How to Write Urdu in Adobe Illustrator: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for graphic design, but working with Urdu (or any right-to-left language) can be tricky if you don’t have the right settings. Many designers struggle with Urdu text alignment, font compatibility, and typing issues.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to properly write Urdu in Adobe Illustrator, including font installation, text direction settings, and design tips for professional results.

Step 1: Install Urdu Fonts

Before typing Urdu in Illustrator, you need compatible Urdu fonts. Some popular choices include:

• Nastaliq fonts (e.g., Jameel Noori Nastaleeq, Urdu Naskh Asiatype)

• Noto Nastaliq Urdu (Google’s free font)

• Pak Nastaleeq

How to Install Urdu Fonts:

1. Download an Urdu font (e.g., from Google Fonts or DaFont).

2. Unzip the file (if necessary).

3. On Windows: Right-click the font file → Install.
   On Mac: Double-click the font → Install Font.

4. Restart Adobe Illustrator for the font to appear.

Step 2: Enable Right-to-Left (RTL) Text in Illustrator

Urdu is written right-to-left (RTL), but Illustrator defaults to left-to-right (LTR). Here’s how to fix it:

Method 1: Using the Paragraph Panel

1. Open Illustrator and create a new document.

2. Select the Type Tool (T) and click to create a text box.

3. Go to Window → Type → Paragraph to open the Paragraph panel.

4. Click the Right-to-Left (RTL) Paragraph Direction button (↔).

Method 2: Using Middle Eastern Language Options (For CC Users)

1. Go to Edit → Preferences → Type (Windows) or Illustrator → Preferences → Type (Mac).

2. Check "Show Indic Options" or "Middle Eastern and South Asian Scripts" if available.

3. Restart Illustrator to apply changes.

Step 3: Type Urdu Text

1. Select the Type Tool (T) and click on the artboard.

2. Choose your Urdu font from the font dropdown (e.g., Jameel Noori Nastaleeq).

3. Start typing in Urdu using a keyboard layout like Urdu Phonetic or Urdu InPage.

   • If you don’t have an Urdu keyboard, use an online Urdu keyboard (e.g., branah.com/urdu) and paste the text into Illustrator.

Step 4: Adjust Urdu Text Styling

To make your Urdu text look professional:

• Increase font size (Urdu Nastaliq fonts look better at larger sizes).

• Adjust letter spacing (Tracking) if needed.

• Use Paragraph Justification (Ctrl+Shift+F) for better alignment.

• Convert text to outlines (Ctrl+Shift+O) if sharing files to avoid font issues.

Step 5: Save & Export Urdu Designs

• Save as AI or PDF to preserve Urdu text formatting.

• Export as PNG/SVG if sharing online.

• Embed fonts if sending files to others.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

❌ Problem: Urdu text appears as broken characters.
✅ Solution: Install the correct Urdu font on your system.

❌ Problem: Text is left-aligned instead of right-aligned.
✅ Solution: Enable RTL text direction in the Paragraph panel.

❌ Problem: Illustrator doesn’t show Urdu fonts.
✅ Solution: Restart Illustrator after installing fonts.

Conclusion

Writing Urdu in Adobe Illustrator is easy once you install the right fonts and enable RTL text support. By following these steps, you can create stunning Urdu calligraphy, logos, and typography designs without any issues.

For advanced Urdu lettering, consider using vector paths or brush tools for custom calligraphy effects.