Imagine unearthing a treasure trove, not of gold, but of intricate Arabic fonts that weave tales as old as time. Here, in the digital canvas, every stroke and curve transcend mere letters to become art. From the sweeping elegance of the Naskh script to the complex beauty of Diwani – every typeface design tells a story.
Dive into this space where pixels meet the legacy of calligraphy; it’s about more than beautifying text, it’s breathing life into words.
You’ll stroll through an array of font families, each with a unique whisper of Middle Eastern type design. This isn’t just a gallery; it’s a pathway to mastering visual storytelling within your own creative realm.
By journey’s end, you’ll have not only witnessed Arabic fonts examples but grasped their soul.
You’ll learn to select the perfect script style that will voice your narrative, whether it’s for a personal project or capturing attention in the sprawling internet bazaar.
So, let’s embark on this odyssey of fonts—where font downloads unlock the secrets of legibility, aesthetics, and cultural expression, where Kufic script speaks of ancient origins, and Unicode characters bridge digital divides.
The Best Arabic Fonts
Font Name | Style | Use-Case | Association | Legibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
Andalus | Traditional | Printed materials, formal documents | Classical Arabic | High |
Arabic Typesetting | Calligraphic | Publishing, general use | Modern with traditional roots | High |
Kaleem | Modern | Digital and print media | Contemporary Arabic | High |
A Nefel Adeti | Decorative | Display, titles | Modern artistic | Moderate |
A Nefel Botan | Decorative | Artistic work, titles | Playful, artistic | Moderate |
Lamhah | Simplified | Clear text, user interfaces | Modern and minimalistic | High |
A Nefel Sereke | Simplistic | General use, digital screens | Modern, straightforward | High |
B Arabic Style | Calligraphic | Invitations, decorative elements | Calligraphy-inspired | Moderate |
Tashabok | Complex | Specialized design, branding | Intricate calligraphy | Low |
B Arshia | Modern | Digital content, headlines | Contemporary | High |
B Compset | General | Versatile use | Clean and readable | High |
Falak | Artistic | Posters, book covers | Unique artistic style | Moderate to high |
B Elham | Formal | Certificates, official documents | Formal and elegant | High |
B Davat | Classic | Traditional contexts | Classical calligraphy | Moderate |
Fenoon | Artistic | Art and design contexts | Decorative and expressive | Moderate |
B Esfehan | Calligraphic | Special occasions, artwork | Persian influence | Moderate |
B Fantezy | Decorative | Creative projects, display | Fantasy and creativity | Moderate |
Takween | Modern | Logos, branding | Geometric design | Moderate to high |
B Ferdosi | Traditional | Poetry, literature | Persian style | Moderate |
B Jadid | Contemporary | Modern print and web | Clean, sans-serif | High |
Ebhaar | Modern | Multimedia, advertising | Bold and modern | High |
B Koodak Outline | Playful | Children’s books, games | Fun and casual | Moderate |
Diwani Letter | Calligraphic | Invitations, artworks | Ornate calligraphy | Low |
Mawzoon | Balanced | Extensive text, books | Traditional but balanced | High |
Kacst Book | General | Reading materials | Clear and simple | High |
Tawasul | Readable | Accessibility, long texts | Clearness and legibility | Very high |
PakType Naqsh | Traditional | Religious texts, formal | Traditional Naskh script | High |
Traditional Arabic | Classical | Formal documents, inscriptions | Classical Arabic appearance | High |
Aqlaam | Calligraphic | Creative writing, calligraphy | Artistic penmanship | Moderate |
Thabit | Simplified | Screen, UI design | Sturdy and minimal | High |
Simplified Arabic | Legible | Educational materials, digital screens | Simplistic and straightforward | Very high |
