A multi-zone process for the conversion of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising cyclic compounds to produce aromatic compounds, and in particular xylene compounds. A naphtha boiling range stream having a boiling point range from about 71.degree. C. (160.degree. F.) to about 216.degree. C. (420.degree. F.) is reformed and/or transalkylated within reforming and transalkylation zones to produce an aromatics-rich high-octane stream containing xylene with increased xylene purity.