What does the term "kerning" refer to in typography?

The term "kerning" specifically refers to the adjustment of spacing between individual letters or characters in typography. This practice is crucial for enhancing the readability and aesthetic appeal of text. When designers adjust kerning, they can ensure that the spacing between letters is visually balanced, avoiding awkward gaps or overly tight placement. Correct kerning can significantly improve the overall look of a typeface and create a more professional final product.

The other options describe different aspects of typography or design. For example, adjusting spacing between entire blocks of text relates more to paragraph spacing rather than kerning, while alignment concerns the positioning of text within a layout rather than the individual letter spacing that kerning addresses. Font size pertains to the dimensions of the text itself and is not related to how letters are spaced in relation to one another. Understanding kerning is essential for anyone involved in advertising design, as it plays a vital role in conveying information clearly and attractively.