Hi Kenneth,

How is the kerning defined in the font file? Kern table kerning or GPOS kerning? What kind of file are you exporting? What solutions have you tried?

Hi Frode

Unfortunately I am not to familiar with all the terms yet (Still trying to learn the basics). So, not quite sure if I have tested Kern table kerning or GPOS kerning... Would you please tell me the difference? How/where do I choose one over the other?

I have used kerning classes and generated as both TrueType/OpenType TT and OpenType PS.

I have tried checking only one, and both of these:
- Export old-style non-OpenType "kern" table
- Generate OpenType "kern" feature

Hope this makes any sense..

Thanks

GPOS: OpenType kern feature
Kern table: old-style, non-OpenType

A Google search for "site:typophile.com microsoft word kerning" will turn up a lot of threads on the topic. I suggest starting there. And: I’m not sure if MS Word still defaults to no kerning. You used to have to change the preferences to use the kerning with older versions.

Lykke til!

Not to mention the obvious, but in MS Word, unlike most graphic apps, you have to check a little box saying you'd like kerning. Otherwise MS Word assumes kerning is too trivial to come in by default. ;-)

I have the 2010 version and it still requires you to check the box for kerning.

I just enabled kerning in Word, but this didn't change anything..

I have also noticed that the kerning is missing from most font menus/previews, both in Word as well as Indesign. May this be caused by the same problem?

I might be off, but I don't think kerning is used in any menus.

M$ Word 2003> Format > Font > Charcater Spacing > Kerning for fonts ?!

Kenneth, I would strongly suggest you learn about the 2 types of kerning, the newer class based kerning and the old-time Type1 kerning table and how they interact in FontLab. It's pretty cool/well done, actually. It helps to understand things better and allows you to check your settings for both opening existing fonts and generating fonts. Word 2003 does NOT support the class based kerning but it should use the older style kern tables and you have to tell Studio (not sure of the default there) to include that when you generate an OTF or TTF. Tools, Options > Generating OpenType & TrueType > Kerning and turn on the "Export old-style non-OpenType "kern" table."

That said, I beat my head against the wall for a week or more but was never able to get Word 2003 to use the kerning in an OTF font. Generating a TTF DID work in 2003. Word 2010 DOES use the kerning in the OTF fonts I've generated.

If you're opening old Word files in 2010 (I don't know about 2007 or after 2010) you'll need to take it out of Compatibility Mode. By default Word 2010 opens documents created in older versions of Word in Compatibility Mode to help minimize reflow of text. At least, I THINK that's why they did that.

Hope this helps, if you find a solution please be sure to post back.

Good luck!
Ken