Kearning

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At larger point sizes, it is aesthetically pleasing to move some letters closer together than they would normally appear. For instance, the word "To". The letter "o" can be nudged under the arm of the "T":

Kerning

Adjusting (increasing or decreasing) the space between adjoining type characters.

Kearning pair

Two adjoining type characters to which a particular kearning value is applied.

Kearning value

The space between two adjoining type characters. This value is usually measured in em.

From the Word Help file:

1. Select the text you want to change.
   
2. On the Format menu, click Font, and then click the Character Spacing tab.
   
3. Do one of the following:
   
   • Expand or condense space evenly between all the selected characters
     
     Click Expanded or Condensed in the Spacing box, and then specify how much space you want in the By box.
     
     
   • Kern characters that are above a particular point size
     
     Select the Kerning for fonts check box, and then enter the point size in the Points and above box.

Note: Selecting Expanded or Condensed alters the spacing between all selected letters by the same amount. Kerning alters the spacing between particular pairs of letters.

Microsoft Typography: A Disagreeably Facetious Type Glossary
WebStyleGuide.com: Webstyle Guide - Typography
About.com: Typography Tutorials
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