How does letter-spacing affect readability in web design?

Letter-spacing, also known as tracking, refers to the adjustment of the horizontal spacing between characters in a text. It can significantly impact readability in web design in the following ways:

1. **Legibility**: Proper letter-spacing can enhance legibility by ensuring that individual characters are clearly defined and distinguishable. Adequate spacing between letters prevents them from appearing cramped or overlapping, making it easier for readers to recognize and process each character.

2. **Readability**: Letter-spacing affects the overall readability of text by influencing how smoothly readers can move their eyes along the lines of text. Optimal letter-spacing allows for comfortable reading without causing strain or fatigue. Excessive letter-spacing may disrupt the flow of text and impede readability, while insufficient spacing can lead to crowding and difficulty in distinguishing between words.

3. **Comprehension**: Well-adjusted letter-spacing contributes to better comprehension by facilitating the rapid recognition of words and phrases. When letters are spaced evenly, readers can more easily identify word boundaries and parse sentences, leading to improved comprehension of the content.

4. **Aesthetics**: Letter-spacing can also impact the visual aesthetics of text on a website. Properly adjusted letter-spacing contributes to a harmonious and balanced typographic appearance, enhancing the overall design aesthetics. Carefully chosen letter-spacing can create a sense of elegance and sophistication in typography.

5. **Brand Identity**: Letter-spacing can be used strategically to reinforce brand identity and personality. Customizing letter-spacing to align with the brand's visual style and tone can help create a consistent and cohesive brand experience across various touchpoints, including web design.

In summary, letter-spacing plays a crucial role in web design by influencing legibility, readability, comprehension, aesthetics, and brand identity. Designers should carefully consider letter-spacing adjustments to ensure optimal readability and visual appeal in their web typography.