Letter Spacing
The uniform adjustment of space between all characters in a block of text. Also called tracking. Distinct from kerning, which adjusts space between specific character pairs.
Letter spacing serves different purposes at different sizes. Large text (headings, display) benefits from slightly negative letter spacing (-0.01em to -0.02em) because optical spacing at large sizes creates gaps that feel wider than intended. Small text (captions, labels, uppercase) benefits from positive letter spacing (+0.02em to +0.05em) because tight tracking at small sizes reduces legibility. A typography system defines these values once so they stay consistent across every component.
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Related Terms
Type Scale
A set of font sizes generated from a consistent mathematical ratio. Instead of picking sizes by feel, you pick a base size and a ratio, and every other size flows from that relationship.
Font Pairing
The strategic selection of two or more typefaces that work together in a design system. Good pairings create contrast in structure while maintaining harmony in proportion.