Kohinoor Arabic | Modern | Multilingual typography | Clean and functional | High |
Palatino Arabic | Book | Novel typesetting, fine printing | Elegant and legible | High |
Molsaq Arabic | Versatile | Branding, editorial design | Contemporary and flexible | High |
Diodrum Arabic | Modern | Corporate, digital communication | Geometric sans-serif | High |
Ostad Arabic | Stylish | Brand identity, expressive text | Calligraphic flair | Moderate |
Zapfino Arabic | Script | Invitations, headlines | Flowing script | Moderate |
DIN Next Arabic | Modern | Navigation, UI | Straightforward and technical | High |
PF Nuyork Arabic | Fashionable | Magazines, luxury branding | Chic and modern | High |
PF DIN Text Arabic | Informational | Signs, instruction manuals | Clear and professional | Very high |
NaNa Arabic | Contemporary | Advertising, digital design | Playful and modern | Moderate |
ITC Handel Gothic Arabic | Geometric | Logos, headlines | Bold and impactful | High |
Before The Rain Arabic | Handwritten | Artistic projects, music albums | Emotional and expressive | Low |
Univers Next Arabic | Universal | General use in varied contexts | Neutral and readable | Very high |
FF DIN Arabic | Industrial | Technical, navigation | Technical and straightforward | High |
Swissra | Swiss-style | Professional, corporate use | Clean and neutral | High |
Swissra Condensed | Compact | Space-saving designs | Practical and clear | High |
Abdo Master | Modern | Headlines, logos | Bold contemporary design | High |
HS Alnada | General | Multifaceted use | Modern and legible | High |
SF Mada | Contemporary | Digital platforms, UI/UX | Clear and modern | High |
Afeesh | Artistic | Artwork, special titles | Artistic and ornamental | Moderate |
Abdo Line | Modern | Headlines, branding | Stylish and contemporary | High |
HS Almajd | Classic | Islamic texts, certificates | Elegance with a classical touch | Moderate |
Arab Dances | Thematic | Themed designs, entertainment | Dance and movement | Low |
Arabian Lamp | Thematic | Decorative purposes, themed events | Middle Eastern motifs | Low |
XXII Arabian Onenightstand | Nightlife | Advertising, party flyers | Bold and edgy | Moderate |
Afarat IBN Blady | Script | Informal writing, casual design | Handwritten style | Moderate |
Alhambra | Decorative | Ornamental design, thematic use | Moorish architecture | Low |
Kara Ben Nemsi | Exotic | Adventure, cultural themes | Exotic and adventurous | Moderate |
Pseudo Saudi | Imitative | Parodic or themed designs | Imitation of Kufi | Low |
Catharsis Bedouin | Unconventional | Fiction, storytelling | Nomadic Bedouin impression | Low |
Running Smobble | Playful | Informal work, children’s media | Fluid and lively | Low |
Mohammed | Religious | Islamic texts, mosques | Spiritual and traditional | Moderate |
Besmellah | Decorative | Islamic art, decorations | Calligraphic and embellished | Low |
Now, let’s look at them in detail.
Free Arabic fonts
Andalus
Arabic Typesetting
Kaleem (Premium)
Kaleem is an Arabic display font. The word ‘Kaleem’, in the Arabic Language, refers to the unique talker. It also indicates the person who has far-reaching conversation skills. The font features a unique writing style with a solid geometric structure that suits titling and creative heading. Kaleem consists of two weights; Regular and Bold.
A Nefel Adeti
A Nefel Botan
Lamhah (Premium)
Lamhah is an Arabic typeface that features active letterforms with sharp edges. It suits a various range of modern utilizations including web, print and mobile applications. Lamhah typeface consists of three weights (Light, Regular and Bold).
A Nefel Sereke
B Arabic Style
Tashabok (Premium)
The word Tashabok is Arabic for overlapping or intertwinement. Tashabok is an Arabic display font with uniquely intertwined hollow letterforms. It suits creative titling, branding, advertising, and web. It also suits typographic compositions and print.
