How to Alter Text Leading and Kerning in Illustrator
In the world of graphic design, typography plays a crucial role in conveying the message and aesthetic of a project. Adobe Illustrator, being a powerful vector graphics editor, offers a variety of tools to manipulate text, including adjusting leading and kerning. This article will guide you through the process of altering text leading and kerning in Illustrator, ensuring that your designs are visually appealing and well-structured.
Understanding Leading and Kerning
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand the concepts of leading and kerning. Leading refers to the vertical space between lines of text, while kerning is the spacing between individual characters. Both elements contribute to the readability and overall appearance of text in a design.
Step-by-Step Guide to Altering Text Leading and Kerning
1.
Open your Illustrator document and create a new text box by clicking on the “Type” tool (T) and clicking and dragging on the artboard.
2.
Enter the desired text into the text box.
3.
Select the text by clicking on it with the “Selection” tool (V) or by clicking on the “Type” tool (T) and then clicking inside the text box.
4.
Adjusting Leading:
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With the text selected, navigate to the “Character” panel (Window > Type > Character).
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In the “Character” panel, you will find the “Leading” option. Click on the up or down arrow next to the value to increase or decrease the leading.
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Alternatively, you can enter a specific leading value in the text field next to the up and down arrows.
5.
Adjusting Kerning:
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With the text still selected, navigate to the “Character” panel (Window > Type > Character).
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Look for the “Kerning” option in the “Character” panel. Click on the “Kerning” menu and select “Use Global Kerning” to adjust the spacing between all characters in the text.
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For more precise control, click on the “Kerning” menu and select “Kerning Pairs.” This will display a list of character pairs and their current kerning values.
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Click on a character pair and use the up or down arrow to adjust the kerning value. You can also enter a specific value in the text field next to the up and down arrows.
6.
Preview and Apply Changes:
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After adjusting the leading and kerning, preview the changes by zooming in on the text and observing the spacing between lines and characters.
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Once you are satisfied with the adjustments, click “OK” to apply the changes to the text.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can easily alter text leading and kerning in Illustrator. Remember that proper leading and kerning can significantly enhance the readability and visual appeal of your designs. Experiment with different values to find the perfect balance for your project. Happy designing!
