Adjust text spacing with tracking

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to use tracking values to tighten or loosen spacing across selected text ranges in Adobe InDesign.

Tracking adjusts the spacing evenly across selected text to tighten or loosen text blocks. Unlike kerning, which affects individual letter pairs, tracking applies uniformly to all selected characters. Values are measured in thousandths of an em (1/1000 em), where positive values increase spacing and negative values reduce it.

Using the Type tool, select the range of text you want to adjust.

In the Character or Control panel, locate the Tracking field.

Type a numeric value or use the arrow buttons to adjust spacing incrementally.

Tip

Press Alt + Ctrl + Q (Windows) or Option + Cmd + Q (macOS) to reset tracking to zero.