Types of Kerning
There are two main types of kerning for typefaces:
1. Metric Kerning
Metric kerning is a type of kerning that is built into the font file itself. Metric Kerning is a type of kerning that involves adjusting the spacing between specific letter pairs based on pre defined values that are set by the font designer. These values are set by designers in order to create a consistent and balanced appearance across the entire font.
2. Optical Kerning
Optical kerning is the other type of kerning that has a more manual process where we have to adjust the spacing between letters based on visual appearance. This is a type of kerning which takes into account factors such as the shape of the letters, the size of the font and the overall context of the typeface.
What is Kerning in Design?
In the field of typography and design, attention to detail makes all the difference between professional-looking and eye-catching work and poorly designed boring work. To make the text stand out there are various techniques used by designers and kerning stands out as a crucial process that can elevate the visual appeal and readability of text. Kerning is the process of adjusting the spacing (white space) between specific pairs of characters in a typeface or font. Kerning is a set of processes that involve fine-tuning the horizontal space between letters in order to create a visually balanced and harmonious typeface. In this article we will discuss what Kerning is and how to Kern a typeface in your design.
Table of Content
- What is Kerning in Design?
- Types of Kerning
- 1. Metric Kerning
- 2. Optical Kerning
- When Should You Use Kerning?
- How to Kern Like a Pro
- Conclusion