Welcome to the Letter Waw

Thuluth Calligraphy section of the Letter Animation Studio

On this page, you will find a detailed breakdown of the Waw’s structure, its individual parts, and the precise technique required to craft it in the Thuluth style.

All Alef Baa Jeem Daal Raa Seen Saad Taa Ayn Qaaf Faa Kaaf Laam Meem Noon Haa Waw Yaa La​

Anatomy of the Letter Waw (Shape 1)

The letter Waw in Thuluth consists of the following key parts:

Shape 1   Shape 2

Full Animation of Waw

The Waw (و) is a graceful and compact letter in the Arabic script, characterized by its elegant curves and balanced proportions. In Thuluth calligraphy, Shape 1 of the Waw emphasizes structure and symmetry, requiring careful attention to detail. Composed of four distinct strokes, this letter highlights the artistic precision of Arabic calligraphy.

1.First Stroke

Begin with a vertical stroke at an angle of 90°, laying the foundational structure of the Waw.

This stroke measures 2 nuqtas in height and 2 nuqtas in width, forming the base of the letter.

2.Second Stroke

Add another vertical stroke at 90°, creating a symmetrical continuation of the first stroke.

This stroke mirrors the first, with dimensions of 2 nuqtas in height and 2 nuqtas in width.

3.Third Stroke

Extend the structure with a broader stroke at 90°, introducing a sense of flow.

This stroke measures 2 nuqtas in height and 3 nuqtas in width, rounding out the body of the Waw.

4.Fourth Stroke

Conclude with a slightly longer vertical stroke at 90°, adding height and balance to the letter.

This stroke measures 3 1/2 nuqtas in height and 2 nuqtas in width, completing the Waw’s distinctive design.

Guidelines for Letter Mastery

The "Guidelines for Letter Mastery" table provides a clear and systematic approach for students to practice and refine their Arabic calligraphy skills. It outlines each step, the recommended time allocation, and detailed descriptions to ensure effective and focused practice sessions. This table is designed to help students build consistency, master letter proportions, and develop a strong foundation in Arabic calligraphy.

Structured Practice Guidelines for Letter Mastery

Step Time Description
Set Aside Dedicated Practice Time 15–20 minutes per session Allocate focused time for practice. Aim for 3–4 sessions per week to build consistency and muscle memory.
Understand the Letter's Structure 2–3 minutes Review examples and stroke breakdowns. Familiarize yourself with angles, proportions, and key components.
Begin with Tracing 5–7 minutes Trace the letter on the worksheet to understand its flow and stroke angles.
Practice Freehand 10–12 minutes Draw the letter freehand using guides. Focus on clean strokes, proportions, and consistency.
Refine with Repetition 5–10 minutes Repeat the letter multiple times, aiming to improve alignment, spacing, and smoothness.
Evaluate Your Progress 2–3 minutes Compare your work to the examples on the worksheet. Identify areas for improvement.
Incorporate Feedback As needed Seek feedback from an instructor or peer and apply their suggestions in future sessions.


Personalized Feedback at UAC

At the University of Arabic Calligraphy (UAC), we are dedicated to your development as a calligrapher. We provide personalized corrections and comments on your practice worksheets to ensure you get the help you need.

Once you've finished your practice, upload it using this link: Submit Practice for Correction.

Our experienced team  will carefully analyze your entry and make thorough changes to help you improve your technique, abilities, and confidence in your calligraphy journey.

This one-of-a-kind experience assures that you are not practicing alone, but rather studying with the support and knowledge of a devoted calligraphy community. Continue your journey with us and take a step closer to learning the art of Arabic calligraphy.