Set spacing priorities in Mojikumi character classes

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to define compression order and spacing values for Japanese character classes to control text composition behavior in Adobe InDesign.

Setting spacing priorities controls how character spacing is compressed during Kinsoku processing or during full justification. Priority values define the order in which character classes compress, so you can fine-tune text composition quality.

Use this procedure to adjust advanced Mojikumi settings at the character class level when the default presets don’t give you the control you need for specific Japanese typography. This feature requires CJK (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) language support.

Priority values range from one to nine. Lower numbers compress first, while classes set to None compress last. If multiple classes share the same priority, they compress at the same time.

Configure spacing priority for character classes

Select Type > Mojikumi Settings > Detailed.

Select Detailed in the Mojikumi Settings dialog box to view character class settings.

Select the punctuation type you want to adjust in the character class under Mojikumi menu (for example, Open Paren).

Choose Previous Class or Next Class from the before/after pop-up menu to specify whether the spacing applies before or after the selected character.

Enter values for Minimum, Desired, and Maximum spacing as percentages or Bu units.

Enter a value from 1 to 9 in the Priority field for each spacing option, or select None.

Select Save, then select OK.

Tip

Lower priority numbers (1-3) compress first during justification, making them ideal for flexible spacing around punctuation. Reserve higher numbers (7-9) for spacing that should remain stable.

Set Minimum to a value lower than Desired to allow compression during kinsoku processing. Set Maximum higher than Desired to allow expansion during full justification. Use Priority to control the order: 1 is processed first, then 2 through 9, and None is processed last.

Set priority for detailed character types

Select Type > Mojikumi Settings > Detailed.

Select Detailed in the Mojikumi Settings dialog box to view character class settings.

Select the triangle indicator next to a character class name (such as Open Paren in Okoshi Yakumono) to view individual character types.

Configure Minimum, Desired, Maximum, and Priority values for each specific character type (such as Corner Open Bracket, Round Open Parenthesis, Other Opening Parenthesis). Expand character classes to set different priorities for specific punctuation. For example, assign a lower priority to round parentheses to compress them more than square brackets.

Use the Indicate Differences drop-down menu to compare your settings with another Mojikumi table. Values that differ appear highlighted in blue.

Select Save, then select OK.

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