Arabic Tattoo Fonts
Type a word, name or phrase in Arabic and see it in 10 calligraphy fonts chosen for tattoos. Every font here is published under the SIL Open Font License, so you can take the design to your tattoo artist. Before you book, read the mistakes section below: Arabic tattoos go wrong more often than any other script.
The most common Arabic tattoo mistakes
Letters written separately instead of joined; text reversed left to right because the design software did not support Arabic; translation from a free online tool that picks the wrong word; and a mirrored stencil. Always check the final stencil, not only the drawing, with a native Arabic speaker.
Choosing a calligraphy style
Thuluth is ornate and suits larger pieces on the forearm or back. Diwani flows in curves and looks good along the ribs or collarbone. Kufi is geometric and stays readable when small, such as on a finger or wrist. Nastaliq, the Persian style, is slanted and delicate for short words and poetry.
Size and readability
Arabic calligraphy has fine details that blur as ink spreads. Keep at least 3 cm in height for Thuluth and Diwani, and prefer simple fonts for small tattoos. Short words of three to six letters give the cleanest results.
A note on religious text
Many Muslims consider it disrespectful to tattoo the name of God or verses of the Quran on the body. If you want a spiritual meaning, words such as sabr (patience), amal (hope) or noor (light) are common alternatives.
Popular Arabic tattoo words
Frequently asked questions
What is the best font for an Arabic tattoo?
For larger designs, Thuluth or Diwani calligraphy; for small tattoos, a clean Kufi or Naskh font. Preview your text in several styles above before deciding.
How can I check that my Arabic tattoo is correct?
Ask a native Arabic speaker to read the final stencil. Make sure the letters are joined and that the text reads from right to left.
Can I use these fonts for a tattoo for free?
Yes. The fonts on this page use the SIL Open Font License, which allows personal and commercial use.
How do I write my name in Arabic for a tattoo?
Find your name in our Names in Arabic guide for the usual spelling, then preview it here in tattoo fonts.