tatweel

Tatweel is an Arabic typographic term referring to a diacritical mark that extends a letter horizontally. It is also known as a "kashida" or "maad" in some contexts. This elongation is not a separate letter but rather a stylistic addition to an existing character, primarily used for justification or decorative purposes within Arabic calligraphy and typography.

The tatweel is a horizontal stroke that connects one letter to the next, creating a visually stretched appearance. It can be applied between letters within a word, and its usage is largely dependent on the aesthetic goals of the calligrapher or designer. While it doesn't alter the pronunciation or meaning of the word, it significantly impacts its visual flow and spacing.

Historically, the tatweel was a common feature in traditional Arabic calligraphy, used to fill space and create harmonious lines. In modern digital typography, its use is more controlled and often implemented by software to achieve justified text alignment, ensuring that lines of text fill the entire width of a column. It can also be used creatively in logo design and other graphic applications to enhance visual appeal. The length and placement of the tatweel can vary, contributing to the diverse styles of Arabic script.