Typography is a key aspect of design that often goes unnoticed, yet mastering typography can make or break your design. And within the nuances of typography exists a skill often ignored by non-designers: kerning. Kerning refers to the adjustment of space between characters in a proportional font. Typography kerning may seem to be an insignificant detail in the grand scheme of web design and layout, but even slight changes in kerning can have a profound impact on readability and overall aesthetic appeal.
The Importance of Kerning
In terms of visual communication, the spacing between characters can affect readability tremendously. Bad kerning can lead to words being misread or even misconstrued. For example, an unfortunate kerning of ‘Flick’ where the ‘l’ and the ‘i’ are too close could lead to an embarrassing misinterpretation. On the other hand, effective kerning can make text more legible and aesthetically pleasing. Constructing a harmonious balance between characters creates a smooth flow that guides the reader’s eye across the text.
How to Master Kerning
Mastering kerning is a process that requires patience and a keen eye for detail. Here are six key tips for effective kerning:
- Learn to Trust Your Eyes: This might be the most essential tip. Training your eyes to pick up on subtleties in spacing will allow you to evaluate kerning by glance.
- Read it Backwards: Reading text backwards can help you focus on the spacing between characters rather than getting caught up in the meaning of the words.
- Flip it: Flipping text can also help to isolate spacing issues. By flipping text upside down, you’re able to view the characters and the spaces between them in a new perspective.
- Consistency is Key: The goal is to create even spacing. Too much variation can make the text difficult to read and unbalanced.
- Don’t Forget the Context: Always remember to consider kerning in relation to the overall design. How the text fits with the rest of the design could affect your kerning decisions.
- Use Kerning Pairs: There are specific combinations of characters that typically require kerning adjustments (known as kerning pairs). Common examples include “AW”, “VA”, “To” and “Ty”.
Becoming skilled in kerning is more art than science. It involves developing a feel for spacing, rhythm, and balance. As with most skills, practice makes perfect.
Conclusion
Understanding and mastering the art of kerning is crucial for anyone involved in design, branding, or visual communication. A few subtle changes here and there can enhance legibility, reduce misinterpretations, and result in a more cohesive design. So next time you’re laying out some text, whether for a web page or a logo, remember to pay close attention to the spaces in between – they matter more than you might think.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is kerning in typography?
A1: Kerning refers to the spacing between characters in text. It can significantly impact the legibility and aesthetic appeal of text.
Q2: Why is kerning important?
A2: Kerning is crucial because it affects the readability and interpretation of a text. Poor kerning can lead to misinterpretation, while good kerning enhances legibility and aesthetic appeal.
Q3: How can I improve my kerning skills?
A3: Enhancing your kerning skills involves patience and practice. Tips for improving kerning include learning to trust your eyes, reading text backwards and upside down, aiming for consistency, considering the context, and making use of common kerning pairs.
Q4: What are some common examples of kerning pairs?
A4: Kerning pairs are specific combinations of characters that often require adjustments. Examples include “AW”, “VA”, “To”, and “Ty”.
Q5: Is kerning more of an art or a science?
A5: Kerning is often considered more of an art than a science because it requires developing a feel for spacing, rhythm, and balance. It’s about subtlety and harmony rather than rigid rules.
