Tracking

Definition

Tracking refers to the space between letters in a word or a block of text, adjusting it to enhance readability and visual appeal. It’s an essential part of typography and layout, as it influences how a viewer perceives text on a page. Proper tracking can improve legibility and ensure a harmonious composition, making it vital for effective communication in design.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tracking can be adjusted for entire blocks of text, impacting the overall density and feel of the content.
2. Increasing tracking can make text look more open and airy, while decreasing it can create a tighter, more compact appearance.
3. Proper tracking is especially important in large bodies of text, where too much or too little space can lead to difficulty in reading.
4. In design work, tracking adjustments can also be used to create stylistic effects, giving personality to typography.
5. Different fonts may require varying amounts of tracking adjustment due to their inherent design characteristics.

Review Questions

• How does tracking impact the overall readability of a block of text in a design project?
  • Tracking significantly affects readability by controlling the space between letters across a block of text. Properly adjusted tracking can prevent overcrowding or excessive spacing, both of which hinder legibility. If the tracking is too tight, letters may appear merged, causing confusion; if too loose, it can disrupt the flow of reading. Designers must find a balance that enhances clarity while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
• In what ways do tracking adjustments differ from kerning and leading, and why is it important to understand these distinctions?
  • Tracking adjustments apply to the spacing across an entire block of text, while kerning focuses on the space between specific pairs of letters, and leading pertains to the space between lines. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective typography because each element serves different purposes in enhancing readability and visual impact. Mismanaging any one of these aspects can lead to poorly designed text that fails to communicate effectively.
• Evaluate how tracking choices contribute to the overall composition of a design piece and what considerations should be taken when making these choices.
  • Tracking choices play a key role in shaping the overall composition by influencing not only legibility but also the visual hierarchy and style of the design. Designers must consider factors such as font choice, intended audience, and the message being conveyed when adjusting tracking. A well-executed tracking adjustment can unify elements within a layout, leading to a more cohesive and professional appearance, whereas poor tracking can disrupt harmony and detract from the intended communication.

Related terms

Kerning: The adjustment of space between specific pairs of letters to achieve a visually pleasing result.

Leading: The vertical space between lines of text, which impacts readability and overall text flow.

Typography: The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and visually appealing.