bokstavavstand

Bokstavavstånd refers to the distance between adjacent letters in a line of text. In typography it is often called letter-spacing or tracking. The concept is distinct from kerning, which adjusts spacing for specific letter pairs, while bokstavavstånd usually denotes a uniform spacing applied across a range of characters.

Adjusting bokstavavstånd affects readability, legibility, and the visual character of a typeface. Small increases can improve readability in dense body text or on low-resolution screens; larger increases are common in headlines, logotypes, or display contexts to create a particular mood. Excessive spacing, however, can slow reading and weaken cohesion.

In digital typography, bokstavavstånd is controlled by the letter-spacing setting in CSS or by tracking in design software. Negative values tighten spacing, positive values widen it. Fonts vary in optical metrics, so the apparent spacing may differ from the measured value. Designers often test a range across the paragraph to achieve consistent color and density.

Best practices include using modest tracking adjustments for body text, avoiding uniform large gaps in long passages, and reserving wider tracking for display text or branding. When pairing fonts, ensure the metrics align and maintain comfortable readability. Optical adjustments may be necessary for all-caps text, where spacing can feel cramped.