What is Tracking in Typography? A Complete Guide

Have you ever read text that just felt right? Readable with ease, a delight for the eyes, and harmoniously integrated with the overall design? The odds are high that tracking is the behind-the-scenes unsung hero.

In the world of design, where visual communication is the ruling law, typography is the foundation. It’s not the words themselves but the manner in which the words are visually displayed that truly catches the attention and conveys. Think about your favorite websites, publications, or logos. Why are they visually appealing? Most probably, it’s the harmonious alignment of words and tracking is the key to achieving this balance.

This article aims to demystify tracking and be your step-by-step, how-to guide towards becoming a tracking master. Whether professional designer or just starting out on your design career path, knowing and using tracking properly will elevate your typography and design work.

What is Tracking?

Think about a billboard for a new clothing brand. If the words are too close, they blend. If they are too far away, they feel disconnected. Tracking helps fix this. It adjusts the space between all letters to make the text clear and easy to read.

Tracking changes the spacing in a whole block of text. It makes words look neat and balanced. This is different from kerning, which only fixes space between two letters. Good tracking makes reading smooth. It also helps designs look clean and professional. This is important in UI UX design.

Picture a wedding invitation. If the letters are too tight, the fancy script looks messy. If too wide, it feels broken. The same is true for websites, ads, and brochures. Good tracking makes text look elegant and inviting. It improves UI UX design and keeps people interested.

Proper tracking makes words look good in print and digital designs. Tight spacing makes the text hard to read. Loose spacing makes it feel scattered. The goal is balance. It works with kerning (letter pairs) and leading (line spacing) to make text smooth and clear.

Tracking may seem small, but it makes a big difference. When used well, it makes reading easy and design beautiful. The best part? No one even notices—it just feels right.

What is the Purpose of Tracking in Design?

Tracking is not just about spacing letters. It plays a big role in making text easy to read, shaping a brand’s look, and improving design for print and digital media.

Making Text Easy to Read at Any Size

Tracking helps text stay clear at different sizes.

• Big Text (Headlines, Titles): Loose tracking makes headlines feel open and stylish. Tight tracking makes them bold and strong.
• Small Text (Body Copy, Captions): Small text needs careful spacing. Loose tracking makes it easier to read, especially for packed fonts.

Good tracking keeps text readable in any design.

Improving Design and Layout

Tracking makes a layout look better and more balanced.

• Text as a Design Element: Tracking changes the feel of the text. It can look light and airy or tight and solid.
• Balancing Space: Proper tracking keeps the text and blank spaces balanced.
• Smooth Reading Flow: Consistent tracking makes reading easy and enjoyable.

Strengthening Brand Identity

Tracking affects how a brand looks and feels.

• Brand Personality: Luxury brands often use loose tracking for elegance. Modern brands go for tight tracking to look bold.
• Font Beauty: Proper tracking makes fonts look better.
• Setting the Mood: Loose tracking feels open and friendly. Tight tracking creates urgency and energy.

Adjusting for Print and Digital Media

Tracking changes based on where the text appears.

• Print Media: Printed text is sharp, so it needs fewer spacing changes.
• Digital Media: Screens need looser tracking for better reading.

Good tracking makes text clear and readable everywhere.

How to Adjust Tracking in Design Software?

Before diving into specific software, understanding these principles will guide your tracking adjustments.

Start with the Default

Begin by assessing the default tracking of the chosen font. Often, the default tracking is a good starting point, especially for well-designed typefaces.

Subtlety is Key

Effective tracking adjustments are usually subtle. Avoid drastic changes unless for specific stylistic effects. Small increments (e.g., 5, 10, 20 units) often make the most significant difference in readability and visual refinement.

Context Matters

The ideal tracking depends on the context: text size, font style, length of text block, and overall design aesthetic. Headlines, body copy, captions, and logos may require different tracking approaches.

Readability First

Always prioritize readability. If tracking adjustments compromise readability, they are counterproductive, regardless of visual appeal.

Test and Iterate

Experiment with different tracking values and view your text at the intended size and in the final layout. Print proofs or previews on different devices to ensure optimal results. Typography is often an iterative process.

What is the Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Tracking?

Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is a powerful tool for layout design. It is great for print and digital projects. You can adjust tracking easily.

1. Select Text – Use the Type Tool (T) to choose the text.
2. Open Character Panel – Go to Window > Type & Tables > Character.
3. Find Tracking Control – Look for the “VA” icon with arrows.
4. Change Value – Type a number or use the arrows to adjust spacing. Higher numbers add space. Lower numbers reduce space.
5. Preview Changes – Check how the text looks as you adjust.

Adobe Illustrator

Illustrator is best for vector design. It also has good typography tools.

1. Select Text – Click on the text with the Type Tool (T).
2. Open Character Panel – Go to Window > Type > Character.
3. Find Tracking Control – It is in the Character Panel.
4. Adjust Tracking – Change the value up or down.
5. See Changes – Look at how the spacing changes in real time.

Adobe Photoshop

Photoshop is mainly for images but also has text tools.

