Typography Tips to give you a professional edge
In this three-part series, we’re looking at typography terms you’re more than likely to have heard of but still not completely clear on what they mean.
Let’s break them together so you can feel like a real typography pro!
PART 1 Typography Terms – Leading
Firstly, how you pronounce Leading is not what you think. It is pronounced as “ledd-ing“.
Leading is the vertical space between multiple lines of text.
Think of Leading like the three bears in the Goldilocks story. You don’t want too much or too little. Instead, you want that “just right” spot.
Too much Leading
Is known as “Loose Leading” which can make the text look unprofessional and awkward to read.
Too little Leading
This is known as “Tight Leading” and can make the text hard to read.
Regular Leading
Instead, you want the reader to feel relaxed and comfortable reading therefore aim for “Regular Leading”.
Regular Leading Insider Tip
Usually, 120% of the text size is a good amount for Leading. And don’t forget to treat the leading size for print and digital differently. Use our tips below to calculate.
Print Leading
The average body copy point size = 10pt. So Leading = 10 x 120% = 12pt
Digital Leading
The average body copy pixel size = 16px. So Leading = 16 x 120% = 19.2px
PART 2 Typography Terms – Tracking
Tracking is the spacing between individual letters. Another term for it is Letterspacing.
A lot of creatives, however, don’t know how to use tracking for the most impact. So if use this Type Tip you’re sure to stand out from the crowd.
There are 3 types of Tracking
- Tight Tracking
- Loose Tracking
- Normal Tracking
When used correctly, tracking can change the visual weight and impact.
Upper case Headings
Loose Tracking in uppercase can create an elegant, premium feel. Think of movie titles, fashion and high-end brands.
Lower case Headings
However, avoid Loose Tracking on lowercase headings, as it looks uncomfortable and is hard to read.
Body Copy
When laying out body copy, stick to Normal Tracking.
Tight or Loose Tracking, on body copy text can result in poor readability and should be avoided.
PART 3 Typography Terms – Kerning
When the spacing between letters doesn’t look right – use this Type Tip.
Kerning is the total space between 2 single letters.
➕ Positive Kerning – adding space.
➖ Negative Kerning – deleting space.
✅ Regular Kerning – the amount of space that appears automatically by your design program.
Insider Tip
The amount of Kerning between each set of two single letters will always be different. The decided amount will depend on what looks the best to create balance and make it easier to read.
You Did it!
That’s a wrap on Typography Tips to give you a professional edge. We covered the Typography Terms – Leading, Tracking and Kerning. Now that you understand the differences between these terms and how they work – try them out and let us know how they impact your designs. In the meantime, Follow us on Pinterest for more blog posts like this.
Try these tips on your Website
Our FREE Essential Guide for Creatives. “Do’s & Don’ts of what to add to your website” will give you a simple plan to follow so that you’ll never have to question what to show online again.
Where to now?
We’ve got more Type and Design Tips to help you out. Check out the below.
- Type Crimes on your Website (are you committing any of these?)
- Before you pick your Brand Font, ensure it has these 3 features
- What are the different Typeface Categories?
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