Calligraphy is a beautiful and timeless art form that involves writing in a decorative and expressive way. It has been practiced for centuries in various cultures and is especially prominent in languages like Urdu and Arabic, each of which has its own unique calligraphic style. From the intricate curves of Arabic script to the flowing elegance of Urdu calligraphy, these art forms reflect rich cultural traditions and have been passed down through generations.
Whether you are a beginner looking to explore the world of calligraphy or an experienced artist aiming to refine your skills, there are numerous online resources that can guide you on your journey. These platforms offer everything from basic lessons to advanced techniques in decorative styles. Here are five of the best platforms where you can learn Urdu and Arabic Calligraphy online, offering expert-led tutorials, practice exercises, and helpful tools to help you grow your skills.
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Where to Learn Urdu and Arabic Calligraphy Online?
Below, we have compiled a list of the best online platforms that offer courses, tutorials, and resources to help you master the art of Urdu and Arabic calligraphy. Let’s get into their details one-by-one.
| Sr. | Platform | Description |
| 1 | My Qalam Academy | Comprehensive online platform offering Arabic and Urdu calligraphy courses. They cover classical styles like Nasta’liq, Naskh, Thuluth, and Kufic, with lifetime access and personalized feedback. |
| 2 | University of Arabic Calligraphy | A free global institution teaching Arabic calligraphy. It is recognized in 30+ countries. They offer diverse resources, virtual libraries, and proficiency exams. |
| 3 | YouTube | Free platform with a variety of calligraphy tutorials for beginners and advanced learners. |
| 4 | Deen Arts Foundation | Nonprofit organization teaching Islamic calligraphy with a focus on artistic and spiritual aspects through workshops, exhibitions, and courses. |
| 5 | Barzingi Institute | Offers professional-level online courses in Arabic and Urdu calligraphy with interactive tutorials and personalized support. |
My Qalam Academy
My Qalam Academy is an online platform that offers a comprehensive teaching to learning Arabic and Urdu calligraphy. It is one of the best resources for those who want to start from scratch. Omar Uddin, a Pakistani-born Canadian artist is the founder of My Qalam Academy. The platform has over 6000 students with presence in more than 102 countries worldwide. This online academy provides online courses and workshops. You can specialize in different styles, such as Diwani, Naskh, Thuluth, and Kufic for Arabic, and Nastaleeq for Urdu. The courses at My Qalam Academy are designed to guide students step-by-step through the basics of calligraphy. You can understand the different tools like Qalam an Ink, writing techniques, and the history of calligraph styles. They also offer personal feedback on your work.
Key Features:
- Focus on classical styles like Nasta’liq (Urdu), Naskh, Thuluth, and Kufic (Arabic).
- iPad Arabic Calligraphy Course
- Money Back guaranteed
- Affordable Courses
- Life-time Course Access
- Courses for beginners and advanced learners.
- Personalized feedback from professional calligraphers.
- Video tutorials and assignments to practice.
| Website Link | myqalamacademy.com |
| support@myqalamacademy.com | |
| Founder | Omar Uddin |
| No. of Students Enrolled | 6000+ Students |
| Facebook Profile Link | facebook.com/myqalamacademy |
University of Arabic Calligraphy
The University of Arabic Calligraphy is a worldwide and free institution that is established by a diverse team of calligraphers. They are working to make the techniques of Arabic calligraphy accessible to learners worldwide. By using the modern teaching methods, this online university offers courses that not only teach the technical aspects of calligraphy but also emphasize its cultural and artistic significance. This institute is recognized in more than 30 countries and provides 100+ free resources with 10,000+ hours of research. They have also developed 10+ digital tools for digital calligraphy and unique creations. The key feature of the University of Arabic Calligraphy is its vast collection of free resources. These include lessons, materials, and guidance for those passionate about the Arabic Calligraphy. They provide open-access approach to all. Whether you are a beginner who is trying to explore the basics or an advanced learner who is refining the skills, this university offers a platform to learn, grow, and appreciate the beauty of Arabic calligraphy.
Key Features:
- Offers Certificates with High Academic Values
- Renowned Calligraphers and Scholars
- Lifelong Learning
- Interactive Learning
- Enhance handwriting skills
- Calligraphy Worksheets
- Virtual Library
- Offering International Arabic Calligraphy Proficiency Exam.
| Website Link | uacalligraphy.ac |
| support@uacalligraphy.ac | |
| Recognition | 30+ Countries |
| International Exam | International Arabic Calligraphy Proficiency Exam |
YouTube
YouTube is a treasure trove of free content. If you are looking to learn Urdu or Arabic calligraphy, it is one of the best places to start. There are many artists available there who share their tips and tutorials, free of cost. You can get easy to follow lessons on different writing styles. One of the biggest advantages of learning on YouTube is a variety of tutorials available. You can watch lessons on everything. Plus, you can pause and rewind the videos as needed. All these things make it a very flexible and convenient way to learn. Since, content on YouTube is free, so it is an ideal starting point especially for beginners.
Key Features:
- Access to free lessons anytime, anywhere.
- Wide range of videos for both beginners and advanced learners.
- Ability to pause, rewind, and rewatch lessons.
- Detailed tutorials on both Urdu and Arabic calligraphy.
What makes Noto Nastaliq Urdu stand out as the finest Urdu script font by Google? Let’s read more about it.
Deen Arts Foundation
Deen Arts foundation was established in 2017 in Dallas, Texas. They teach Islamic calligraphy that blends artistic techniques with spiritual significance. This resource is ideal for those who want to learn calligraphy in the context of Islamic art and culture. The foundation takes its name from the Arabic term Deen. Within Islamic context, it represents the way of life that follows faith, morality, and actions, guided by divine principles. The organization is dedicated to provide the deeper understanding and appreciation of Islamic arts through different programs, workshops, and exhibitions. By promoting the art skills, Deen Arts Foundation ensures their legacy is passed on to the future generations effectively.
Key Features
- Focus on the artistic and spiritual aspects of calligraphy.
- Courses covering Naskh, Diwani, Thuluth, and Nasta’liq.
- Workshops, exhibitions, and live sessions.
- A comprehensive approach blending technique and history.
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| Website Link | deenartsfoundation.org |
| Established in | 2017 |
| team@deenartsfoundation.org | |
| Phone Number | +1 7033955104 |
| instagram.com/deen.arts.foundation | |
| facebook.com/deenartsfoundation |
Barzingi Institute
The Barzingi Institute offers professional-level courses for both Arabic and Urdu calligraphy. The platform is known for its hands-on approach to learning. Other than calligraphy classes they also offer Arabic language learning programs and Islamic arts programs. The institute provides online training through video lessons, step-by-step tutorials, and expert guidance. Their courses are well-structured and include exercises to help students practice and improve. If we take a look into their history, they have been teaching Quran within and outside of Iraq to Arabs and non-Arabs speakers both.
Key Features:
- Online courses for Arabic and Urdu scripts.
- Focus on detailed letter formation and calligraphy techniques.
- Interactive video lessons and tutorials.
- Personalized support from instructors.
| Website | barzingi.com |
| Physical Address | Queen Rania St 93, Al Burj Complex Lv 2, Amman, Jordan |
| info@barzingi.com | |
| Phone Number | 962 79 048 65 65 |
| facebook.com/barzingi.institute |
Bottom Line
With the advancement of online learning, there are plenty of options to learn Urdu and Arabic calligraphy. All you can do from the comfort of your home. Whether you prefer free platform like YouTube or a more structured approach, there is something for everyone. By choosing the right resource based on your learning style, you can master the art of calligraphy. You can develop a deeper understanding for the beauty of these languages.
