Visual Design
Tracking
Tracking is letter-spacing applied evenly across a word, line, or block of text. It opens up or tightens the overall spacing without targeting any single pair.
Why it matters
The right tracking makes text easier to read and gives labels a deliberate, polished feel. Beginners who adjust it thoughtfully can rescue cramped or loose-looking type.
In depth
Tracking is sometimes called letter-spacing, and the two terms are used interchangeably in most tools. It differs from kerning, which adjusts one specific pair at a time; tracking treats every gap in a range the same. Uppercase and small text usually benefit from a bit more tracking, while large display text often needs less or none.
Real-world example
An uppercase navigation label like "PRODUCTS" often looks tight by default, so adding a little tracking gives the letters room to breathe.
Related terms