Adjust aki before and after characters

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to control character spacing in CJK typography using Mojikumi aki adjustments in Adobe InDesign.

Aki adjustments add precise spacing before Learn how to control precise character spacing in CJK typography using Mojikumi aki adjustments in InDesign. or after individual characters, particularly for punctuation such as parentheses, in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (CJK) typography. This spacing remains fixed and does not adjust with full justification, making it useful for overriding default Mojikumi Akiryo settings for specific characters while maintaining typographic control. These adjustments are measured in bu, where 2bu equals half a full-width space, and 4bu equals a quarter of a full-width space.

Select opening or closing parenthesis (or other character) using the Type (T) tool.

Select Type > Character.

Choose the amount of aki you want to add from the Mojikumi Before Character or Mojikumi After Character pop-up menu, in the Character panel.

Select from options such as 2bu (half a full-width space) or 4bu (quarter a full-width space) based on your spacing needs, or select No Aki (アキなし), to add no space. The applied aki spacing takes effect immediately and remains fixed regardless of text justification.

To remove aki spacing, select the character again, then select Auto (自動) from the Mojikumi menu.

Tip

Aki adjustments override Mojikumi Akiryo Settings for individual characters without affecting global paragraph settings.