![kerning_thumb Kerning](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2012/07/kerning_thumb.jpg)
What is kerning?
![kerning What is kerning](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2012/07/kerning.jpg)
Kerning vs. tracking
Kerning and tracking are not the same thing. While kerning refers to the space between two specific letters, tracking refers to the overall letter spacing in a selection of letters. Tracking is used to create a more uniform space adjustment between letters and groups of letters (even entire paragraphs or documents) can be adjusted with a single tracking change. To further complicate matters, a designer can first adjust the tracking of a block of text and then go in and adjust kerning to improve the overall look of the text. But you want to make sure to adjust tracking first, then adjust kerning. Working the other way around will most likely negate your kerning changes.Metric, optical and manual kerning
![kerningtype Types of kerning](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2012/07/kerningtype1.jpg)
Manual kerning tricks
![flipped Kerning trick](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2012/07/flipped.jpg)
- Flip your design upside down to better judge the spacing between each letter pair without your eyes trying to read the words.
- Kern in three-letter blocks by highlighting or coloring three letters at a time. This way you can compare spacing one pair at a time.
- Blow it up. Double the point size of your type so you can really see the space. Is it bothersome? Kern it.
- Opt for a combination of upper- and lower-case letters. Caps pairs are some of the worst kerning offenders.
What letters need kerning?
![awards antidote.co.uk](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2012/07/awards.jpg)
![trappedspaces Trapped spaces](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2012/07/trappedspaces.jpg)
Tight kerning
![adidas Adidas](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2012/07/adidas.jpg)
![fedex FedEx](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2012/07/fedex.jpg)
Loose kerning
![crayons Crayons to concept](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2012/07/crayons1.jpg)
![whitmans Whitmans](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2012/07/whitmans.jpg)
To kern or not to kern
Kerning really has fallen out of fashion somewhat in the design landscape, but you need to kern. Yes, it can be tedious but plan to spend that time right from the beginning of your process. It is time well spent if you spend it wisely: focus on big letters and words. There is really little reason to adjust kerning (especially manually) on large copy blocks. There is probably little reason to adjust kerning for subheads or small titles within blog posts either. Reserve that time to work on your big words, logos and banners. As a general rule, spend time kerning any type that will draw in people to your site. Pay attention to the big words but also pay attention to the standing elements in navigation bars and in rails. Spend less time kerning larger type blocks, such as the text used to create this post. If you feel that kerning is necessary, consider optical kerning to save some time.A little kerning fun
![kerngame KERNTYPE](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2012/07/kerngame.jpg)
Conclusion
Kerning should not be viewed as a lost art form or something that only matters to print designers. Using proper kerning techniques can add to the overall quality of almost any web site. Think about the message you are trying to convey as you kern type and look at the letters to remove and avoid unintentional letter associations. Finally, play a little. Put together different letter combinations in a variety of typefaces until you find combinations that are visually pleasing.Carrie Cousins
Carrie Cousins is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience in the communications industry, including writing for print and online publications, and design and editing. You can connect with Carrie on Twitter @carriecousins.
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