Sure, here’s an article on how to change letter spacing in Adobe Illustrator:
Mastering the art of typography is essential for any designer, and Adobe Illustrator provides a wide range of tools to help achieve the perfect type set. One important aspect of typography is controlling the spacing between letters, known as letter spacing or tracking. This control gives your text a polished, professional look. In this article, we will explore how to change letter spacing in Adobe Illustrator.
Step 1: Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document or open an existing one.
Step 2: Select the text you want to work with by using the Type tool (T) and clicking on the text.
Step 3: Go to the Character panel by selecting Window > Type > Character or pressing Ctrl + T. This will open the Character panel, allowing you to adjust the letter spacing.
Step 4: In the Character panel, you will see options for adjusting the letter spacing. The first option is the tracking (letter spacing) field, represented by a VA icon. This field allows you to manually input a specific value to increase or decrease the space between letters.
Step 5: If you want to adjust the spacing of specific letters, use the Type tool to highlight the individual letters you want to modify. Then, input a custom value in the tracking field, and only these specific letters will be affected.
Step 6: You can also use the Option/Alt + Left/Right arrow keys to adjust the letter spacing incrementally. Option/Alt + Left arrow key decreases the letter spacing, while Option/Alt + Right arrow key increases the letter spacing.
Step 7: Another method to change letter spacing in Adobe Illustrator is to use the Type > Area Type Options command. By adjusting the letter spacing in the Area Type Options dialog box, you can control the spacing within a text area.
Step 8: After making the necessary changes, be sure to review your text to ensure that the letter spacing looks consistent and visually appealing across the entire piece.
In conclusion, changing letter spacing in Adobe Illustrator is a straightforward process that can significantly improve the overall aesthetics of your typography. By utilizing the Character panel and its tools, you can effectively control and adjust letter spacing to achieve the desired visual impact. Experiment with the different methods outlined in this article to find the perfect letter spacing for your designs.
