Tightlyleading

Tightlyleading is a typographic practice in which the vertical spacing between lines of text, known as leading, is set more narrowly than is typical for a given type size. The term reflects a preference for compact line blocks that reduce the overall vertical extent of a text block. The concept stems from traditional typography, where leading was achieved with strips of lead placed between lines of metal type; tightening that spacing results in less white space within the text area.

In practice, tightlyleading is used to increase density on a page or screen, making blocks of text appear more cohesive and enabling more content to fit in a given space. It is often applied in headlines, captions, dense layouts, dashboards, or narrow column formats where horizontal space is at a premium. Designers balance tightlyleading with other controls such as font choice, tracking (letter spacing), and line length to maintain readability and visual rhythm.

Implementation varies by medium. In print, leading is adjusted in points or picas relative to font size; in digital media, it is commonly controlled with the line-height setting in CSS. Tight values typically hover around the lower end of legible ranges, with smaller font sizes and shorter lines requiring greater caution to avoid crowding.

While tightlyleading can improve page density and visual impact, it can also hinder readability, especially for long passages or accessibility-critical content. It is most effective when used selectively, in short blocks or where strong typographic hierarchy is present. Designers often test tightlyleading with audience feedback and adjust in tandem with line length, font choice, and contrast.