Arabic DTP and RTL Layout
We lay out Arabic text from right to left in InDesign, Illustrator and other programs, mirror your layouts, use suitable Arabic fonts with correct letter joining, and deliver print-ready files on Windows and Mac.
Everything an Arabic Layout Needs
Translation and layout by native Arabic professionals, so the text is correct and the page reads naturally from right to left. Learn more about the Arabic language or see all our services.
RTL Mirroring of Layouts
Columns, images, page order and reading direction mirrored for right-to-left readers, so the page flows as an Arabic reader expects.
Arabic Fonts and Letter Joining
Suitable Arabic fonts and correct letter joining, so no letters appear broken or disconnected.
Justification and Kashida
Justified Arabic text set with care, using kashida (letter extension) where appropriate instead of awkward gaps between words.
Bidirectional Text
Latin brand names, product codes, numbers and units placed correctly inside Arabic sentences.
InDesign, Illustrator and More
We work directly in your InDesign, Illustrator and other program files, on Windows and Mac.
Packaging, Catalogues and Manuals
Packaging, labels, brochures, catalogues and manuals laid out in Arabic and ready for print.
Right-to-Left Layout Done Properly
Arabic is written from right to left, and its letters change shape and join together depending on their position in the word. A layout program or font that is not set up for Arabic can show broken or disconnected letters, reversed numbers or brand names in the wrong place. We insert the Arabic text directly into your InDesign, Illustrator or other files, mirror the layout where needed, use suitable Arabic fonts, set justification and kashida carefully, and handle mixed Arabic and Latin text and numbers.
Before delivery, every page gets a final check of the layout: letter joining, line breaks, reading direction, images and captions. We deliver the files in the format you prefer - PDF, EPS, print-ready files or original program files - on Windows or Mac. Layout often goes together with technical translation into Arabic for manuals and catalogues. The W3C Arabic and Persian Layout Requirements describe how Arabic text is set in professional typography.
Arabic DTP: frequently asked questions
Which programs do you work with?
We work in InDesign, Illustrator and other programs, on Windows and Mac.
Why do Arabic letters sometimes appear broken in layouts?
Arabic letters join together and change shape, and the text runs from right to left. If the program or font is not set up for Arabic, letters can appear disconnected. We use suitable Arabic fonts and check the letter joining.
Do you mirror the layout for right-to-left reading?
Yes. Where needed we mirror columns, images and reading order so the page flows from right to left, and we check how Latin brand names and numbers sit inside the Arabic text.
In which formats do you deliver the files?
In the format you prefer: PDF, EPS, print-ready files or the original program files.
Can you translate and lay out the document together?
Yes. Native Arabic professionals translate the text, we insert it directly into your files and we do a final check of the layout before delivery.