B Arshia
Advertisement
B Compset
Falak (Premium)
Falak is an Arabic display font with a rounded letterform that is inspired by the theme of astronomy and natural science. The font includes a stylistic set and it suits creative titling on both web and print.
B Elam
B Davat
Fenoon (Premium)
Fenoon is an Arabic display font that is inspired by the ancient Square Kufic script. It features two weights and it suits visual identity design, art events, packaging and contemporary art projects.
B Esfehan
B Fantezy
Takween (Premium)
Takween is an Arabic display font that is inspired by the Mashrequi writing style. The word Takween is Arabic for composition. The font mainly suits typographic compositions, ornamental designs, and abstracts. It also suits branding, print, and web design.
B Ferdosi
B Jadid
Ebhaar (Premium)
B Koodak Outline
Diwani Letter
Mawzoon (Premium)
Mawzoon (which is the Arabic word for balanced) is an Arabic display font that is heavily inspired by the Ruq’ah script. Letter forms feature a solid geometric structure with edgy terminals which come in two styles (Normal and Oblique). Mawzoon suits a various range of creative projects including print, web, advertising, and mobile applications.
Kacst Book
Tawasul (Premium)
Tawasul is an Arabic font that is inspired by Arabic folklore. The font simulates the unskillfully writing styles on things like pilgrimage paintings and old Arabic manuscripts. The font is suitable for design projects which require an impression of authentic Arabic style including web and print.
PakType Naqsh
Traditional Arabic
Aqlaam (Premium)
Aqlaam is an Arabic typeface with rounded letterforms. It is mainly designed for public advertising and publication and it comes in 6 different weights; thin, light, regular, medium, bold and outlined bold.
Thabit
Simplified Arabic
Premium Arabic fonts
Kohinoor Arabic
Kohinoor Arabic is part of Kohinoor Multiscript, a sans serif superfamily covering many of India’s official writing systems.
This Arabic font typeface is ideal for text-heavy multilingual projects, including corporate design; editorial design; electronic-embedding in apps; navigation and signage systems; product instruction manuals; television subtitling; or UI/UX. Kohinoor Arabic’s clear, inviting, and easy-to-read letterforms are drawn in the Naskh style, with large and open counters.
The vowel mark shapes aren’t fussy. Stroke contrast is low, but there is still some modulation at junctures, keeping typographic color from getting too dark
Palatino® Arabic
Molsaq Arabic
A multilingual type family that features a modern Arabic Naskh with very short descenders and ascenders, which matches with a full-caps Latin counterpart. Molsaq is an Arabic script font perfect for setting applications that require tight leading, such as posters, hence the name, which means poster in Arabic.
With 1050 glyphs, Molsaq Pro supports Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, and Kurdish, it also supports more than 60 languages that use the Latin script. Molsaq Pro comes with many Opentype features such as stylistic alternates, ligatures, swashes, and small caps.
Molsaq Latin includes all the Opentype features and the full languages support, except for the Arabic script. While Molsaq Arabic doesn’t include Opentype features and only support the Arabic script.
Diodrum Arabic
Diodrum Arabic is a low-contrast Naskh family with six weights. The typeface has been optimized for corporate identity work, editorial design, and UI/UX projects. Arabic typically places a stronger emphasis on the horizontal than the Latin script does.
Since both the Arabic and the Latin letterforms in Diodrum are monolinear, we have employed another method to increase the prominence of horizontality: the counterforms are large and open, and the letters’ middle sections are accentuated.
Many of Diodrum’s strokes begin or end with lightly-sheared lines; these subtle angles add a trace of calligraphy back into the static language of sans serifs. The same is true for the typeface’s Arabic-script dots and marks. Find these great calligraphy fonts online.
Ostad Arabic
If you are looking for Arabic fonts online, Oustad Arabic is designed by Naghi Naghashian. It is a Bold headline font, in 1 weight. This font is a contribution to the modernization of Arabic typography, gives the font design of Arabic letters real typographic arrangement and provides more typographic flexibility. Oustad Arabic supports Arabic, Persian, and Urdu.