1. Choose Text Layer – Click the text layer in the Layers panel.
2. Open Character Panel – Go to Window > Character.
3. Find Tracking Control – It is in the Character Panel.
4. Adjust Tracking – Type a number or use arrows to change spacing.
5. Check Changes – Look at how the text adjusts as you edit.

Figma

Figma is a web and app design tool. It allows live collaboration.

1. Select Text Layer – Click on the text layer.
2. Open Text Panel – Find text settings in the right sidebar.
3. Find Letter Spacing – This is called “Letter spacing” in Figma.
4. Adjust Spacing – Increase or decrease the percentage.
5. See Changes – Check how spacing looks in your design.

Canva (For Beginners)

Canva is an easy online design tool. You don’t need design skills to use it.

1. Select Text Box – Click on the text you want to edit.
2. Find Spacing Option – Look for “Spacing” in the toolbar.
3. Use the Slider – Drag right to add space and left to reduce it.
4. Adjust Until It Looks Right – Keep moving the slider until happy.
5. See Results – Look at the updated text instantly.

Using Tracking in Web Typography and UI Design

Tracking affects readability. It is important for digital design.

• Make Reading Easy – Loose tracking helps text on screens. It improves readability across devices.
• Use for UI Elements – Tracking can make menus, buttons, and labels clearer.
• Adjust for Responsive Design – Make sure the text looks good on all screen sizes.
• Use CSS for Web – Control tracking with letter spacing in CSS.
  • Example: letter-spacing: 0.1em;

By learning how to adjust tracking, you improve design quality. It helps with both print and digital work.

What are the Best Practices for Using Tracking Effectively?

Tracking helps make text look neat and easy to read. But it must be used the right way. Here are some best practices to follow:

Make Small Changes for a Natural Look

Tiny tweaks keep the text looking smooth.

• Go Slow: Change tracking in small steps (5, 10, or 20 units in design tools). Check readability as you go.
• Refine, Don’t Overdo: Tracking should improve the text, not change it too much.
• Less is More: If large changes are needed, think about using a different font.

Look at Font Style and Weight First

Different fonts react in different ways to tracking.

• Bold vs. Light: Bold fonts may need more space, while light fonts may need less.
• Font Nature: Some fonts are already tight or loose. Adjust as needed.
• Serif vs. Sans-Serif: Serif fonts often need different spacing than modern sans-serif ones.

Keep Tracking the Same Across Designs

Consistency makes designs look professional.

• Stick to Set Values: Use the same tracking for all brand text.
• Use a System: Apply tracking evenly for easy reading.
• Follow Brand Rules: Set clear guidelines for tracking in style guides.

Don’t Make Text Too Tight or Too Loose

Bad tracking hurts readability.

• Too Tight: Crowded text is hard to read.
• Too Loose: Gaps break the reading flow.
• Check Balance: Text should feel just right for the reader.

Using these tips will help create clear and attractive designs.

What are some of the Common Mistakes Designers Make with Tracking?

Even skilled designers make mistakes with tracking. Knowing these mistakes helps you avoid them.

Over-Tightened Tracking: Crammed and Hard-to-Read Text

This is a big problem in UI/UX design.

• Too Crowded: Tight tracking makes words hard to read. Letters sit too close together.
• Unreadable Small Text: In small sizes, letters can blur together.
• Harsh Look: Text may feel tense or too strong.
• Example: Imagine a sentence where letters almost touch. It looks dense and messy.

Over-Loosened Tracking: Disconnected Words and Disjointed Flow

Too much space between letters is also bad.

• Broken Words: Large gaps make words harder to read.
• Unprofessional Feel: Poor tracking makes designs look sloppy.
• Weaker Message: Loose text loses impact.
• Example: A headline with big gaps feels disconnected and weak.

Inconsistent Tracking Across Different Text Elements

Tracking should be the same across all text.

• Messy Look: Different spacing in titles and body text makes designs look off.
• Less Professional: Uneven text spacing feels unfinished.
• Brand Confusion: Brands need clear, steady text styles.

Ignoring How Tracking Interacts with Other Typography Elements

Tracking works with other parts of typography.

• Font Choice Matters: Some fonts need more or less space.
• Line Spacing Needs Balance: Tight letters may need extra line space.
• Size Adjustments: Text size affects how much spacing is needed.

By fixing these mistakes, UI/UX design becomes cleaner and easier to read.

Conclusion

If you’re not paying attention to tracking typography in UI UX design, you’re already at a disadvantage. Poor spacing can ruin readability, weaken brand identity, and drive users away. Without proper tracking typography, your design loses impact, making it harder to engage customers and build credibility. Don’t let inconsistent typography damage your brand.

At Linkitsoft, we handle UI UX design, tracking typography, typography optimization, web development, and mobile app solutions with the goal of delivering flawless tracking typography for enhanced user experience and brand identity. Our experts craft each detail with precision, giving polished, high-performing UI UX design according to your specifications.

Don’t risk losing potential customers due to poor tracking typography. Contact Linkitsoft today for cutting-edge UI UX design solutions that guarantee satisfaction. The competition is investing in superior tracking typography—are you? Act now and give your brand the professional edge it deserves. Reach out today and stay ahead of the UI UX design curv