What is kerning?

Kerning specifically refers to the adjustment of space between individual characters in a word. This typographic technique aims to achieve visually consistent spacing and enhance the overall readability and aesthetic of the text. Proper kerning ensures that letters are evenly spaced, which can be crucial for creating a polished and professional appearance in typography.

For instance, certain letter combinations, such as "A" and "V," may visually appear too far apart if left with the default spacing, while others, like "T" and "h," may look too close. Adjusting the kerning allows designers to modify the spacing to create a more harmonious balance between letters, improving legibility and visual appeal.

Understanding kerning is essential for anyone working with text in design applications like Photoshop, as it directly impacts how text is perceived by viewers.