Looking Back, Moving Forward: Tilemaker

As QFI reflects on nearly two decades of advancing Arabic language education, we continue to celebrate educators, students, schools, researchers, and partners along with the work that has strengthened our community.

This week, we're highlighting Tilemaker, a free interactive tool for learners ages 10+ that combines geometry, creativity, and cultural exploration through hands-on design.

A Creative Way to Connect Language and Culture

Tilemaker gives students an engaging way to explore pattern, symmetry, and artistic traditions from the Arab world while creating their own colorful tile designs. The resource encourages creative thinking and interdisciplinary learning, making it a natural fit for language, art, and STEM classrooms.

Students can experiment with shapes and color, export their finished creations for classroom projects or displays, and learn about the history and cultural significance of geometric patterns. Tilemaker also supports the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages, which recognize culture as a core component of language education.

Community Creations

Over the years, students and educators have used Tilemaker to create thousands of unique geometric designs. Explore a selection of community-created tiles below for inspiration, then create your own.