Select the Arabic or Hebrew text.
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Apply ligatures to Arabic and Hebrew text
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to use OpenType ligature features in Adobe InDesign to connect character pairs in Middle Eastern text.
Ligatures join certain letter pairs to improve readability and appearance in Arabic and Hebrew text. When activated, InDesign automatically replaces standard characters with ligatures if the OpenType font supports them.
This feature requires an OpenType font with ligature support and an InDesign version that supports right-to-left languages.
Activate standard ligatures
Select Window > Type & Tables > Character.
Select the panel menu icon, then choose Ligatures.
Apply decorative discretionary ligatures
Select the text where you want more ornate ligature forms.
Select Window > Type & Tables > Character.
Select the panel menu icon.
Choose OpenType > [Discretionary Ligatures].
Note
Not all OpenType fonts include discretionary ligatures. If this option is unavailable or produces no visible change, your current font lacks these optional glyphs.
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