If you are interested in computer graphics, typography and layout, you might have heard of kerning and tracking. But what are they exactly, and how do they differ? In this article, we will explain the basics of these two terms, why they are important for design, and how to apply them in your projects.
Kerning is the adjustment of the space between two individual letters or characters in a word or phrase. Kerning can affect the readability, aesthetics, and balance of your text. For example, if you have a word like "WAVE", you might want to reduce the space between the W and the A, and between the A and the V, to make the word look more compact and harmonious. Kerning is usually done manually, by using a tool in your software that allows you to move the letters closer or farther apart.
Kerning deals with the individual adjustment of spaces between specific pairs of characters to achieve balanced and consistent spacing. Kerning comes into play to prevent awkward gaps or collisions, ensuring characters coexist in perfect visual harmony
Tracking is the adjustment of the overall spacing between all the letters or characters in a word, phrase, or paragraph. Tracking can affect the density, mood, and tone of your text. For example, if you have a headline like "NEW YEAR, NEW YOU", you might want to increase the tracking to create a sense of openness and excitement. Tracking is usually done automatically, by using a tool in your software that allows you to change the percentage of the default spacing.
Tracking involves adjusting the space between entire words or groups of characters, influencing the overall density and rhythm of the text. Tracking sets the tone for overall readability and texture, ensuring your text flows naturally. It's all about balance. By setting your tracking first, you establish the general rhythm of your text. This creates a harmonious baseline that serves as a foundation for kerning.
The main difference between kerning and tracking is that kerning is applied to specific pairs of letters or characters, while tracking is applied to the whole text. Kerning is more precise and subtle, while tracking is more general and noticeable. Kerning is more about fixing the irregularities and gaps in the font design, while tracking is more about creating a certain effect or style in the text.
These dynamic design tools wield the ability to transform words into captivating narratives, all while fine-tuning the harmony, legibility, and visual appeal of your text. First things first, let's differentiate between tracking and kerning. Tracking involves adjusting the space between entire words or groups of characters, influencing the overall density and rhythm of the text. On the other hand, kerning deals with the individual adjustment of spaces between specific pairs of characters to achieve balanced and consistent spacing. Why track before kern? It's all about balance. By setting your tracking first, you establish the general rhythm of your text. This creates a harmonious baseline that serves as a foundation for kerning.
Both kerning and tracking are important for creating effective and attractive typography and layout. By adjusting the spacing between the letters or characters, you can improve the readability, clarity, and legibility of your text. You can also enhance the visual appeal, contrast, and hierarchy of your text. You can also convey different emotions, messages, and impressions with your text. For example, you can use tight kerning and tracking to create a sense of urgency, tension, or intimacy, or use loose kerning and tracking to create a sense of calmness, spaciousness, or elegance.
To apply kerning and tracking in your computer graphics projects, you need to use a software that has the tools and options for adjusting the spacing between the letters or characters. Some common software that you can use are Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or After Effects. Depending on the software, you can find the kerning and tracking tools in different places, such as the character panel, the properties panel, or the control panel. You can also use keyboard shortcuts to change the kerning and tracking values. For example, in Photoshop, you can use Alt+Left Arrow or Alt+Right Arrow to change the kerning, and Alt+Shift+Left Arrow or Alt+Shift+Right Arrow to change the tracking.
When applying kerning and tracking to your computer graphics projects, it is important to use a consistent and appropriate font size, style, and weight. Don't rely on the software's default settings, as they may not be suitable for your design. It is also beneficial to use a grid, guide, or ruler to help you align and measure your text. Additionally, experimenting with different kerning and tracking values can help you find the optimal balance between readability, aesthetics, and expression. Use your eyes and judgment to determine the best kerning and tracking for your text. Look for any gaps, overlaps, or inconsistencies in the spacing that may need adjustment.
Visual space often trumps actual space. Our eyes navigate text based on its visual appearance rather than exact measurements. This means creating the illusion of even spacing is paramount, even if the spaces aren't mathematically equal So, next time you're fine-tuning your typographic masterpiece, remember that mastering tracking and kerning is an art that blends science with intuition. It's about sculpting words to resonate, captivate, and lead the reader through a seamless journey.