Writing the letters by hand is the fastest way to memorise the Arabic alphabet —far faster than staring at a chart. But not all calligraphy workbooks are equal. Here is what to look for so you pick one you will actually use.
Why a workbook, not just a letter chart
Seeing the 28 letters on a page does not stick; tracing them does. The hand fixes what the eye only recognises. A good workbook turns the alphabet into a ten-minute daily habit, with room to repeat until it comes naturally.
What to check before buying
Look for five things: guided strokes (faint lines you follow with your pencil, in the right order and direction), plenty of space to practise each letter, a clear progression (from single letters to connected letters and first words), paper and print that hold up to pencil or marker, and that it is designed to start from zero, no Arabic needed.
Which workbook is for whom
If you are starting from scratch, look for one focused on the letters and their forms by position. If you already recognise the alphabet, you will want one with words and phrases to loosen your hand. Starting with the letters is almost always the safe bet.
Our recommendation
Our workbook Practice and Learn Arabic Calligraphy 1 is built exactly for starting from zero: guided strokes, special paper, generous space and a step-by-step progression of the letters.
Not sure where to start? Take our 3-question quiz and we will tell you which book fits you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know Arabic to start? No: a good workbook begins from the letters. Pencil or marker? Pencil at first, so you can erase and repeat. How long a day? Ten minutes daily beats one long session.
Written by
Co-founder and Modern Standard Arabic teacher
Adam Hajjaj is Spanish-Moroccan and a co-founder of Escuela Internacional de Árabe (eiarabe.com) and the arabooki press. Trained in Arabic philology at the University of Granada, he specialises in Modern Standard Arabic (fusha) and in teaching Arabic to Spanish speakers. For years he has explained the language clearly and usefully — without unnecessary academic noise — both in live classes and in the materials he publishes. At arabooki he writes and reviews the Standard Arabic content, making sure every book is accurate, accessible and connected to the real language.
View author profile