It also includes proportional and tabular numerals for the supported languages.
Zapfino Arabic
Zapfino Arabic is designed by Nadine Chahine as the Arabic companion to Hermann Zapf’s iconic Zapfino typeface, with the approval of Prof. Zapf. The design is an evolution of Arabic calligraphic designs that combines Naskh and Nastaliq to form a backward slanted calligraphic style.
The character proportions refer to Naskh traditions but the isolated and final forms bring with them an exaggerated swash-like movement that references the extravagant ascenders and descenders of Zapfino. The font contains a large number of contextual variants that work to create a smooth flow of pen movement, as well as 10 stylistic sets. The character set supports the Arabic language as well as basic Latin.
Zapfino Arabic is meant to be used as a display typeface, for logos, greeting cards, and short headlines. It could also work for short pieces of text, for poetry or chapter introductions, when used in a generous type size and with ample space around it. Its design is soft and elegant and leaves a lot of room for typographic playfulness.
DIN Next™ Arabic
PF Nuyork Arabic™
Nuyork Arabic was designed to emphasize the individual Arabic letter visual traditional characteristics. Including 5 weights, it was designed with both text and display applications in mind.
This font is intended to produce virtually cursive texts without eliminating the clarity or look-and-feel of the individual Arabic letters.
Offering glyphs for the full Extended Arabic Unicode Standards 6.1, including the latest Arabic Supplement and Extended-A Unicode blocks, Nuyork Arabic incorporates comprehensive support for Quranic texts and other Arabetic scripts, including African sub-Saharan scripts.
Careful design considerations were given to make sure that composed Arabetic text is visually prominent and stands well next to Latin. To ensure legibility in all sizes, vertical strokes are emphasized when possible, while utilizing multiple x-heights to give a traditional Arabian look.
PF DIN Text Arabic®
This Arabic typeface is one of Parachute’s most involved text typefaces. For the first time -back in 2010- a contemporary Arabic equivalent to a comprehensive DIN series of fonts was available.
In fact, this set of fonts contains the most complete and powerful array of Arabic features commercially today. It comes in eight weights and includes Latin. Based on the DIN Text Pro superfamily, Parachute® released -in collaboration with designer Hasan Abu Afash- 2 new versions.
DIN Text Arabic is the basic Arabic version which includes Latin and supports all variations of the Arabic script such as Persian, Urdu, and Pashto. The second version DIN Text Universal is the most advanced DIN superfamily ever.
It combines the powerful DIN Text Pro with DIN Text Arabic bringing the number of glyphs to 3320 per font. It is also enhanced with 30 advanced OpenType features and kerning for all languages.
NaNa Arabic
NaNa Arabic is a new creation of Naghi Naghashian. It was developed in 2012/2013 on the basis of specific research and analysis of Arabic typeface and definition of their structure.
This innovation is a contribution to the modern Arabic fonts, giving the font design of Arabic letters real typographic arrangement and providing greater typographic flexibility. This step was necessary after more than two hundred years of relative stagnation in Arabic writing style.
NaNa Arabic supports Arabic, Persian, and Urdu. It also includes proportional and tabular numerals for the supported languages. The NaNa Arabic Font Family is available in four weights: Thin, Light, Regular and Bold. The design of this font family is inspired by two classic scripts: Kufic and Naskh.
ITC Handel Gothic™ Arabic
TC Handel Gothic Arabic is a modern Kufi design by Nadine Chahine, created especially for headlines and display purposes. It comes in 5 different weights ranging from Light to Heavy which extends its usage capabilities considerably.
The design is mono-linear and with the typical geometric construction associated with the Kufi style. Its usage can vary from headlines to logos to packaging. Given its large counters, it can function quite well in very small sizes too.
Its pattern is quite homogenous, so it is not recommended to use this for whole paragraphs. The character set supports Arabic, Persian, and Urdu and also includes Basic Latin letters font styles.
