How Arabic Works

RTL

من اليمين إلى اليسار

Right-to-left text direction

RTL illustration

Right-to-left (RTL) is the writing direction used by Arabic, meaning text flows from the right side of the page to the left. This isn't just a visual flip, it shapes how Arabic typography behaves in layout, reading order, and composition.

RTL as a System

RTL affects basic design decisions such as alignment, navigation, and hierarchy. In bilingual settings, Arabic may sit alongside left-to-right Latin, creating a bidirectional environment where order, punctuation, and numbers can behave differently than expected. Treating RTL as a system rule, not a styling choice, is essential for typography that feels natural and readable.