Site quality · Localization

RTL layout

We do proper right-to-left (RTL) layout for languages like Arabic and Hebrew: we mirror not only the text but the whole layout — menus, icons, alignment, forms, spacing. So that the site looks and works truly 'local', not like a broken LTR version with rearranged text. Honestly upfront: RTL is NOT just 'flip the text': it is mirroring the entire interface, it requires support at the theme/CSS level, some third-party widgets do not support RTL, and the result should be checked by a native speaker.

Price
$5,000
Duration
usually 1–3 weeks (depends on layout complexity)

RTL layout — overview

RTL layout — price, timeline & scope

RTL layout is adapting the interface for right-to-left writing (Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi, etc.): mirroring the layout (navigation, sidebars, column order), the direction of icons and arrows, text and element alignment, forms, spacing and animations, correct handling of mixed content (RTL text with Latin words/numbers). Honestly about the essence, this is key: RTL is NOT 'flip the text'. It is mirroring the ENTIRE layout, and doing it right is only possible with support at the theme/CSS level. On an 'LTR-first' layout without this, RTL looks broken: icons point the wrong way, spacing drifts, elements overlap. Honestly about third-party components: some ready-made widgets, plugins and built-in services support RTL poorly or not at all — we honestly mark such places and solve them separately (by replacement/refinement), the behavior of someone else's widget cannot be fully guaranteed. Honestly about checking: the correctness of RTL (especially mixed text and nuances) should be checked by a native speaker — we build this in or mark it as important. Honestly about maintenance: when new blocks are added, RTL must be maintained, otherwise the layout 'drifts' again. Honestly about the prerequisite: translation into the RTL language itself (776/777) is needed — layout without text is meaningless. Honestly about the effect: correct RTL is critical for the trust of an RTL audience, but we do NOT guarantee sales growth by itself. Honestly about access: access to the theme/CSS/templates is needed. An important boundary: this is RTL layout (the layout), while text translation is 776/777. Picture this: instead of 'the Arabic version looks like a broken Western one' — the interface is mirrored and familiar to a native speaker. The base price starts from 25,000 ₽ (depends on layout complexity and the number of components).

Problems we solve

  • The Arabic/Hebrew version looks like a broken Western one.
  • The text was translated, but the layout stayed left-to-right.
  • Icons, arrows and spacing point the wrong way.
  • Third-party widgets break the RTL layout.

What's included in the RTL layout service

  • Mirroring the layout (navigation, columns, sidebars)
  • Direction of icons, arrows, alignments
  • Adapting forms, spacing, animations for RTL
  • Correct handling of mixed content (RTL + Latin/numbers)
  • Marking/solving third-party components without RTL support
  • Indicating boundaries (RTL ≠ just flipping text; translation needed)
  • Recommending a native-speaker check
  • Handover and review with you

What you get

  • The interface is correctly mirrored for RTL languages
  • Icons, spacing and forms behave naturally
  • Mixed content displays correctly
  • Trust of the RTL audience (text translation — separate)

How the work goes: steps

  • We assess the layout and components for RTL readiness; collect access
  • We mirror the layout, icons, forms; solve problematic widgets
  • We check (with a native speaker if possible), give a maintenance plan, review with you

Why PDV Expert

  • Fixed price and timeline — no surprises on the invoice.
  • Report and recommendations in plain language — clear without a technical background.
  • In touch at every step and answering questions about the result.

FAQ

  • Isn't it just flipping the text to the right?

    No, that is a common misconception. RTL is mirroring the whole interface: menus, columns, icons, arrows, alignments, forms, spacing. Just 'flipped text' on an LTR layout looks broken. So RTL requires support at the theme/CSS level and careful work, not a single setting.

  • Will all widgets work in RTL?

    Honestly — not necessarily. Some third-party widgets and plugins support RTL poorly or not at all. We find such places and solve them separately (by replacement or refinement), but the behavior of someone else's ready-made component cannot be guaranteed 100%. We build this into the estimate honestly.

  • Is translation needed separately?

    Yes. RTL layout is the layout, while the text in Arabic/Hebrew is translation (776/777). Layout without translation is meaningless, translation without RTL layout looks broken. They usually go together; we will honestly suggest the order and scope.

About the provider

The «RTL layout» service is provided by PDV Expert — a team specialising in «Site quality». We work under contract and deliver a written report with recommendations.

Prepared by PDV Expert · updated