Justify Arabic text with automatic Kashida insertion

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to apply automatic Kashida settings to extend Arabic characters for proper text justification in Adobe InDesign.

In Arabic typography, justification uses Kashidas, horizontal extensions added to characters, rather than adjusting word spacing. InDesign can insert Kashidas automatically to maintain proper script appearance.

Kashidas apply only to justified Arabic text and not to aligned text (left, right, or center). You can control their length and apply them at the paragraph or character level.

Apply Kashidas to paragraphs

Select the Arabic paragraph.

Select Window > Type & Tables > Paragraph.

Select the panel menu icon and verify that Adobe World-Ready Paragraph Composer is selected.

Select the Justify all lines icon to apply justification to the paragraph.

Select a Kashida length from the drop-down menu next to the Insert Kashida icon: None, Short, Medium, Long, or Stylistic.

Apply Kashidas to character ranges

Use the Type tool to select the Arabic characters to extend.

Select Window > Type & Tables > Character.

Select the panel menu icon, then choose Kashidas.