How to Type in Arabic Letters on your Windows

How to Type in Arabic Letters

Arabic letter stickers can be put on your English keyboard.

Typing in Arabic used to require typing a three digit number corresponding to each Arabic letter. Now, your computer comes with the option of easily switching between English and Arabic using your regular keyboard. Microsoft Windows and Apple both have Arabic capacity. All you have to do is to enable the Arabic script on your computer.

Instructions Windows Vista

1. • 1
     Click on the start menu program on the bottom left button of your screen.

     When the dialogue box appears, click on Control Panel.
   • 2
     Scroll down until you reach Regional and Language Options. Click on the icon that looks like a globe.
   • 3
     Look for the tab that says Keyboards and Languages. Click on it.
   • 4
     Press on Change Keyboards. A pop-up window will appear.
   • 5
     Click on the button that says Add. Chose Arabic and click OK.
   • 6
     A button with the letters EN will appear at the bottom of your screen. Click on it to toggle between Arabic and English or press alt+shift.

   Windows XP

   • 7
     Click on the start menu program on the bottom left button of your screen.

     When the dialogue box appears, click on Control Panel.
   • 8
     Scroll down until you reach Regional and Language Options. Click on the icon.
   • 9
     Click on the box that says Install Files for Complex Scripts and Right-to-Left Languages under Supplemental Language Support. Click the Apply button.
   • 10
     Insert your Windows XP CDs Service Pack 3, if prompted. The discs come with your computer at the time of purchase. In some computers, the Arabic script is pre-installed. It will take a few minutes to install the pack of foreign languages scripts.
   • 11
     Go to Advanced tab and Regional Options. Select Arabic. Click OK. Restart your computer if needed.

   Windows 2000 Pro

   • 12
     Click on the start menu program on the bottom left button of your screen.

     Click on Control Panel.
   • 13
     Scroll down until you reach Regional and Language Options. Click on the icon that looks like a globe.
   • 14
     Click on the tab that says General. Tick the Arabic box under Language Settings for the System. Click on the Apply button. Restart your PC.

   Apple Macintosh

   • 15
     Click on System preferences on the top left corner of your screen. A window will pop up.
   • 16
     Click on the International icon that looks like the United Nations flag. A window will pop up.
   • 17
     Go to Input Menu to enable your computer to type in Arabic. Choose the Character palette box.
   • 18
     Scroll down and enable Arabic Qwerty. Tick the corresponding box. A box will pop up to the top right corner of your screen. Click on Arabic to change the keyboard to Arabic script.
   • 19
     Click on the Language tap. Drag the Arabic script to the top.