How to Make Text Narrower

Narrow text might fit small design spaces better.

When designing your own flyers or brochures, make text narrower to fit tight spaces or as an added design element. Some fonts are created with tight spacing in mind. Many programs offer the capability to make text narrower, including Microsoft Word, Adobe Illustrator and QuarkXPress. Tightening the spaces between the letters can make text hard for the reader, so consider cutting some text rather than making the text too narrow to read easily.

Instructions

1. Highlight the text you would like to change in Microsoft Word. Click on the "Format" tab and choose "Font." Click on the "Character Spacing" tab. Choose "Condense" to make the text narrower. Enter a value in the box beside "Expand." Start with small values, such as "0.01" and increase if necessary.

2. Click on the text tool in Illustrator and type your text. Click on the pointer tool, then click on your text box. Click on the small center square on the right side of the box and drag it slowly to the left. This will make your text narrower without reducing the height.

3. Highlight your text in QuarkXPress. In the "Measurements" panel at the bottom of the screen, find the "Track Amount" option, which looks like an "A" and a "V" with an arrow underneath pointing both ways. Enter a negative value in the "Track Amount" box to condense the letters. Start small, such as "0.01." Change the negative value as necessary.

References

• Microsoft Office: Change the Spacing Between Characters
• Adobe Illustrator: Adjust Word and Letterspacing in Justified Text
• "QuarkXPress 8: Essential Skills for Page Layout and Web Design"; Kelly Kordes Anton et al.; 2009