Mastering Perso-Arabic Typography: A Deep Dive into the Manzar Typesetting Tool

By Syed Haider, Editor – Voice of Urdu

In the realm of digital publishing, especially for languages that utilize the Perso-Arabic script such as Urdu, Arabic, and Persian, achieving typographic precision has always been a formidable challenge. Enter the Manzar Typesetting Tool, a groundbreaking plugin developed by Axis SoftMedia Inc., designed to seamlessly integrate with Adobe InDesign, offering unparalleled control and elegance in typesetting complex scripts.

A Legacy Rooted in Innovation

Founded in 1992 by Syed Manzar Hasan Zaidi, Axis SoftMedia Inc. has been at the forefront of developing software solutions tailored for the Perso-Arabic publishing market. The Manzar Typesetting Tool is a testament to their commitment, addressing the nuanced requirements of right-to-left languages and bringing them into the digital age with finesse.

Seamless Integration with Adobe InDesign

The Manzar Typesetting Tool is meticulously crafted to work within the Adobe InDesign environment, ensuring that publishers and designers can access its features without disrupting their existing workflows. This integration allows for real-time adjustments and previews, streamlining the typesetting process and enhancing productivity.

Precision in Every Detail

One of the standout features of the Manzar Typesetting Tool is its Position Adjuster, which grants users the ability to fine-tune the placement of individual elements such as Nuqta (dots) and Aerab (diacritical marks). This level of control ensures that every character is positioned with exacting precision, preserving the integrity and beauty of the script.

Additionally, the tool's Selection Assistance Panel breaks down selected words into their constituent components—letters, Nuqta, and Aerab—allowing for targeted adjustments and refinements. This granular control is invaluable for achieving typographic excellence in complex scripts.

Embracing the Art of Kasheeda

Kasheeda, the elongation of characters to achieve text justification, is a hallmark of Perso-Arabic calligraphy. The Manzar Typesetting Tool elevates this art form by offering multiple Kasheeda variants, including long and short forms, enabling designers to apply them contextually for both aesthetic appeal and functional alignment.

Enriching Typography with Text Carving

To further enhance the visual richness of the text, the tool introduces a Text Carving feature, offering twenty distinct calligraphic styles. This allows designers to infuse their work with traditional calligraphic elements, adding depth and character to the typography.

Comprehensive Font Support

The Manzar Typesetting Tool comes bundled with an impressive array of OpenType fonts, each meticulously designed to cater to different stylistic needs:

• Manzar Naskh: Ideal for Quranic publishing, featuring Kasheeda options and multiple shapes to enhance the sacred text's presentation.
• Ali Nastaliq: A versatile font with multiple Kasheeda variants, perfect for creating intricate and visually appealing designs.
• Manzar Indo-Pak Naskh: A traditional font that seamlessly blends heritage with modern functionality, ensuring a smooth transition for users familiar with its classic aesthetic.
• Lahori Nastaliq: Reintroduced due to popular demand, this font brings a timeless elegance to sophisticated Urdu typography.
• Manzar Noori Nastaliq: A tribute to the legendary calligrapher Mirza Jameel Ahmad, redesigned with thousands of new ligatures to honor his legacy.

Empowering Quranic Publishing

Recognizing the unique requirements of Quranic composition, the Manzar Typesetting Tool includes a dedicated Symbol Panel featuring essential recitation symbols such as Aayat circles and Ruku markers. This, combined with its advanced typographic features, makes it an indispensable tool for publishers of religious texts.

Conclusion

The Manzar Typesetting Tool stands as a beacon of innovation in the world of digital publishing for Perso-Arabic scripts. By marrying traditional calligraphic artistry with modern technological advancements, it empowers designers and publishers to produce work that is both visually stunning and typographically precise.

For those seeking to elevate their Perso-Arabic publications, the Manzar Typesetting Tool offers a comprehensive solution that honors the script's rich heritage while embracing the possibilities of the digital age.

For more information and to explore the Manzar Typesetting Tool, visit www.manzar.in.