Maximizing Readability: Tips for Effective Tracking Typography

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 6 min read

Designing visually appealing and readable text is the key to effective communication, and tracking typography plays a significant role in achieving that. This blog will guide you through the process of maximizing readability by choosing the right typeface, mastering tracking and kerning, adjusting line length and spacing, optimizing color and contrast, and exploring useful typography tools and resources.

Choose the Right Typeface

The first step in creating eye-catching and accessible text is to choose the right typeface. Let's go over some important factors to consider when picking the perfect typeface for your project:

Serif vs. Sans Serif

Serif typefaces have small decorative strokes at the end of the main vertical and horizontal lines, while sans serif typefaces lack these decorations. Generally, serif fonts are considered more traditional and formal, while sans-serif fonts are seen as modern and casual. It's important to choose a typeface that aligns with the intended tone and purpose of your content. For example, Times New Roman, a serif font, might be a better fit for a research paper, whereas Helvetica, a sans-serif font, would work well for a tech company's website.

Legibility and Readability

Legibility and readability are two essential aspects of a typeface that directly impact the user experience. Legibility refers to the ease with which individual characters can be recognized, while readability is about the ease of understanding a block of text. Some factors affecting legibility and readability include letter spacing, character shape, and x-height (the height of lowercase letters). When selecting a typeface, make sure it's easy to read and understand, especially in the context of tracking typography.

Typeface Personality

Each typeface comes with its own personality, which can evoke specific emotions or convey a particular message. For instance, a playful font like Comic Sans might work well for a children's party invitation, but it would not be the best choice for a serious business presentation. When choosing a typeface, consider the emotions and associations it might evoke in your readers and select one that aligns with your content's purpose and tone.

Mastering Tracking and Kerning

Now that you've chosen the perfect typeface, it's time to fine-tune the spacing between letters to enhance readability. This involves understanding and adjusting tracking and kerning, two crucial elements of tracking typography.

Understanding Tracking

Tracking, also known as letter-spacing, refers to the consistent spacing between letters in a block of text. Proper tracking ensures that your text is evenly spaced and easy to read. Too much tracking can create an awkward gap between letters, making the text appear disjointed; too little tracking can cause letters to merge together and become difficult to decipher. Adjusting tracking is particularly important in headlines, where spacing issues can be more noticeable and impact overall readability.

Kerning Basics

Kerning, on the other hand, deals with adjusting the space between specific pairs of letters to achieve a visually pleasing and balanced appearance. Some letter pairs, like "AV" or "WA," naturally create an awkward space when placed next to each other. By adjusting the kerning of these letter pairs, you can eliminate these gaps and improve the overall look of your text. Unlike tracking, kerning adjustments are typically made on a case-by-case basis, focusing on problematic letter pairs.

Kerning Pairs

When adjusting kerning, it's essential to identify the specific letter pairs that cause visual issues. Some common examples of problematic kerning pairs include "AV," "WA," "To," "Tr," "Ye," and "Wo." By adjusting the kerning of these pairs, you can create a more cohesive and visually appealing block of text. Be mindful not to overdo it—subtle adjustments are typically enough to achieve the desired effect without compromising legibility. Remember, the goal of tracking typography is to enhance readability while maintaining a visually pleasing appearance.

Line Length and Spacing

When it comes to maximizing readability, tracking typography is just one piece of the puzzle. The length of your lines and the space between them also play a significant role in creating a comfortable reading experience. Let's explore some best practices for line length and spacing in your text.

Optimal Line Length

Line length, or the number of characters per line, can directly impact the readability of your text. If your lines are too long, readers may struggle to find the beginning of the next line; if they're too short, the text may feel choppy and disjointed. As a general rule, aim for a line length of 50-75 characters, including spaces, for optimal readability in body text. For headlines and subheadlines, shorter line lengths can help create emphasis and focus on the content.

