Mac · 4 min read
How to Add and Switch to an Arabic Keyboard on Mac
macOS lets you add Arabic as an input source alongside English. Once installed, you can switch layouts from the menu bar or a keyboard shortcut, then type Arabic in most apps that accept text.
Add Arabic as an input source
Open System Settings and select Keyboard. In the Text Input area, choose Edit next to Input Sources, then use the add button to find and add Arabic. The exact labels can vary by macOS version; search Settings for “Input Sources” if the panel has moved.
If more than one Arabic layout is offered, choose one that matches your region and physical keyboard. The input-source preview helps you see what each key produces before you begin.
Switch between Arabic and English
Enable the Input menu in the menu bar if it is not already visible, then select Arabic when you want to type Arabic. macOS versions commonly provide a Control-Space input-source shortcut, but keyboard shortcuts can be customized or used by another feature.
Check the active input-source indicator before typing. If the letters do not match the keycaps, switch back to Keyboard settings and confirm which Arabic layout is selected.
Choose between a system layout and harf
A macOS input source is useful for writing inside documents, email, and apps all day. For a short message on a device where you do not want to adjust settings, harf provides a browser keyboard with click-to-type and English-to-Arabic physical-key mapping.
Try a short phrase after switching and confirm the punctuation and paragraph direction in the app you plan to use. Different apps can apply their own right-to-left text controls.
Put what you learned into practice.
Open the harf keyboard and try a short phrase. Click the letters or use your physical keyboard.
Open the keyboard