What is "tracking" in the context of text layout?

Tracking refers to the adjustment of space between groups of letters and entire blocks of text in typography. This technique is crucial in text layout as it affects the overall readability and aesthetic appeal of the written content.

When tracking is adjusted, the space between all letters within the selected text is uniformly increased or decreased, which can help achieve a balanced look on the page. If the tracking is too tight, it may make the text difficult to read; too loose, and it can lead to a disjointed appearance. Proper tracking ensures that text flows well visually, which is especially important in advertising design where clarity and impact are essential to engage the audience effectively.

In contrast, the other options represent different concepts in graphic design but do not relate to the specific adjustment of letter spacing. For example, photo editing techniques pertain to manipulating images rather than text layout, while types of paper deal with printing material rather than typography. Layering images involves creating visuals by stacking multiple images, which does not pertain to letter spacing.