Kerning refers to the process of adjusting the space between individual characters in a piece of text to improve its visual appearance and readability. This typographic technique is crucial for creating a polished and professional look in printed and digital text.
Definition of Kerning
Kerning specifically deals with the spacing between pairs of characters, as opposed to tracking (letter-spacing), which adjusts spacing uniformly over a range of characters. Effective kerning ensures that the text appears evenly spaced and aesthetically pleasing, avoiding unsightly gaps or cramped appearance that can detract from the overall presentation.
Why is Kerning Important?
- Readability: Proper kerning enhances the legibility of text, making it easier for readers to understand the content quickly and efficiently.
- Aesthetics: Good kerning results in visually appealing typography, enhancing the overall design of a document or webpage.
- Professionalism: Attention to kerning shows a high level of detail, which can be especially important in professional and marketing materials.
Types of Kerning
Manual Kerning
In manual kerning, the designer adjusts the space between individual character pairs by hand. This method allows for precise control but can be time-consuming, especially in long pieces of text.
Automatic Kerning
Most modern design software includes automatic kerning features, where the program uses predefined kerning pairs embedded in the font. While this can save time, it may not always produce the best results, especially with custom fonts or unique text designs.
Optical Kerning
Some design tools offer an optical kerning option, where the software uses an algorithm to adjust the spacing based on the shapes of the characters. This method can provide better results than automatic kerning for certain fonts.
Special Considerations in Kerning
Font Choice
Different fonts have unique kerning pairs, and some are better kerned out-of-the-box than others. Premium fonts often come with well-considered kerning pairs.
Context and Medium
The ideal kerning can vary depending on the medium (print vs. digital) and context (headlines vs. body text). For example, a headline might require tighter kerning to achieve a bold look, while body text might need more spacing for readability.
Cultural Differences
Typography norms can differ culturally; for example, Western and East Asian text may have different spacing requirements.
Examples of Kerning
- Headlines: Cramped spacing in a headline such as “NEWSFLASH” can appear unprofessional and difficult to read. Proper kerning adjusts the space to make it look more balanced.
- Logos: In branding, kerning is critical. A well-kerned logo looks polished, while poor kerning can make a logo hard to read and unprofessional.
Historical Context of Kerning
Kerning has roots in the era of metal type, where physical pieces of type would often need to be custom cut to ensure proper spacing. The advent of digital typography has brought more sophisticated and flexible kerning possibilities.
Applicability of Kerning
Kerning is used extensively in various domains such as:
- Graphic Design
- Web Design
- Print Media
- Branding and Logos
- Editorial Work
Comparisons with Related Terms
Kerning vs. Tracking
While kerning adjusts the space between individual character pairs, tracking affects the overall spacing between all characters in a block of text. Both are essential for good typography but serve different purposes.
Kerning vs. Leading
Leading refers to the vertical spacing between lines of text. Proper leading is as essential as kerning for making text readable and visually appealing.
Related Terms
- Tracking: Uniform adjustment of space between characters.
- Leading: Vertical space between lines of text.
- Ligature: Two or more letters combined into a single character.
- Glyph: A specific form of a character.
FAQs
Is kerning only important in print media?
Can kerning be automated effectively?
Does every font need kerning adjustments?
References
- Bringhurst, R. (2012). The Elements of Typographic Style. Hartley & Marks Publishers.
- Felici, J. (2011). The Complete Manual of Typography: A Guide to Setting Perfect Type. Adobe Press.
- Lupton, E. (2014). Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students. Princeton Architectural Press.
Summary
Kerning is a critical element in typography that involves adjusting the space between individual character pairs to enhance readability and visual appeal. While both manual and automatic methods exist, the ultimate goal is to ensure the text looks balanced and professional. Proper kerning can make a significant difference in the presentation of both digital and print media.
