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In FontLab 8, kerning adjustments are independent of the spacing sidebearings. Fixing one pair won’t mess up the spacing of the full glyph set, but doing this for every potential pair is overwhelming. Similar glyphs — similar gripes: if two letters look alike, cause similar spacing problems with neighbors. To solve these, group similar glyphs into kerning classes. Select all members of the ‘V’ family (V, Ý, Ŵ, etc.), then group them in left kerning class and a right kerning class with the buttons in the Glyph panel. Do the same for the ‘A’ shapes. Now any kerning you apply to ‘VA’ will automatically apply to all other combos of those classes (figure 4). Huge time-saver. Don’t start kerning until you’ve finalized the spacing. Use class kerning as long as you can, then add kerning exceptions. As you kern, try flipping the glyph order for a fresh perspective. When is kerning done? Aim not for perfection, but for an overall pleasing texture. Trust your eye. Step back and take in whole paragraphs, not just pairs. Kerning is supplemental to spacing, and it should give the text a friendly, comfortable flow. After all, what are best-buddy letters but an invitation to a really great conversation? figure 4 - Class kerning