Line Spacing

Line spacing, also known as leading, refers to the vertical space between lines of text. Proper line spacing can significantly improve readability by preventing lines from merging together and making it easier for readers to track their progress. A good starting point for line spacing is to set it at 1.4-1.6 times the font size, but feel free to adjust it based on the specific typeface and content.

Paragraph Spacing

Paragraph spacing helps separate ideas and make your content more digestible. To create a clear visual break between paragraphs, consider increasing the space between them or using a first-line indent. Avoid using both techniques simultaneously, as this can create an excessive amount of white space and disrupt the flow of your text. Experiment with different spacing options to find the right balance that enhances readability without sacrificing visual appeal.

Color and Contrast

Color and contrast are essential elements that can significantly impact the readability of your text. Choosing the right colors and ensuring sufficient contrast will make your content visually appealing and easier to read. Let's dive into some tips for selecting colors, creating contrast, and designing accessible content.

Choosing Colors

Color plays a significant role in setting the mood of your content and reinforcing your brand identity. When selecting colors for your text, consider the following:

Choose colors that represent your brand and complement your design.
For large blocks of text, stick to darker colors on lighter backgrounds or vice versa, as this creates a high contrast that is easy on the eyes.
Use brighter or more saturated colors sparingly for elements like headings, links, or calls-to-action to draw attention and create visual interest.

Contrast Considerations

Contrast refers to the difference between the color of your text and its background. Adequate contrast is essential for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. Keep the following tips in mind when working with contrast:

Use a color contrast tool to ensure your text meets accessibility guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
When using colored backgrounds, make sure the text remains highly legible by selecting a contrasting color or adjusting the font weight.
Test your design on various devices and screen types to ensure consistent readability across different environments.

Accessibility Tips

Designing your content with accessibility in mind not only benefits users with visual impairments but also improves the overall reading experience for everyone. Here are some accessibility tips to consider:

Use proper HTML markup for headings, paragraphs, and lists to provide a clear content structure that screen readers can interpret.
Include alternative text for images to describe their content and purpose for users who rely on screen readers or have images turned off.
Ensure that your links are descriptive and clearly indicate their destination, making it easier for users to navigate your content.

Typography Tools and Resources

Using the right tools and resources can help you create polished, professional, and visually appealing content. In this section, we'll explore some valuable options for font discovery and selection, kerning and tracking tools, and color and contrast resources that can assist you in creating engaging and readable tracking typography.

Font Discovery and Selection

Finding the perfect typeface for your content can be a challenging task. Here are some sources and tips to help you in your search:

Online font libraries such as Google Fonts, Adobe Fonts, or Font Squirrel offer a wide variety of free and premium typefaces to choose from.
Explore the work of other designers or browse design inspiration websites to discover new typefaces and see how they are used in context.
Consider using font pairing tools or guides to help you find complementary typefaces that work well together in your design.

Kerning and Tracking Tools

Adjusting kerning and tracking can greatly enhance the readability of your text. The following tools can help you perfect your tracking typography:

Most design software, such as Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, provides built-in tools for adjusting kerning and tracking. Familiarize yourself with these tools and learn how to use them effectively in your projects.
Online tools like Kern Type or Type War offer interactive exercises to help you practice and improve your kerning skills.
Consider using grid systems or guides in your design software to ensure consistent spacing and alignment throughout your content.

Color and Contrast Resources

Choosing the right colors and creating sufficient contrast are essential for a visually appealing and accessible design. Here are some resources to help you make informed decisions:

Online color palette generators like Coolors or Adobe Color CC can help you create harmonious color schemes that work well together.
Use color contrast tools such as the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker or Contrast Ratio to ensure your text meets accessibility guidelines.
Research color psychology and cultural associations to make informed decisions about the colors you use in your design and how they may impact your audience's perception.

If you enjoyed reading about typography and want to dive deeper into a unique style, check out Aryaman Munish's workshop, 'The Basics of Holographic Bubble Typography'. In this workshop, you will discover the techniques and design principles behind crafting eye-catching holographic bubble typography that will surely set your designs apart.