Noto Nastaliq Urdu

Noto Nastaliq Urdu is a free variable Nastaliq font in Google’s Noto collection, especially intended for Urdu. Its 400–700 weight range supports a small hierarchy, while the descending word structure needs generous vertical space.

Test the text container before styling a whole product

For an Urdu reading view, use a multi-line passage with different word lengths. Inspect the top and bottom of the text box, the space between lines and any clipping after a size change. A component designed around a Latin font may need different height and spacing settings.

Do the same test in the final browser or publishing application. A static image of one word cannot demonstrate paragraph shaping or wrapping. The supplied font covers Urdu, Arabic and Latin characters; the particular words and marks still need a production check.

A variable file with four preview positions

The package contains one original variable TTF, version 3.009. Its wght axis runs from 400 to 700, with default 400. The preview prepares positions 400, 500, 600 and 700; compatible software can choose intermediate values from the original file.

The font’s diagonal word movement is part of its calligraphic design. It does not indicate a separate italic, and this file has no slant axis. Changing weight cannot compensate for a text box that clips descending forms.

Compare the intended reading tradition

Use Gulzar as another Urdu Nastaliq candidate. Compare the same passage at comparable visual sizes and inspect the busiest lines. For conventional Arabic Naskh content, examine Noto Naskh Arabic or Scheherazade New instead of assuming the two script styles are interchangeable.

Latin alongside Nastaliq

Start with the Latin in the supplied file for short bilingual labels. If a separate Latin family is required, compare its apparent size and baseline relationship to the Urdu. Allow the Nastaliq line the height it needs rather than forcing both scripts into an unchanged Latin line-height setting.

License and original source

The ZIP includes the original variable TTF and SIL Open Font License 1.1. Personal and commercial use, embedding and redistribution are permitted under its terms. Keep the license with redistributed files; selling the font by itself is prohibited.

See the Google Fonts source, compare other Nastaliq fonts and use the Arabic keyboard for an Arabic sample, not as a complete Urdu input method. The guide to choosing an Arabic font covers comparison across uses.