Tracking

Definition

Tracking refers to the adjustment of spacing between all characters in a word, sentence, or entire paragraph. This feature is important for achieving visual harmony and enhancing readability in text, making it essential in both creating and manipulating text objects as well as employing advanced typography techniques. The right tracking can dramatically impact the overall aesthetic of your design, influencing how text is perceived and read.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tracking can be adjusted to create a more open or condensed look in a block of text, impacting both style and readability.
2. Excessive tracking can make text harder to read, especially at smaller sizes, while insufficient tracking can cause characters to blend together.
3. Tracking settings can often be found in the character panel or type menu in design software, allowing for precise control over letter spacing.
4. The effect of tracking is especially noticeable in large display texts where letter spacing contributes to the overall visual impact.
5. Different fonts may require different tracking adjustments due to their unique designs and characteristics, meaning it's not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Review Questions

• How does tracking affect the readability and overall design of a text object?
  • Tracking plays a crucial role in readability by adjusting the spacing between characters, which can either enhance or hinder how easily text is consumed. By increasing tracking, you can create a more open feel that makes it easier for readers to distinguish individual letters, while decreased tracking may lead to characters appearing cramped. This balance is vital for effective design as it directly influences viewer engagement and comprehension.
• Compare and contrast tracking with kerning and leading in terms of their effects on typography.
  • While tracking adjusts spacing across all characters uniformly, kerning focuses on the space between specific pairs of characters to achieve visual balance. Leading deals with the vertical spacing between lines of text. Each plays a distinct role in typography: tracking affects the overall texture and rhythm of a block of text, kerning fine-tunes the interaction between letters, and leading influences how comfortable it is for readers to follow lines. Together, they work to create visually appealing and legible designs.
• Evaluate how different design contexts might require varying applications of tracking adjustments for optimal results.
  • In different design contexts such as web design versus print media, the application of tracking can vary significantly. For example, on digital screens where resolution may affect clarity, slightly increased tracking might improve readability. Conversely, in print designs where space is limited, more precise adjustments might be needed to maintain an elegant appearance without sacrificing legibility. Evaluating these contexts helps designers make informed decisions about how much tracking is appropriate for achieving the desired aesthetic and functional outcome.

Related terms

Kerning: Kerning is the adjustment of space between two specific characters to improve visual appearance and readability.

Leading:

Leading is the vertical spacing between lines of text, which affects how easily text can be read and how it feels on the page.

Baseline: The baseline is the imaginary line upon which most letters 'sit' and below which descenders extend.