Arabic Keyboard for Linux
Type Arabic on Linux right here in your browser — no install, no root, works on any distro or a live USB. Click the on-screen letters, type by sound, add harakat, then Copy and paste anywhere. Or follow the steps below to add the built-in Arabic layout on GNOME or KDE.
Last updated: June 2026 · Ubuntu 24.04 / GNOME 46 / KDE Plasma
Quick answer: On GNOME (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Mint) open Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources → +, click the ⋮ (three dots), search Arabic, open Others, pick a variant and click Add. Switch with Super + Space. On KDE it’s System Settings → Keyboard → Layouts → Add → Arabic. No root needed — and you can type right now in the keyboard above.
Type Arabic on Linux right now — no install, no root
The keyboard at the top of this page is a full Arabic keyboard for Linux that runs in your browser. Click the on-screen letters, or switch to Transliteration and type by sound — salam becomes سلام. Add harakat, tap Copy, and paste anywhere. It needs no sudo and no system change, so it’s ideal on a shared machine, a live USB, or a locked work laptop.
How to add the Arabic keyboard on GNOME (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Mint)
- Open Settings → Keyboard.
- Under Input Sources, click +.
- Click the ⋮ (three dots) at the bottom of the list, type Arabic, open Others, choose your variant (see below) and click Add.
You can also do it from a terminal: setxkbmap ara sets the standard Arabic layout for the current session.
How to add the Arabic keyboard on KDE Plasma (Kubuntu, Fedora KDE)
- Open System Settings → Keyboard → Layouts.
- Click Add, choose Arabic and a variant, then Apply.
- Set or check the switch shortcut under the same panel.
Do you need ibus or fcitx? (most people don’t)
This is the biggest source of confusion. For standard Arabic typing you do NOT need ibus or fcitx — the built-in xkb layouts on GNOME and KDE are enough. Use an input-method framework only if you want a phonetic engine or you mix Arabic with Chinese, Japanese or Korean. In that case, fcitx5 (KDE) or ibus (GNOME) with an Arabic input method is the way.
Arabic layout variants on Linux — which one to pick
| Variant | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic (standard) | The real Arabic hardware layout | Anyone who knows the Arabic keyboard |
| Arabic (AZERTY) | Arabic on a French AZERTY base | Maghreb & France (AZERTY keyboards) |
| Arabic (Buckwalter) | Type Arabic by sound on QWERTY | Researchers, transliteration users |
| Arabic (QWERTY/phonetic) | Phonetic mapping on a US keyboard | Beginners on a US QWERTY keyboard |
| Arabic (Macintosh) | The macOS-style Arabic layout | Users coming from a Mac |
Terminal users can pick a variant directly, e.g. setxkbmap -layout ara -variant azerty.
How to type harakat (tashkeel) on Linux
On the standard Arabic layout the diacritics sit on the Shift and AltGr layers (e.g. Shift gives Fatha, Damma, Kasra and Shadda). Easier: add them with one tap in the keyboard above, then copy. Full reference: Arabic keyboard with harakat.
Troubleshooting Arabic on Linux
Arabic shows as boxes (□□□)
Install Arabic fonts: on Ubuntu/Debian sudo apt install fonts-noto (plus Amiri or Scheherazade), then log out and back in.
The layout won’t switch
You need at least two input sources. Check the switch shortcut (Super + Space by default); on KDE set it under Keyboard → Layouts → Shortcuts.
Wayland vs X11
Layout switching works on both; a few older input-method tools behave differently on Wayland — the built-in xkb layouts are the reliable choice.
Arabic keyboard on other devices
Also see our guides for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android and Chromebook. French speaker? Use the clavier arabe.
Official Linux resources for the Arabic keyboard
- Use alternative keyboard layouts — GNOME
- Part of the Arabic Keyboard hub — see also Windows and Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add an Arabic keyboard on Ubuntu?
Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources → + → ⋮ → search Arabic → Others → variant → Add. Switch with Super + Space.
How do I switch to the Arabic keyboard?
Super + Space (next), Shift + Super + Space (previous), or the top-bar layout indicator.
Do I need root/sudo?
No — built-in layouts and the online keyboard above need no admin rights.
Arabic, Arabic (AZERTY) or Buckwalter — which?
Standard for Arabic keyboards; AZERTY for French/Maghreb keyboards; Buckwalter/phonetic to type by sound on QWERTY.
Do I need ibus or fcitx?
Usually no — xkb layouts cover standard typing; use an IME only for phonetic engines or Arabic + CJK.
How do I type harakat on Linux?
Shift/AltGr combos on the standard layout, or the diacritic buttons in the keyboard above.
Arabic shows as squares — fix?
Install fonts-noto / Amiri / Scheherazade and re-login.
Can I type Arabic without changing settings?
Yes — use the keyboard above and copy-paste, no system change.