Kerning, tracking and leading
Kerning spaces letter pairs, tracking spaces whole words or lines, leading spaces lines of text.
Why it matters
Kerning adjusts space between specific letter pairs, tracking adjusts spacing across a range of letters, and leading is the vertical distance between lines.
Pairs of letters are a kerning job, whole words or lines are tracking, and space between lines is leading. All-caps text usually needs a little extra tracking.
How to apply it
- Kern logos and large headlines by eye
- Add slight tracking to all-caps text
- Set body leading around 1.4 to 1.6 times the size
Common mistakes
- Tight tracking on body text
- Default leading on huge headlines
Quick answers
What is Kerning, tracking and leading?
Kerning spaces letter pairs, tracking spaces whole words or lines, leading spaces lines of text. Kerning adjusts space between specific letter pairs, tracking adjusts spacing across a range of letters, and leading is the vertical distance between lines.
How do I apply Kerning, tracking and leading in graphic design?
Kern logos and large headlines by eye. Add slight tracking to all-caps text. Set body leading around 1.4 to 1.6 times the size.
What are common mistakes with Kerning, tracking and leading?
Tight tracking on body text. Default leading on huge headlines.