Al-Rassam Al-Arabi (The Arabic Painter) is a specialized desktop publishing software designed by CoDesCo IT Consulting
to enable Arabic text entry in design applications that do not natively support right-to-left scripts. Key Features and Usage Design Compatibility
: It allows users to use Arabic in leading design tools like Adobe Photoshop
, Illustrator, CorelDraw, and Macromedia Flash on Windows platforms. Functionality
: The software acts as a bridge, allowing you to type Arabic text, which is then formatted correctly for use in these external programs without the letters appearing disconnected or in the wrong order.
: It often comes bundled with a variety of Arabic fonts specifically designed for professional graphics and layouts. Alternative Arabic Typing Solutions
If you are looking for general Arabic typing rather than graphic design support, several free web-based tools are available: Arabic Keyboard Online : Sites like Arabic-Keyboard.org
allow you to click on-screen letters or use your computer keyboard with a transliteration system. : A popular Smart Arabic Keyboard
that lets users type Arabic using Latin characters (transliteration). multilingual keyboard tool
that allows you to type in Arabic and then copy-paste the text into other documents. Arabic Keyboard setting up your standard Windows/Mac keyboard for Arabic? Al-Rassam Al-Arabi - CoDesCo IT Consulting al rassam arabic typing software
Al Arabi (often called ) is a specialized Arabic desktop publishing and typography software developed by Layout Ltd
.. Historically, it gained fame as the essential bridge for designers needing to use Arabic script in software that did not natively support right-to-left (RTL) text or complex ligatures. 🎨 Key Features & Purpose
The software serves as a "floating palette" or secondary editor where users type their Arabic text before exporting it to a primary design application. Software Compatibility
: It allows Arabic integration in major design programs like Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Macromedia Flash Typography Engine
: It includes a powerful engine to adjust spacing, kerning, and diacritics (harakat), which are vital for professional Arabic typography. Diverse Font Library : Typically bundled with over 22 high-quality Arabic fonts
, including traditional styles like Naskh, Thuluth, Kufi, and Diwani. Cross-Language Support
: Beyond standard Arabic, newer versions (like V3.1) support Unicode and OpenType standards for Persian, Urdu, and Kurdish. 🛠️ How It Works
Al Rassam functions by bypassing the text-shaping limitations of non-Arabic enabled Windows systems: : Enter your text into the Al Rassam editor window.
: Apply specific calligraphic styles or diacritics within the app. Export/Paste Al-Rassam Al-Arabi (The Arabic Painter) is a specialized
: The text is then copied or exported as a graphical or font-compatible format into the target design software. ⚖️ Modern Context & Alternatives
While Al Rassam was a "best seller" and a necessity in the early 2000s, modern design software has largely integrated native support. Adobe Unified Text Engine
: Current versions of Photoshop and Illustrator have a "World-Ready Layout" that handles Arabic natively. Online Calligraphy Tools : Modern web apps like
provide advanced digital calligraphy without needing standalone desktop software. Standard Keyboards : Most users today simply enable the Arabic keyboard in Windows Settings (Time & Language > Language > Add a language). 📥 Getting Started
If you are working with legacy software or need its specific calligraphic fonts: : Most versions are designed for the Windows platform.
: You can often find official information or professional support via CoDesCo IT Consulting If you'd like, I can help you: Troubleshoot Arabic text appearing backwards in Photoshop free high-quality Arabic fonts for modern apps Learn how to enable native Arabic typing on your current OS Which of these would be most helpful for your project? Al-Rassam Al-Arabi - CoDesCo IT Consulting
The Kashida (or Tatweel) is the horizontal extension of a letter. In standard software, extending a line to justify text looks blocky and unnatural. Al Rassam’s proprietary engine analyzes the surrounding letters and inserts a graceful, calligraphically correct extension that mimics the stroke of a brush or reed pen. You aren't just stretching a font; you are re-drawing the connection.
If you have just installed Al Rassam, here is how to produce your first masterpiece.
Step 1: Install the Base Software Ensure you are running a Windows environment (the software is notoriously difficult on Mac/Wine emulators). Install from the official CD or authorized digital distributor. Al Rassam retains a niche appeal
Step 2: Set Your Style Open a new document. From the dropdown font menu, select a style. For beginners, start with "Al Rassam Naskh 1" – it is the easiest to read.
Step 3: Type Your Phrase Type your Arabic phrase (e.g., "بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم"). Notice how the letters connect automatically.
Step 4: Apply Tags
To make it look professional, you must insert tags. For example, to stretch the letter Meem (م), you would type [+tm] before the letter. To create a long horizontal line (Madd), you use the [k] tag for Kashida.
Step 5: Adjust the Baseline Arabic calligraphy sits on a horizontal baseline. Use the vertical offset tool to adjust decorative letters that should drop below the line (like the tail of the Ya).
Step 6: Export
Go to File > Export > Vector. Save as an .EPS file. Import this into Photoshop or InDesign for final layout.
Al Rassam (meaning "The Drawer" or "The Designer" in Arabic) is a specialized word processor and calligraphy tool. Unlike Unicode-based fonts, Al Rassam uses its own font engine to mimic the exact strokes of master calligraphers like Ibn Muqla and Yaqut al-Musta'simi.
It excels at:
Artists on platforms like Behance use Al Rassam to sketch complex compositions before tracing them with a Wacom tablet. It serves as an "underpainting" for digital ink.
The standout feature of Al Rassam is its phonetic engine. If you wanted to type the Arabic letter "ب" (Ba), you would simply press the 'B' key on your English keyboard. This made the learning curve for Arabic typing incredibly shallow. It empowered the diaspora and non-native speakers to type in Arabic without the steep learning curve of a new layout.
You might ask, "My phone and computer handle Arabic perfectly now. Do I still need Al Rassam?"
While modern OS integration is excellent, Al Rassam retains a niche appeal, particularly for: