Skip to main content
B
brian bwin
Participant
September 13, 2017
Answered

Difficulty kerning due to baseline in type tool - disable?

  • September 13, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 717 views

Hello! I am wondering if it is possible to disable the baseline/underline that occurs when using the type tool. I have a hard time accurately seeing the space between characters with this baseline feature. For years I have just dealt with it but now have to use an all caps font for a regular client that needs heavy kerning.

I found another question that has a solution that half works for me. Using CMD+H temporarily disables the baseline but once I adjust kerning a single time it comes right back. While that is a better solution than committing the type then going back in with the type tool. Is it possible there is a better way/permanent solution for making the baseline disappear? I wouldn't miss it, not even a little bit.

Thank you!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer SteveWeinrebe

I checked on a Windows 10 laptop and see what you mean. Ctl+H hides the baseline but unlike on the Mac the baseline returns with any change to kerning. Try this - instead of using Ctl+H, go to the View menu and uncheck "Extras". Even though the shortcut should theoretically be doing the same thing, the result is different in that both the baseline and the blinking cursor hide. I was able to still click between other letters and though both baseline and cursor were remained hidden I could change the kerning anywhere I clicked, without the baseline returning.

2 replies

S
SteveWeinrebeCorrect answer
Inspiring
September 14, 2017

I checked on a Windows 10 laptop and see what you mean. Ctl+H hides the baseline but unlike on the Mac the baseline returns with any change to kerning. Try this - instead of using Ctl+H, go to the View menu and uncheck "Extras". Even though the shortcut should theoretically be doing the same thing, the result is different in that both the baseline and the blinking cursor hide. I was able to still click between other letters and though both baseline and cursor were remained hidden I could change the kerning anywhere I clicked, without the baseline returning.

    B
    brian bwinAuthor
    Participant
    September 14, 2017

    YES!! Thank you, Steve for discovering that Ctrl+H and physically unchecking "Extras" in the menu provide different results! Physically unchecking is faster for me than hitting Ctrl+H, adjust, Ctrl+H, adjust, and so on. Thanks again.

    S
    SteveWeinrebe
    Inspiring
    September 13, 2017

    The baseline doesn't reappear here on my Mac using Photoshop CC 2017, when just adjusting kerning. It only reappears if I click in the text. But if I use arrow keys to move through the text the baseline remains hidden.

    Not sure that helps unless you are using an earlier version, in which case it may have been a bug that was fixed.

    B
    brian bwinAuthor
    Participant
    September 14, 2017

    Thanks, Steve. I am also using Photoshop CC 2017 but on Windows 7 Professional. I should have specified this information in my question, apologies. Using Ctrl+H.

    Doing more "testing" on these client titles this morning... Wherever the cursor is when I hit Ctrl+H, I can adjust the kerning between those characters as much as I like, back and forth, without the baseline reappearing. I can then use the arrow keys to move the cursor and as soon as I adjust the spacing in a new location the baseline comes back. Same thing happens if I click to move the cursor, the baseline comes back as soon as I adjust spacing.

    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    Derek CrossCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 14, 2017

    Do you mean "heavy kerning" to should that be "heavy tracking"?

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices