Understanding RTL Design

Before diving into the recommended books, let’s clarify what RTL design is. Right-to-left (RTL) design is a user interface layout that reads content from right to left, which is the opposite of the left-to-right (LTR) layout used in most Western languages.

RTL design is especially relevant in languages like Arabic, Hebrew, and Farsi, where reading direction is the reverse of English and other Western languages. This article focuses on RTL design books that cater to both language-specific and general design principles.

The Ultimate Collection of RTL Design Books

1. |Right to Left Web Design| by Rachel Andrew

This book by renowned web designer Rachel Andrew offers an in-depth exploration of RTL design on the web. With practical examples and detailed explanations, readers will gain a thorough understanding of the intricacies of designing for languages that use an RTL script.

2. |RTL Design: From Principles to Practice| by Alex Banks and Daniele Carosone

This comprehensive guide covers the entire spectrum of RTL design, from foundational principles to practical applications. The authors provide insights into how to adapt design patterns and layouts for RTL content, making it an essential read for any designer looking to expand their skills.

3. |Mastering Arabic Calligraphy and Typography| by Farouk Rizkalla

While primarily focused on Arabic calligraphy, this book offers valuable insights into the principles of Arabic typography, which can be applied to RTL design in general. It’s a beautiful, coffee-table-style book that’s both informative and visually appealing.

4. |Hebrew Design: Principles and Practices| by David Kipen and Liora Kornblum

This book explores the world of Hebrew design, providing valuable information on typography, layout, and the cultural aspects that influence Hebrew design. It’s an excellent resource for designers working with RTL content, as it offers a deeper understanding of the context in which RTL design is used.

5. |Designing for the Arabic Language: A Practical Guide to RTL Design| by Fady bou-Hamdan and Marwan Nasser

This guide focuses specifically on Arabic RTL design, offering a comprehensive approach to adapting web design, user interfaces, and applications for languages that use an RTL script. The book includes numerous examples and practical advice, making it an invaluable resource for designers and developers.

6. |Hebrew Typography: From Script to Screen| by Shira Hanau

Written by an expert in Hebrew typography, this book provides an insightful look into the evolution of Hebrew typography and its adaptation for digital media. It’s an excellent resource for designers who need to understand the nuances of Hebrew design and typography.

7. |Right to Left User Interface Design| by Dario Spagnolo

This book is a practical guide to RTL user interface (UI) design, focusing on the challenges and solutions for adapting UI components and interactions to support RTL content. It includes examples, case studies, and best practices, making it a valuable resource for UI designers.

8. |Designing for Farsi and Persian| by Shervin Rostami

This book focuses on the design of Persian and Farsi typography, offering valuable insights into the cultural and aesthetic aspects that influence these languages’ design. It’s a resource that goes beyond just RTL layout and provides a deeper understanding of the design context for these languages.

Additional Resources

In addition to the above books, there are numerous online resources and tools available to help designers master RTL design. Some of these include:

• W3C’s Guide to Right to Left (RTL) Web Design
• RTL CSS – A collection of CSS snippets for RTL support
• RTL CSS Attributes – A comprehensive list of CSS attributes and their RTL behavior
• RTL CSS GitHub Repository – A collection of RTL CSS resources