Navigating the complexities of right-to-left languages in localization

Most languages are read from left to right, with a few exceptions. Languages written from right to left, also known as RTL languages, may be few in number, but they’re used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The most popular RTL languages include Arabic, Farsi, and Urdu.

Businesses that translate their content into right-to-left languages can reach audiences across the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. However, these scripts pose unique design and layout challenges during localization. You’ll need a thoughtful strategy to effectively localize your websites, apps, and storefronts.

This guide will explore how to translate RTL languages so you can maximize your global sales.  

Unique considerations of RTL language localization

As the names imply, the primary difference between left-to-right (LTR) languages and RTL languages lies in the direction of writing. LTR scripts start on the left side of the page and move rightward, whereas RTL scripts begin on the right and proceed to the left. This distinction might seem straightforward and minor, but it dramatically affects user interfaces (UI) and user experience (UX).

Localization of LTR languages to RTL languages poses the following challenges:

• Text alignment and layout: UI elements, menus, and navigation bars must be mirrored for readability and usability.
• Bidirectional text: Without proper bidirectional support, mixed-content text (e.g., English words within RTL content) can cause alignment and spacing issues.
• Font compatibility and spacing: Many fonts aren’t optimized for RTL scripts, leading to inconsistent spacing and poor readability.
• Reversed icons and visuals: Directional icons (e.g., arrows, back buttons) must flip to match the right-to-left flow.
• String expansion: Translations can lengthen text, affecting button sizes, UI constraints, and layout.
• Right-to-left testing: Many localization tools default to LTR and require manual testing to catch layout shifts, truncations, and functionality issues.

How many languages are written from right to left?

Although there are relatively few languages that read from right to left, some rank among the most spoken languages in the world. These are the most common RTL languages worldwide, according to Ethnologue:

Many people who speak these languages live in developing countries with growing economies and internet usage. This presents a major opportunity for international companies to localize their content to RTL languages and reach millions of people, especially among Persian, Urdu, and Arabic-speaking populations.

How to perform right-to-left language localization

When translating your app or website for any language that reads from right to left, there’s more to consider than just flipping the text direction. You must also localize UI elements like layout, typography, and interactive features to provide a smooth experience for RTL users. Follow these five steps to localize for RTL languages:

1. Translate your content for RTL languages

Content translation is the first step. However, you can’t simply copy and paste text into a machine translation tool and call it a day. RTL languages, such as Arabic and Hebrew, have unique structures, making word order is often completely different from English and other LTR languages. This change in structure can cause translations to need adjustments to accommodate visual design of your website or product. 

Localization platforms like Smartling might offer CAT tools that help address this challenge by providing translators with visual context in real-time while they translate. This visual context allows translators to visualize how the translated text fits into the existing layout, preventing awkward breaks, misaligned text, or cut-off sentences—common pitfalls when switching between LTR and RTL formats.

2. Mirror your layout and navigation

The easiest way to prepare a website for left-to-right localization is to mirror its layout. Everything on the left in an LTR design should move to the right. Directionality matters even for simple menus, as RTL readers may expect navigation buttons to be reversed. 

Depending on the language, you may have to make the following changes:

• Menus and navigation bars move to the right side.
• Icons and buttons flip to match the reading flow.
• Progress indicators load from right to left.

Without this step, your app or website could feel backward, confusing RTL users.

3. Adjust typography for RTL readability

Not all fonts work well for RTL languages. Some distort characters, whereas others lack proper spacing. Here’s how to keep your text looking clean:

• Pick fonts that support Arabic, Hebrew, or other RTL scripts.
• Adjust line spacing, as some RTL scripts need additional breathing room.
• Set text alignment to the right by default, but allow LTR content (like numbers or email addresses) to display correctly when necessary.

4. Tweak forms and interactive elements

Forms and input fields often create unexpected issues when switching to RTL. Without adjustment, RTL users might struggle to provide payment and shipping information. Forms and interactive elements may require these fixes:

• Text fields should align to the right but still allow users to type numbers or email addresses in a left-to-right format.
• Dropdown menus, buttons, and sliders should follow an RTL flow.
• Date pickers and calendars should display dates in a way that makes sense for the region.

Ignoring these small details can lead to a frustrating user experience and a lower conversion rate.

5. Adapt visuals to match RTL layouts

If the visuals are off, a translated website with flipped text still won’t feel right. Every detail contributes to a smooth, natural experience for RTL users. Do the following to adapt your visuals:

• Icons with directional meaning (like arrows) should point in the correct direction.
• Images that contain text might need a separate RTL version to maintain readability.
• Animations and transitions should move from right to left when appropriate.

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Reach new audiences with Smartling’s RTL language solutions

Expanding into right-to-left (RTL) markets opens the door to millions of new users—but only if your content is properly adapted. Poor localization confuses audiences, disrupts usability, and ultimately pushes potential customers away. That’s where Smartling comes in.

Smartling’s powerful localization tools simplify content translation and adaptation for RTL languages. With unparalleled accuracy, nuanced cultural consideration, and scalable content management, Smartling helps businesses create experiences that feel natural to international audiences. Whether you’re localizing a website, mobile app, or product interface, our services can maintain your design integrity, readability, and user experience across all languages.

Want to dive deeper into the nuances of Arabic localization? Download our eBook, “Translating for EMEA Markets.” Chapter 5 discusses the primary challenges and best practices for reaching Arabic-speaking audiences. You’ll learn how to refine your localization strategy and connect with Arabic customers worldwide.