Before The Rain Arabic
Univers® Next Arabic
FF DIN Arabic®
Swissra
Swissra is an Arabic typeface that was inspired by Swiss graphic design.
The motivation behind the typeface was to create a neutral and carefully crafted Arab fonts family that can be used on many different applications. Swissra also aspires to tribute the experience of Swiss graphic design and pass it on to the Arabic graphic design scene.
Swissra features sharply cut terminals, which are either horizontal or vertical. It also features closed apertures and a high x-height. It comes with eight weights, that range from thin to black and makes an excellent Arabic fonts download.
Swissra Condensed
Following the great success of Swissra, the condensed Arabian style font cut was designed on the same principles of Swiss graphic design. Originally Swissra was designed to create a neutral and carefully crafted Arabic font family that can be used on many different applications. Now it creates even more possibilities to help designers in applications such as signage and editorial design where the condensed cut is needed.
The typeface is one of very few Arabic condensed typefaces. Swissra Condensed comes in eight weights which range from Ultralight to Black.
Abdo Master
Abdo Master is a geometrical Arabic font style. This is an OpenType Font supporting Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and English.
The combination of modern Kufi and Geometrical styles and varying between straight and curved parts made it a beautiful typeface appropriate to the titles and text, and able to meet the desire of the user in the design of ads and modern designs of various types of audio and visual.
it comes in fourteen weights from Thin to Black and Outline style.
HS Alnada
HS Alnada is a modern OpenType Arabic font download. It is a modern Kufi / Naskh hybrid and keeps the balance between its construction and calligraphic angular cuts.
This typeface supports Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Kurdish variants and it is available in five weights: light, regular, medium, bold and black. They are refined with enhanced legibility and are ideally suited to advertising, extended texts in magazines, newspapers, book, and publishing, and creative industries, meeting the purposes of various designs for all tastes.
SF Mada
Mada is An Arabian font for desktop applications, for websites, and for digital ads. Mada font family contains two weights: regular and bold.
The font includes a design that supports Arabic and Latin languages. Mada typeface comes with many OpenType features including stylistic sets.
Afeesh
The Afeesh Arabic calligraphy generator is an attempt to create a solid and robust type of family, that is based on the Ruq’a calligraphy style. Following the Egyptian style of drawing Ruq’a, which was very popular on movie posters during the 50s-70s.
The typeface comes with an extensive set of ligatures and OpenType features such as swash and stylistic alternates. Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, in addition to Kurdish are supported.
Abdo Line
Abdo Line is a simple Naskh font. It provides one of the best Arabic fonts for books and magazines. Accurate design and clarity of reading and writing space-saving, it comes in sixth weights: Thin, Light, Regular, Bold, Heavy and Black.
This is an OpenType Font supporting Arabic, Persian, Urdu Languages and compatible with the various operating systems and modern software.
This font also contains many of Stylistic Sets, Ligatures and Justification Alternatives.
HS Almajd
HS Almajd is an Arabic calligraphy font, under “titles” category. It is useful for book titles, creative designs, and modern logos. Also, it is used when a contemporary and simple look is desired that can fit with the characteristics of Kufi fatmic where horizontal parts are equal than vertical ones.
The font is based on Kufi Fatmic calligraphy along with some derived ideas of decorative fonts, maintaining the beauty of the Arabic font and its fixed rates.
Undoubtedly, the insertion of curved ornament in some parts adds more beauty and fascinating diversity in the flow line between sharp, soft and curved parts.
This font supports Arabic, Persian, Pashtu, Kurdish Sorani, Kurdish Kirmanji and Urdu, consisting only one weight which can add to the library of Arabic Kufic fonts contemporary models that meet with the purposes of various designs for all tastes.
Regular free fonts with an Arabic influence:
Arab Dances
Arabian Lamp
XXII Arabian Onenightstand
Afarat IBN Blady
Alhambra
Kara Ben Nemsi
Pseudo Saudi
Catharsis Bedouin
Running Smobble
Mohammed
Besmellah
FAQs about Arabic fonts
What’s the big deal about Arabic fonts?
