When using Character Spacing, common questions usually fall into 3 areas: settings not taking effect, restoring defaults, and uneven mixed-text display; this section includes 4 frequently asked questions.
FAQ
Why does nothing change after I adjust character spacing?
- Make sure you selected the text before opening Character Spacing settings.
- Check whether you previewed the change but did not click OK.
- If other formatting affects the text, select it again and reapply the setting.
- Save the document and review the result again.
How do I restore the default character spacing?
- Select the text you want to reset.
- Open the Character Spacing tab in the Font dialog box.
- Set Spacing back to Normal, Scale back to 100%, and Position back to its default state.
- Clear any extra option you no longer need, then click OK.
What is the difference between scale and spacing?
- Scale changes the width ratio of the characters themselves.
- Spacing changes the distance between one character and the next.
- If you want text to look narrower or wider, adjust Scale first.
- If you want characters to look tighter or looser, adjust Spacing first.
How can I fix uneven spacing in letters and numbers?
- Select the text that includes letters and numbers.
- Open the Character Spacing tab.
- Turn on Kerning for fonts.
- If needed, continue refining the result with spacing or position settings.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Character Spacing | A setting that controls the horizontal distance between characters, including normal, expanded, or condensed spacing. |
| Scale | A percentage-based setting that changes the width of characters themselves rather than the gap between them. |
| Raised / Lowered | A vertical position adjustment that moves characters slightly upward or downward for local layout refinement. |
| Kerning | A setting that improves the visual balance of character spacing based on font and size, often useful for letters and numbers. |