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What are good techniques for improving kerning in headline type?
Asked on Nov 01, 2025
Answer
Improving kerning in headline type is essential for enhancing readability and visual appeal. Kerning involves adjusting the space between individual letter pairs to achieve a balanced and harmonious look, especially in large type sizes where spacing issues are more noticeable.
Example Technique:
- Step 1 – Identify problematic letter pairs (e.g., AV, WA, TA) where spacing feels uneven.
- Step 2 – Manually adjust the spacing using vector tools or type settings to create uniform visual gaps.
- Step 3 – Review the entire headline to ensure consistent spacing and improve overall readability.
Additional Comment:
- Use optical kerning settings in design software for an automated starting point.
- Check kerning at different sizes to ensure consistency across various applications.
- Consider the typeface's natural characteristics; some fonts require more manual adjustment than others.
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