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Kern Type

Space the letters of a word by eye, then see the typographer's answer laid over the top of yours. Reliably humbling.

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How to get the most from it

Kern Type sits in Design Challenges under Make, filed as coffee break.

  • Set aside five to fifteen minutes and give it your proper attention.
  • Use a laptop or desktop computer — we file it as desktop only.
  • It works with the sound off, so it is fine on a train or in a quiet office.
  • No account needed — you can start without signing up.
  • Go in expecting something brainy, competitive and clever.

About this category: Kerning trials, alignment tests, colour matching and spot-the-difference for interface designers. Humbling in a useful way.

Good for

  • Filling a coffee break properly
  • Giving your brain a workout
  • Chasing a better score
  • Being impressed by a clever idea
  • A quiet break at your desk
  • Trying it with zero commitment

Kern Type: quick answers

Is Kern Type free?

Yes. Kern Type is free to use and needs no account.

Do I need an account to use Kern Type?

No. You can use Kern Type without signing up for anything.

Does Kern Type work on a phone?

Not well. We file Kern Type as desktop only, so open it on a laptop or desktop computer.

Is Kern Type safe for work?

Yes, we file it as safe for work. It also works muted.

How long does Kern Type take?

We file it as "Coffee break": Five to fifteen minutes of proper attention.

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