Kerning in Microsoft Word 2003: A Guide to Perfect Spacing

When it comes to formatting text in Microsoft Word 2003, one often overlooked aspect is kerning - the process of adjusting the spacing between characters to create a more visually appealing and readable text. In this article, we'll explore how to adjust kerning manually and automatically in Microsoft Word 2003.

Why Kerning Matters

Kerning is essential because not all characters appear the same width when read on a printed page. A font's design dictates a certain amount of space for inter-character spacing, but sometimes this can lead to an illusion of too much space between letters. This problem typically arises when the left character in a pair has a stroke (a line) that travels diagonally from left to right.

Manually Adjusting Kerning

To manually adjust kerning, follow these steps:

1. Select the text whose kerning you want to adjust.

2. Go to the Font dialog box by choosing Tools > Font.

3. Make sure the Character Spacing tab is selected.

4. In the By box to the right of the Spacing pull-down list, indicate the amount of space (in points) by which the character spacing should be adjusted.

5. Select Expanded or Condensed, depending on whether you want to move the characters further apart or closer together.

Automatically Adjusting Kerning

To change kerning automatically, perform the following steps:

1. Go to the Font dialog box by choosing Tools > Font.

2. Make sure the Character Spacing tab is selected.

3. Click on the Kerning for Fonts check box.

By adjusting kerning manually or automatically, you can create a more appealing and readable text in Microsoft Word 2003. Whether you're preparing a document for certification, creating interactive figures, or redesigning your course materials, kerning is an essential step in formatting your text to perfection.

In conclusion, kerning is an often-overlooked aspect of text formatting that can make a significant difference in the appearance and readability of your documents. By following the steps outlined above, you can manually adjust kerning or use Word's built-in features to achieve perfect spacing between characters. Whether you're a student preparing for certification or an educator seeking to enhance your course materials, kerning is an essential skill to master.

Kerning in microsoft word 2003