Arabic typography is a blend of art and language. It’s not just about the text—it’s about conveying culture and tradition in a fluid, beautiful way. Selecting the right font can totally change how your message is perceived, and with the intricacy of Arabic script, it’s a field demanding respect and creativity.
How do I choose the right Arabic font for my project?
First, consider the tone—formal, casual, traditional, or modern. Then, think about readability. Is it for print or digital? Remember, each typeface, from Naskh to Kufic, carries a different vibe. Aim for a perfect match between the font style and the project’s purpose.
Can I use Arabic fonts for commercial use?
Often yes, but tread carefully. Font licensing matters. Many fonts are free for personal use but require a license for commercial projects. Always check the font’s licensing agreements or reach out to the designer. Protect your project and respect the creators.
Are there any free Arabic fonts I can use for my website?
You bet! Many platforms offer free Arabic web fonts ready to be embedded in your site. Google Fonts is a trusted start. Just ensure the font supports the range of characters you need, especially if you’re mixing scripts.
What’s the difference between Arabic and Latin fonts?
Beyond the obvious language differences, Arabic and Latin fonts have unique typographical rules. Arabic script is cursive, right-to-left, and has specific letters that change shape depending on their position. It’s a dance of calligraphic traditions with digital expression, while Latin fonts are straighter-shooting in form.
How can I ensure my Arabic font displays correctly across all devices?
Start with compatibility—choose fonts with strong Unicode support. Test on different browsers and operating systems. Use formats like WOFF or WOFF2 for web fonts and embed them properly with CSS3 @font-face. Responsiveness is key; your font must adapt to various screens seamlessly.
What should I know about the cultural significance of Arabic calligraphy in fonts?
Arabic calligraphy isn’t just a writing style; it’s a cherished art form. Fonts that mimic this carry centuries of Islamic art, culture, and heritage. Respect the history, and consider context and appropriateness when integrating calligraphic fonts into your designs.
Why are diacritics and ligatures important in Arabic fonts?
Diacritics guide pronunciation, while ligatures connect specific letter combinations gracefully. Both are core to Arabic readability and aesthetics. Ignoring them can lead to misinterpretation and mar the beauty of the script. Quality Arabic fonts handle these with finesse.
What are the challenges of designing with Arabic fonts?
Crafting harmony between form and function is a challenge. Arabic scripts are complex, requiring attention to kerning, ligatures, and bidirectional text. Striking a balance between maintaining script integrity and modern design principles is a fine line every designer walks.
How do I incorporate Arabic fonts into my graphic design software?
Most design software supports Arabic fonts these days. If not, lookout for plugins or updates. Import the font as you would any other, but be mindful of the text direction and ensure that the software supports RTL (right-to-left) scripting. Then, let your creativity flow.
Conclusion
So, we’ve taken quite the scroll together, haven’t we? Zigzagging through a digital maze of Arabic fonts examples, it’s like we’ve traveled across a sea of pixels, each wave a different tale of ink and imagination.
From the sophistication of Naskh to the decorative loops of Thuluth and beyond, these fonts are more than just pretty designs. They’re a bridge—no, a high-speed train—connecting history to the here and now, each glyph carving out space for tradition in this fast-paced digital world.
- Think of the font downloads you’ve got lined up.
- That OpenType magic making on-screen display a breeze.
- And the blending of art with digital typeface… epic!
As you step out, armed with the perfect font pack tucked under your creative belt, remember the power these Arabic scripts hold. They’re not just tools; they’re torchbearers of an art form as vital and vibrant as ever. Ready to make your mark? Go on, design the future, one character at a time. 🎨
If you like this article about Arabic fonts, I have several articles about western fonts featuring cool fonts, fonts for logos, bold fonts to use as headlines, and several more.