Quick answer: to implement “How to rtl” on a website or app, add dir=’rtl’ on the root element or use direction: rtl; in CSS, and prefer CSS logical properties (like margin-inline-start) so layouts flip correctly. This article shows practical steps, testing tips, and accessibility checks tailored for developers and product teams in Germany who need reliable RTL support now.
Why RTL matters — and why it’s trending now
More services in Germany are serving Arabic, Hebrew and Persian users (and others), so RTL design is no longer niche. Browser engines and frameworks have improved support for logical properties and bidi handling, making the technical side far easier than a few years ago. For background on the concept, see Right-to-left basics on Wikipedia.
Who needs this and what they want
Developers, UX designers, localization teams and product owners search “How to rtl”. Most are intermediate — they know HTML/CSS but want practical, repeatable steps to adapt UIs without breaking LTR layouts. The core emotional drivers: urgency (projects with RTL deadlines), concern about accessibility, and desire to ship polished experiences for RTL users.
Core concepts before you start
Direction vs. Writing mode
There are two separate concepts: text direction (left-to-right or right-to-left) and writing mode (horizontal vs vertical). The CSS direction property on MDN controls inline direction, while writing-mode covers vertical text.
Bidirectional (bidi) text
Mixing numbers or Latin words with Arabic/Hebrew creates bidi complexity. Use Unicode control characters sparingly and prefer correct markup and direction attributes.
Step-by-step: How to rtl for web projects
Follow these steps from simplest to more advanced. Each step helps you avoid common pitfalls.
1. Set the document direction
Add the dir attribute on the root element. This is the fastest way to flip text direction:
<html lang=”ar” dir=”rtl”>
<!– page content –>
</html>
2. Use CSS direction for specific containers
For apps where only some sections are RTL, apply direction: rtl; to containers. Keep text alignment and layout in mind when doing this.
3. Prefer CSS logical properties
Replace physical properties (left/right) with logical ones (inline-start/inline-end). This makes the layout automatically adapt when direction changes. Reference: W3C CSS Logical Properties.
/* instead of margin-left/margin-right */
.element { margin-inline-start: 16px; margin-inline-end: 8px; }
4. Mirror visual components carefully
Icons and illustrations may need mirroring (e.g., back arrows). Prefer icon sets with RTL variants or flip with CSS transforms when appropriate. Beware images containing text — localize them instead of flipping.
5. Typography & fonts
Choose fonts that support the target RTL script. Line-height, letter-spacing and justification behaviors differ; test at real text sizes. In my experience, small tweaks to leading make a big UX difference.
6. Forms, placeholders and input direction
Set dir on input fields when the expected input is RTL. Numbers and email addresses often need dir=”ltr” or special handling to prevent confusion.
7. JavaScript-aware layout toggles
If your site supports switching direction dynamically, toggle a root class (e.g., .rtl) and ensure your CSS uses logical properties. For frameworks, update localization files and rerender components.
8. Framework-specific tips
- React: set dir on the root and use libraries like i18next for strings.
- Angular: the Directionality service and CDK helpers can help.
- Bootstrap: look for RTL builds (Bootstrap RTL) or use third-party RTL forks.
Testing and QA — how to catch tricky RTL bugs
Test on multiple browsers and OSes, and check these common issues:
- Overflowing layouts when long RTL words have no breaks
- Unmirrored icons or arrow directions
- Incorrect ordering in lists or navigation (breadcrumb orientation)
- Form input direction and cursor placement
Use real content (not placeholder Latin text) during QA. Also test screen readers — RTL changes reading order and semantics.
Accessibility & legal considerations in Germany
Accessible content is required for many public services. Ensuring proper RTL support helps users with reading needs and aligns with inclusive design. If you’re delivering services to public sector users, check local accessibility rules and guidelines.
Common pitfalls and how to fix them
Sound familiar? You add dir=”rtl” and suddenly spacing breaks. What I’ve noticed is that the root cause is often leftover physical CSS (left/right) or third-party components that assume LTR. Solution: audit CSS for physical directions and replace with logical properties.
Tools and libraries to speed up RTL work
- RTLCSS or cssjanus — automated CSS flipping tools (use carefully)
- Icon sets with RTL variants (or SVGs you can flip)
- Localization platforms like i18next for string management
How to rtl: quick checklist before launch
- Root dir or per-container directions set
- Use logical CSS properties everywhere
- Fonts and typography verified for script
- Icons/images localized or mirrored correctly
- Form inputs and placeholders behave correctly
- Screen reader and keyboard navigation tested
- Cross-browser QA completed
Further reading and official references
For deeper technical details see the W3C spec on logical properties and MDN’s direction property documentation. These are solid references while you implement RTL.
Practical takeaways
Start small: set dir and switch to logical properties. Test with real RTL content, mirror visuals intentionally, and include RTL checks in your QA workflow. If you need to prioritize, focus on navigation, forms and the homepage first — those have the biggest user impact.
How to rtl — final thoughts
Doing RTL well takes attention to detail, but modern CSS features make it much easier than before. If you’re building for Germany’s multilingual audience, investing time today avoids awkward UX later. Try the checklist, use the linked specs, and iterate with real users — you’ll ship something that feels native, not tacked-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Add dir=”rtl” on the root HTML element or on a container to flip inline text direction quickly. Combine that with logical CSS properties for layout.
Logical properties (like margin-inline-start) replace left/right rules, so the browser automatically adjusts spacing and alignment when the direction changes.
Icons indicating direction (arrows, progress indicators) often need mirroring. Images with embedded text should be localized rather than flipped.
Set explicit dir attributes on inputs when necessary, and test cursor/selection behavior. For numeric input, consider dir=”ltr” to keep expected ordering.
Check navigation order, alignment, icon directions, text wrapping, form behavior, and screen reader output across major browsers and devices.