What To Know
- Enter a positive value to increase the spacing between the selected characters or a negative value to decrease it.
- To create a kerning pair, select the two characters you want to adjust and enter the desired kerning value in the Character panel.
- By understanding the principles of kerning and applying the techniques discussed in this guide, you can transform ordinary text into visually striking compositions that enhance readability, convey emotions, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Kerning is an essential typography technique that involves adjusting the spacing between individual characters to enhance the readability, balance, and overall aesthetic appeal of text. In Adobe Illustrator, kerning provides designers with precise control over the spacing between letters, enabling them to create visually pleasing and harmonious text compositions. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of kerning in Adobe Illustrator, providing step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and advanced techniques to help you master this crucial typography skill.
Understanding Kerning
Kerning refers to the adjustment of the horizontal spacing between two adjacent characters. Unlike tracking, which adjusts the spacing between all characters uniformly, kerning allows for fine-tuning the spacing between specific character pairs. This becomes particularly important when working with certain letter combinations, such as “AV” or “WA,” where the default spacing may create awkward gaps or overlaps.
Step-by-Step Kerning in Adobe Illustrator
1. Select the Text Tool
To initiate kerning, select the Type Tool (T) from the Tools panel. Click on the text you wish to kern to activate the text editing mode.
2. Activate the Character Panel
Open the Character panel (Window > Type > Character) to access the kerning options. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl/Cmd + T).
3. Adjust Kerning Values
In the Character panel, locate the Kerning field. By default, the value will be set to 0. Enter a positive value to increase the spacing between the selected characters or a negative value to decrease it.
4. Fine-Tune Kerning
For more precise control, use the arrow keys on your keyboard to adjust the kerning value in increments of 1/1000 em. This allows you to make subtle adjustments until you achieve the desired spacing.
5. Use the Optical Kerning Feature
Adobe Illustrator offers an Optical Kerning feature that automatically adjusts the kerning based on the font’s built-in spacing information. To enable this feature, select the text and go to Type > Optical Kerning.
Advanced Kerning Techniques
1. Kerning Pairs
Adobe Illustrator allows you to create kerning pairs, which are predefined spacing adjustments for specific character combinations. To create a kerning pair, select the two characters you want to adjust and enter the desired kerning value in the Character panel.
2. Custom Kerning Tables
For complex text compositions, you can create custom kerning tables that store kerning adjustments for multiple character pairs. To create a kerning table, go to Type > New Kerning Table.
3. Tracking vs. Kerning
While kerning focuses on adjusting the spacing between specific character pairs, tracking adjusts the spacing between all characters uniformly. Use tracking for overall text spacing adjustments, while kerning for fine-tuning specific letter combinations.
Practical Kerning Tips
- Consider the Font: Different fonts have different spacing characteristics. Experiment with different fonts to find the ones that kern well together.
- Pay Attention to Context: The context of the text can influence kerning decisions. Consider the meaning of the words and how the spacing affects the readability.
- Use Reference Materials: Refer to typography guides or online resources to find recommended kerning values for specific character combinations.
- Zoom In: Zoom in on the text to see the details of the kerning and make precise adjustments.
- Take Breaks: Step away from your work and come back to it later with fresh eyes to evaluate the kerning objectively.
Recommendations: The Power of Kerning
Mastering kerning in Adobe Illustrator is an essential skill for any designer seeking to create visually compelling typography. By understanding the principles of kerning and applying the techniques discussed in this guide, you can transform ordinary text into visually striking compositions that enhance readability, convey emotions, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Top Questions Asked
Q1: What is the difference between kerning and tracking?
A: Kerning adjusts the spacing between specific character pairs, while tracking adjusts the spacing between all characters uniformly.
Q2: How do I create a kerning pair in Adobe Illustrator?
A: Select two characters, enter the desired kerning value in the Character panel, and click the “Add” button.
Q3: Can I automate kerning in Adobe Illustrator?
A: Yes, you can use the Optical Kerning feature or create custom kerning tables to automate kerning adjustments.
Q4: How do I know if my kerning is correct?
A: Zoom in on the text, consider the context, and compare it to reference materials or typography guides.
Q5: How can I improve my kerning skills?
A: Practice regularly, experiment with different fonts, and seek feedback from others to refine your kerning judgment.
