters by Unicode name Shows aliases, notes and technical representations All 4 strengths for KCharSelect Search characters by Unicode name Shows aliases, notes and technical representations Unihan definitions and pronunciations for East Asian characters Regular releases through KDE Gear	Installs on most distributions through Flathub Open source with a dedicated documentation site All 3 strengths for Smile Installs on most distributions through Flathub Open source with a dedicated documentation site Focused on one task
Linux only Fits best in a KDE Plasma desktop	Linux only The homepage gives little detail about features
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-2.0-or-later	License: GPL-3.0-or-later
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for KCharSelect apps.kde.org/kcharselect Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Smile smile.mijorus.it Catalog checked October 1, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.