A few years ago I wrote a blog, ‘If you don’t take care of your Kerning, then your work needs burning’. Most people don’t have a clue what kerning is. And I still get asked about it.
So here’s my (belated) explanation.
In typography, kerning is the process of adjusting the spacing between characters/letterforms in a typeset word, usually to achieve a visually pleasing result – and to make the word read correctly.
Modifying the spacing between specific letter combinations ensures that awkward gaps or overlaps are avoided. Kerning should be done manually/visually. Don’t rely on your software to sort out the kerning for you.
Typography software and design applications, such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign, offer controls for adjusting kerning manually, allowing designers to modify the space for better visual impact.
Different letter combinations can create uneven visual spaces. For example, the letters “A” and “V” might appear too far apart when placed next to each other, while the “T” and “o” might appear too close together. Kerning adjusts the space to create a more harmonious visual flow.
Kerning is very importance in design – proper kerning enhances readability and helps communicate the intended tone and professionalism of any text. Poor kerning can lead to misinterpretation or a bad impression of the design. Poor kerning in brand identity design can lead to a negative response miscommunication.
In summary, kerning is a critical aspect of typography that significantly affects the readability and aesthetic of text, making it an essential consideration for designers and typographers.
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