How to use input methods in minibuffer?

Question

I am writing some xelatex code with both English and Farsi (right to left direction) characters in it. Also I am using Emacs' input method (changing with key Ctrl + \) for changing between English and Farsi keyboards. It is great being able to use Emacs movement shortcuts and typing Farsi at the same time.

However I would like to be able to use Farsi input method in minibuffers, like the one opened by searching, too. The (Ctrl + \) key is not available there, and it is very inconvenient to have to change the system level input method two times whenever I want to type some Farsi character in some minibuffer (The whole point of Emacs' input method is to avoid scenarios like this).

So is this possible? If yes, I would like to know if it is possible to use Farsi characters with evil-mode commands (like f) or not. Thank you very much.

Answer 1

In general you can toggle the input method in the minibuffer exactly like you can in any other buffer. However, as Drew points out in the comments, isearch doesn't use the minibuffer (it is actually just using the echo area to display information).

To isearch in a different input method you must enable the input method before you start searching.

Alternatively, if you have already entered isearch mode, you can type M-e to edit the pattern in the minibuffer, at which point you can toggle the input method with C-\ as usual.

I don't use Evil, but chen bin confirms that it makes no difference (although the key bindings I've mentioned may be different under Evil).