How to Type Arabic
There are two practical ways to write Arabic on a computer: use an online Arabic keyboard in your browser, or add an Arabic input language to your operating system. This guide covers both.
Type Arabic without installing anything
Open the Arabic keyboard, click into the editor and start typing. Your keystrokes are mapped to the standard Arabic layout, you can click letters with the mouse, add diacritics, and copy the finished text with one click. Nothing is installed and no account is needed - ideal for shared or restricted computers.
Add an Arabic keyboard on Windows
- Open Settings, then Time & language.
- Select Language & region and choose Add a language.
- Search for Arabic, pick your country variant and install it.
- Switch layouts with Windows + Space, or the language button on the taskbar.
Add an Arabic keyboard on macOS
- Open System Settings, then Keyboard.
- Next to Input Sources, click Edit, then the + button.
- Choose Arabic and add the layout.
- Switch with Control + Space, or the input menu in the menu bar.
Browser-based Arabic typing
A browser keyboard works the same on every device and every operating system. Because the text lives in your browser, you can type Arabic on a machine you do not administer, then paste the result into any application, form or message.
Physical vs virtual Arabic keyboards
A physical Arabic keyboard is fastest for daily writing, but requires hardware with Arabic letters and a system layout. A virtual keyboard is instant, portable and free - and once you learn the standard positions, you can type on your physical keys at close to full speed.