# Languages Using Complex Text Layout

/text/shared/guide/ctl.xhp
CTL;complex text layout languages
languages;complex text layout
text;CTL languages
text layout for special languages
right-to-left text
entering text from right to left
bi-directional writing
Hindi;entering text
Hebrew;entering text
Arabic;entering text
Thai;entering text
mw made "text layout;" a one level entry
Languages Using Complex Text Layout
Currently, $[officename] supports Hindi, Thai, Hebrew, and Arabic as CTL languages.
If you select the text flow from right to left, embedded Western text still runs from left to right. The cursor responds to the arrow keys in that Right Arrow moves it "to the text end" and Left Arrow "to the text start".
You can change the text writing direction directly be pressing one of the following keys:
- Command
  Ctrl
  +Shift+D or Command Ctrl+Right Shift Key - switch to right-to-left text entry
- Command
  Ctrl
  +Shift+A or Command Ctrl+Left Shift Key - switch to left-to-right text entry
- The modifier-only key combinations only work when CTL support is enabled.
In multicolumn pages, sections or frames that are formatted with text flow from right to left, the first column is the right column and the last column is the left column.
In $[officename] Writer text formatted in Thai language has the following features:
- In paragraphs with justified alignment, the characters are stretched to flush the lines at the margins. In other languages the spaces between words are stretched.
- Use the Delete key to delete a whole composite character. Use the Backspace key to delete the last part of the previous composite character.
- Use the Right or Left Arrow key to jump to the next or previous whole composite character. To position the cursor into a composite character, use Option Alt+Arrow key.
%PRODUCTNAME - Preferences
Tools - Options
- Language Settings - Languages
%PRODUCTNAME - Preferences
Tools - Options
- Language Settings - Complex Text Layout