Tracking

Definition

Tracking refers to the adjustment of space between groups of letters in typography, impacting the overall appearance and readability of text. By increasing or decreasing tracking, designers can influence the density of text, create a visual flow, and enhance the emotional tone of written content. This manipulation is crucial in both typography and graphic design, as it affects how the audience interacts with and perceives the written message.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tracking is applied uniformly across a selected range of text, unlike kerning which adjusts specific letter pairs.
2. Designers often use tracking to improve legibility in different contexts, such as headlines versus body text.
3. Too much tracking can lead to a disjointed appearance, while too little may make text feel cramped and hard to read.
4. In graphic design software, tracking adjustments are usually measured in points and can be adjusted using specific tools or panels.
5. The right amount of tracking can enhance aesthetic qualities in designs, making them more appealing to viewers.

Review Questions

• How does tracking differ from kerning in typography, and why is this distinction important for designers?
  • Tracking adjusts the space between groups of letters across a selected text range, while kerning focuses on the spacing between individual letter pairs. This distinction is crucial because tracking affects the overall density and readability of entire blocks of text, making it essential for maintaining visual harmony in larger texts. Designers must understand both concepts to effectively communicate their message and ensure that their typographic choices enhance rather than hinder readability.
• Discuss how adjusting tracking can impact the emotional tone of a design project.
  • Adjusting tracking can significantly influence the emotional tone conveyed through design. For instance, increased tracking may create a sense of openness and calmness, making it suitable for serene or minimalist designs. Conversely, reduced tracking can generate a sense of urgency or compactness, ideal for bold advertising materials. Designers must be intentional with these adjustments to align the visual message with the intended emotional response from the audience.
• Evaluate the importance of tracking in creating effective digital communication through typography in graphic design projects.
  • Tracking plays a vital role in creating effective digital communication by enhancing readability and visual appeal in typography. By carefully adjusting tracking, designers can ensure that their text is legible across various devices and screen sizes while also making strategic choices about spacing that guide the viewer’s eye. An evaluation of typography reveals that proper tracking not only improves user experience but also reinforces brand identity by ensuring that text harmonizes with other visual elements within a graphic design project.

Related terms

Kerning: Kerning is the adjustment of space between individual letter pairs to achieve a visually pleasing and consistent look.

Leading: Leading refers to the vertical space between lines of text, which can greatly affect readability and visual appeal.

Typeface: A typeface is a set of characters that share a common design, encompassing letters, numbers, and symbols, which can greatly influence tracking adjustments.