How to Type Arabic: Keyboard Setup on All Devices
Typing in Arabic is straightforward once you set up the correct keyboard. This guide explains how to enable Arabic input across various platforms, from your computer to your smartphone. You will also find practical tips for effective Arabic text entry.
In this guide
Typing Arabic Online Without Installation
The fastest way to write Arabic without touching your device settings is a phonetic keyboard in the browser: you type Latin letters and get Arabic script. Typing "salam" gives سلام.
Tarjma works this way: open the keyboard on the home page, type salam, 3arabi or 7abibi, and pick the right word from the suggestions. Nothing to install, and it works on a phone, a work computer or a library PC.
Setting Up Arabic on Windows
To add an Arabic keyboard layout on Windows, navigate to your computer's settings. Go to "Settings" > "Time & language" > "Language & region".
Click "Add a language", search for "Arabic" and pick a regional variant such as Arabic (Egypt) or Arabic (Saudi Arabia). The variant changes date and number formats, not the keyboard layout. Click "Next", then "Install". Press the Windows key + Space to switch between your keyboards.
Enabling Arabic Input on macOS
On a Mac, open "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older macOS versions). Go to "Keyboard" and then click on "Input Sources".
Click "Edit" (or the "+" button on older versions) and search for "Arabic". Add the desired Arabic keyboard layout. You can switch between input sources using Ctrl + Space or by pressing the Globe key (Fn key) if your keyboard has one. The active input source is displayed in the menu bar.
Arabic Keyboards for Android and iPhone
For Android devices, Google's Gboard is a popular choice. Open Gboard's settings (usually found by long-pressing the spacebar or via your phone's main "Settings" > "System" > "Languages & input" > "On-screen keyboard" > "Gboard"). Go to "Languages" > "Add keyboard". Select "Arabic" and choose the "Arabic (QWERTY)" or "Arabic (Transliteration)" layout for phonetic typing.
On an iPhone, go to "Settings" > "General" > "Keyboard" > "Keyboards" > "Add New Keyboard...". Select "Arabic". You can choose between standard Arabic layouts. To switch keyboards while typing, tap the globe icon on your keyboard.
Essential Tips for Typing Arabic
Arabic is a right-to-left language. Text will flow from right to left, and the cursor will move accordingly. Most word processors and text editors handle this automatically once an Arabic font is selected.
Punctuation marks in Arabic include the comma (،) and the question mark (؟). These are often mirrored versions of their Latin counterparts. Be aware of the two main sets of digits: Western Arabic numerals (0, 1, 2, 3...) and Eastern Arabic numerals (٠, ١, ٢, ٣...). Both are widely used, depending on the region and context.
Questions and answers
How do I switch between Arabic and English keyboards quickly?
On Windows, use Windows key + Spacebar. On macOS, use Ctrl + Space or the Globe key. On Android and iPhone, tap the globe icon on your on-screen keyboard.
Can I type Arabic phonetically (using Latin letters)?
Yes. On Tarjma you type Latin letters (salam, 3arabi) and get Arabic script right away. On Android, Gboard also offers a transliteration layout for Arabic.
Why does my Arabic text look reversed or incorrect?
Arabic is a right-to-left language. If your text appears reversed, ensure your text editor or word processor is set to handle right-to-left text direction. Most modern applications adjust automatically when an Arabic font and keyboard are selected.
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