Text input with eye trackers can be implemented in many ways such as on-screen keyboards or context sensitive menu-selection techniques. We propose the use of off-screen targets and various schemes for decoding target hit sequences into text. Off-screen targets help to avoid the Midas’ touch problem and conserve display area. However, the number and location of the off-screen targets is a major usability issue. We discuss the use of Morse code, our Minimal Device Independent Text Input Method (MDITIM), QuikWriting, and Cirrin-like target arrangements. Furthermore, we describe our experience with an experimental system that implements eye tracker controlled MDITIM for the Windows environment. Categories and Subject Descriptors: H.5.5 [Information Interfaces and Presentation]: User Interfaces - Input devices and Strategies, Interaction styles General Terms: Experimentation