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charley_2045
Participant
October 9, 2024
Question

How to Configure Right-to-Left Text in InDesign for Arabic Language

  • October 9, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 429 views

Hi, 

 

I started using Adobe InDesign for the first time yesterday. 

 

I work at a global company that publishes a lot of translated learning material and I'm having a total nightmare with InDesign (which, by the way, is one of the worst, most horrifically user-unfriendly apps I've ever had the misfortune of needing to use!). I am currently trying to get some Arabic text to read from right to left (in terms of paragraphs, word order, bullet/numbering placement etc.) to no avail, despite having read and sat through copious tutorials. 

I've tried using this tutorial, for example: 
https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/arabic-hebrew.html
Only to find that there's no such thing as a character menu available on my version let alone the option of 'character direction'. 
Do I need to install and uninstall the app, or pay for some Hebrew-Arabic extension plugin (which isn't an option to request at my work)?

 

Could someone tell me please, as of October 2024 how to implement this configuration without needing a degree in programming or advanced computer science. I am seriously at the end of my rope! 

Thanks in advance. 

 

 

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2 replies

Abhishek Rao
Community Manager
Abhishek RaoCommunity Manager
Community Manager
October 9, 2024

Hi @charley_2045,

 

I understand how frustrating it can be to navigate new software, especially when dealing with languages that require special configurations. To work with Arabic text in InDesign, I recommend downloading the Middle Eastern version of InDesign. This version has the necessary features for right-to-left text support.

You can find instructions on how to access and install the Middle Eastern version here: [Install Hebrew and Arabic Versions of InDesign](https://adobe.ly/3A3ELIB).

 

Once you have that installed, please refer to this helpful guide on configuring Arabic and Hebrew text: [Using Arabic and Hebrew in InDesign](https://adobe.ly/3NhbhKm).

 

Let us know how it goes, and feel free to reach out if you have any further questions!

 

Best,  
Abhishek Rao

kglad
Community Expert
kgladCommunity Expert
Community Expert
October 9, 2024

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post (like this one has already been moved) if it helps you get responses.



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