How to Add Space Between Letters in AI
When working with text in Adobe Illustrator, you may encounter a need to add space between individual letters. Whether you want to create a unique typographic effect or improve the readability of your text, adjusting the spacing between letters can be a valuable skill. Fortunately, Illustrator provides several methods to add space between letters, giving you the flexibility to achieve your desired visual outcome. In this article, we will explore some techniques for adding letter spacing in Adobe Illustrator.
Method 1: Kerning
Kerning refers to the process of adjusting the spacing between individual pairs of letters. Illustrator’s Kerning feature allows you to manually adjust the spacing between specific letter pairs to achieve optimal visual harmony. To use Kerning in Illustrator:
1. Select the text you want to modify.
2. Go to the Character panel (Window > Type > Character) to access the Kerning option.
3. Use the Kerning drop-down menu to select an appropriate value. You can choose between Auto, Metrics, Optical, and Manual. For manual adjustment, select the desired letter pair and use the Kerning input box or arrows to increase or decrease the spacing between them.
Method 2: Tracking
Tracking, also known as letter-spacing, refers to adjusting the overall spacing between all letters in a block of text. This can be useful for adding consistent space between all letters in a word or phrase. To adjust tracking in Illustrator:
1. Select the text you want to modify.
2. In the Character panel, locate the Tracking input box and use the input box or arrows to increase or decrease the overall spacing between letters.
Method 3: Using the Type on a Path Tool
If you want to create a curved or circular text design with adjusted letter spacing, you can use the Type on a Path Tool in Illustrator. This tool allows you to create text along a custom path, giving you control over the spacing between letters as they follow the path’s curvature. To use the Type on a Path Tool:
1. Select the Type on a Path Tool from the toolbar.
2. Click on the desired path or draw a new path using the Pen Tool.
3. Type your text, and then adjust the position and spacing of each letter by clicking and dragging on the path.
By utilizing these methods, you can effectively add space between letters in Adobe Illustrator to achieve your desired visual result. Whether you are adjusting individual letter pairs, overall letter spacing, or creating custom text layouts along paths, Illustrator provides the tools necessary to accomplish your typographic goals. Experimenting with these techniques will enhance your ability to create impactful and visually engaging text designs in AI.
