Adjust Text Size and Leading in Tiny Increments

Most graphics, word processing, and desktop publishing software offer a pull-down menu of pre-set text sizes. These are almost always even point sizes such as 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24. Often, this is fine. But you aren't confined to just those sizes. Put your cursor in the box showing the type size and type in your own numbers. These can be whole numbers or fractions such as 9, 9.5, 12.4, 18.8.

The same applies to adjusting the leading. You can specify your own unique numbers. By taking control of your type size and leading manually you can fine-tune your text to the optimum size and spacing for your project.

And yes, those minute adjustments to type size and leading can aid in copyfitting. Just be consistent and don't use these adjustments only as a means to cram more text on the page. If you have too much text, edit out some words first. But if it's just a little bit too long, 9.9 type instead of 10 point might be just what you need — as long as it still looks good and is legible.