Tag: tracking

The main topic of the discussion was kerning, tracking and letterspace. But as a review of the Five Families of Type, here’s a link to an added resource. Navigate through the links highlighted in yellow: Designing with Type

Kerning vs Tracking

Do you know the difference between kerning and tracking? You need to make sure you understand.

kerning = adjustment of the space between two letters to improve the appearance. Kerning is more specific than tracking. Kerning becomes more important with large or display type.

tracking = adjustment of the space between letters for the a whole word, sentence, page or document.

Other Terms We Covered

• points – unit of measurement in typography: 72 points = 1 inch. All type is measured in points.
• pica – typographic unit of measurement: 12 points = 1 pica; 6 picas = 1 inch; 72 points = 1 inch.

To help with the concept of kerning, we played The Kerning Game online. If you didn’t get a good score during class, give it another try: www.type.method.ac

Video Tutorial – Kerning and Kerning Pairs
We didn’t use this video in class but I think it’s helpful.

Homework Due – (9/12/16)

• Reading Assignment in textbook: Tracking: Kerning and Letterspace pgs 90-93;
  Letters, Words, Sentences pgs 52-79. Also, the reading that was due on Monday should be completed. Be prepared to for a quick one question quiz about the reading assignment.
• Finish the Letterform Drawing Worksheet
• Complete and submit any assignments that you haven’t finished before.