Al-Rassam Al-Arabi is a specialized Arabic desktop publishing and utility software developed by Layout Ltd.. It is primarily designed to bridge the gap between Arabic text entry and non-Arabic-enabled graphic design applications, making it a staple for designers and professionals in the Middle East. Key Features and Capabilities
The software serves as a floating palette where users can type and edit Arabic text before exporting it to other programs.
Design Application Integration: It allows users to use Arabic in popular design software that might not natively support the script, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, and Macromedia Flash.
Font Library: The package includes 22 high-quality Arabic fonts, with an additional 10 free fonts available upon registration. It supports both ASCII and Unicode formats, ensuring compatibility with modern versions of the Creative Suite and other multimedia tools.
Typography Controls: Users can adjust spacing, kerning, and ligatures. A unique "Flip Numerics" feature allows for one-click reversal of number strings (e.g., changing "123.456" to "654.321").
Bilingual Interface: The software offers a full bilingual user interface, including menus and help documentation, which can be viewed in two languages simultaneously. al rassam arabic typing software
Al-Rassam Al-Arabi is utilized across various sectors for professional Arabic content creation:
Graphic Design: Creating Arabic banners, headlines, and posters for print and digital media.
Web Development: Generating animated Arabic text and buttons for websites without needing a system-level Arabic language kit.
Publishing: Facilitating self-publishing for students, freelancers, and home-based professionals. Compatibility and Availability
The software is designed for Windows environments, historically supporting versions from Windows 95 through XP and newer. not just adds spaces.
Full Version: Available for purchase at approximately €175.00 (net) or $199.99, often provided as a digital download or on CD-ROM.
Demo Version: A free trial is typically available on the CoDesCo IT Consulting website, though it may have character limitations or a reduced font selection. Modern Alternatives
While Al-Rassam Al-Arabi remains a classic choice for legacy workflows, users looking for modern typing tutors or simple mobile inputs may consider:
Arabic Typing Tutor: A dedicated software for learning how to type in Arabic using the classic typewriter layout.
Tamam Arabic Keyboard: A popular mobile app for Android featuring ornate fonts, emojis, and translation capabilities. Al-Rassam Al-Arabi - CoDesCo IT Consulting Quranic text | Logo design
Before operating systems like Windows and macOS fully integrated RTL support, software like Al Rassam was essential. It ensured that the cursor moved correctly and that the text flowed as it should, maintaining the sanctity of the written word.
While many modern tools now exist, Al Rassam carved out a legacy based on a few core strengths:
Workshops that engrave marble or brass monuments use Al Rassam to generate vector files for CNC machines. The software’s ability to thicken or thin specific strokes (simulating pressure sensitivity) ensures that the machine doesn't cut a "digital" look, but a hand-carved look.
| Feature | Al Rassam 2002 | Modern Tools (FontForge, Inkscape) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Calligraphy rules | Automatic (excellent) | Manual (requires skill) | | Learning curve | Steep (needs training) | Very steep | | Unicode support | No (uses legacy fonts) | Yes | | Price | Free/Abandonware | Mostly free | | Best for | Long manuscripts, Quranic text | Logo design, single words |
Verdict: Use Al Rassam for books and long documents. Use modern vector editors for logos and posters.
Kashida is the process of stretching letters to justify lines of text. In standard software, automatic stretching often looks awkward. Al Rassam gives you granular control, allowing you to stretch specific letters horizontally to create perfect block justification without breaking the visual rhythm.
In standard Word, stretching a word looks ugly. In Al Rassam, you can press a shortcut to add kashida (ـ) that elongates the letter's body, not just adds spaces.