The Difference Between Tracking, Kerning and Leading in Typography

When it comes to typography, there are many terms that may seem similar but have distinct meanings. Three such terms are Tracking, Kerning and Leading. Kerning and leading are essential elements of typography that can significantly affect the readability and overall aesthetics of the text.

Kerning refers to the process of adjusting the space between individual letters or characters in a word. This adjustment is done to create a visually pleasing and balanced appearance, making the text more readable. Kerning is essential because not all letters are the same width or shape, and the space between them can vary, making it crucial to adjust them to create a harmonious visual flow.

For instance, consider the word “AVOID.” In this word, the “A” and “V” are close together, creating a visual gap between the “V” and “O.” To improve the visual appearance of this word, kerning can be used to adjust the space between the “V” and “O,” making it more visually balanced.

On the other hand, leading refers to the vertical space between lines of text. Leading is crucial for legibility, making it easier for the reader to distinguish between lines of text. When leading is too tight, the text can be difficult to read, and when it’s too loose, it can create visual confusion.

For example, if a block of text is set with a small leading, the lines of text will appear crowded, and it will be challenging to read. Conversely, if the leading is too large, the lines of text may appear disconnected, and the text may not flow together visually.

In typography, Tracking refers to the adjustment of space between groups of letters or characters in a block of text. Unlike kerning, which adjusts the space between individual letters, tracking adjusts the space uniformly throughout a block of text.

The amount of tracking applied to a block of text can vary depending on the typeface, font size, and the design requirements of the project. Generally, tracking is adjusted in small increments to avoid making the text appear too loose or too tight.

In conclusion, tracking, kerning and leading are all critical aspects of typography that contribute to the legibility and visual appeal of text. Kerning refers to the adjustment of space between individual characters, while leading refers to the vertical space between lines of text. By understanding the difference between these two terms, designers and typographers can create more visually appealing and readable text. It’s important to note that these should be used with caution these can affect the legibility of the text. For this reason, it’s crucial to test the readability of the text after making tracking adjustments to ensure that it remains legible and easy to read. By understanding the role of these terms in typography, designers and typographers can create text that is both visually appealing and easy to read.