Tracking

Tracking is the consistant degree of space between characters.

tracking

To adjust the amount of space between characters in CSS, use the letter-spacing: property.

CSS
* {
  letter-spacing: normal;
}

letter-spacing: accepts these term values:

  • normal (default, no extra spacing)
  • pixels (px)
  • points (pt)
  • percent (%)
  • ems (em)
  • …most other size terms, including negative values

As with line-height: , this property can be passed absolute values, the word normal to use the default, and relative values. When using relative values, be aware that ems will be in relation to the font itself, and percentages will be in relation to the parent element.

“Why adjust letter spacing?”

It is sometimes useful to space characters out. However, most of the time, this quality can be used to achieve visual text effects for branding, delineating sections, or to make a particular piece of content stand out.

NOTE: Negative values are valid, and can be used to create a “tighter” presentation of text.