{"id":14308,"date":"2024-10-03T19:49:55","date_gmt":"2024-10-03T19:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.andacademy.com\/resources\/?post_type=glossary&p=14308"},"modified":"2026-02-27T10:08:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T10:08:45","slug":"kerning","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/www.andacademy.com\/resources\/glossary\/graphic-design\/kerning\/","title":{"rendered":"Kerning"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kerning is the space between characters in a design. It is an important concept that helps graphic designers<\/a> improve the legibility, readability, and visual appeal of the text in their design. Kerning helps ensure there is no negative space between different letters in text.<\/p>\n

Each letter or character has its own unique shape and takes up a distinct amount of space. Kerning is the process that streamlines how much space a letter is taking up in order for it to make sense when juxtaposed with other letters. Generally, all major fonts used on a day-to-day basis are kerned to ensure proper readability.<\/p>\n

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Not to be confused with<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Leading<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leading is the spacing between different lines of text.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Tracking<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tracking is the process of adjusting the spacing between lines of text in a block of text.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Kerning in Typography<\/h2>\n

In typography<\/a>, kerning refers to the spacing between specific characters. In certain fonts, it is common for a word to look distorted when two characters are put together. In such a case, it becomes important to adjust the spacing between those characters so the word is readable and legible.<\/p>\n

Kerning ensures that the type looks clean and the text is visually appealing. It is very subjective and depends on how the designer perceives a word. How and when to use it depends on various factors. Here are a few instances when kerning is used in graphic design<\/a>.<\/p>\n