Arabic Text in AI Images: How to Get Clean Lettering

If you have tried Arabic text in AI images with Midjourney or Leonardo AI, you have probably seen broken letters, made up words or shapes that look Arabic but cannot be read. The practical fix: generate the image without text, then add the Arabic copy yourself with a real font in Canva or any design app that supports Arabic. Here is why the problem happens and how to get clean results every time.

Why do image generators get Arabic wrong?

Image models do not type letters the way a word processor does. They paint shapes resembling letters they have seen, without understanding or spelling the word. That trips them up even in English, and Arabic is harder:

• Letters connect and change shape depending on their position in the word.
• Right to left direction differs from most text these models saw.
• Dots and diacritics are tiny details that change meaning.
• Arabic examples in training data are usually far fewer than English ones.

Some tools, such as Ideogram, are known for handling text inside images better, especially short English phrases. Even so, Arabic results vary a lot, so do not rely on them for anything you will publish.

The right workflow: image first, text second

Let each tool do what it is good at. The AI tool makes the scene; the design app handles lettering. You get correct letters and can edit copy any time without regenerating.

Step by step

1. Block text in the prompt with no text or Midjourney's --no text.
2. Ask for empty space where the copy will go.
3. Set the aspect ratio for your platform from the start.
4. Download at full quality and upscale if needed.
5. Open it in Canva or another app with Arabic support.
6. Add the copy with a suitable Arabic font and adjust spacing.
7. Boost contrast with a soft shadow or colour band behind busy areas.

cozy ramadan table with lanterns and dates, warm golden light, bokeh background, empty dark space at the top for a headline --ar 4:5 --no text

minimal abstract background with soft purple and blue waves, clean, lots of empty space in the center, modern --ar 1:1 --no text, letters, words

Choosing an Arabic font

• Modern sans styles such as Cairo, Tajawal, Almarai and IBM Plex Sans Arabic read clearly on screens.
• Naskh styles are classic and comfortable for longer text.
• Kufi is geometric and bold, great for logos and short headlines.
• Ruqaa and Diwani feel decorative and suit invitations and occasions.

For more on how type, colour and layout work together, read our colour and typography basics.

Common Arabic text problems and fixes

Letters appear disconnected or reversed

The software does not fully support Arabic shaping. Use an app with proper Arabic support, or enable right to left language support in your editor.

Numbers and English words jump around

Mixed direction text can reorder itself. Proofread carefully, split the line, or place the English word in its own text box.

Text is hard to read

Add a semi transparent colour layer behind the text, pick a calmer area of the image or use a heavier weight.

Lines feel cramped

Arabic letters have tall ascenders and deep descenders, so increase line spacing slightly above the default.

Checklist before publishing

• Spelling and hamzas are correct.
• Letters connect properly and run right to left.
• Text reads on a small phone screen.
• Contrast is strong enough.
• No more than two fonts.
• No stray pseudo letters hidden in the AI background, such as on signs or books.

Using these tools through ZTOOLZ

ZTOOLZ offers shared access to image and design tools, which suits learning, experimenting and drafting content ideas. Shared access gives no licence or commercial rights; for client work or paid ads, use the tool's official plan in your name. Tools available change, so check the store, and if Canva is new to you, start with our beginner designer guide.

FAQ

Is there an AI tool that writes Arabic correctly?

Some tools are improving at text, but Arabic inside generated images is still inconsistent. Adding the copy yourself is the reliable route.

How do I add Arabic text to a photo on my phone?

Open the image in the Canva mobile app, add a text box and pick an Arabic font. It handles right to left text.

Why do Arabic letters show up separated in some apps?

The app lacks Arabic shaping support. Switch to an app that supports it or enable right to left language settings.

What is the best Arabic font for social media?

Bold, simple modern styles are usually clearest on phones. Test a few and choose the one that fits your brand.