# tracking(_:) Sets the tracking for the text. ``` nonisolated func tracking(_ tracking: CGFloat) -> Text ``` ## Parameters `tracking` The amount of additional space, in points, that the view should add to each character cluster after layout. Value of `0` sets the tracking to the system default value. ## Return Value Text with the specified amount of tracking. ## Discussion Tracking adds space, measured in points, between the characters in the text view. A positive value increases the spacing between characters, while a negative value brings the characters closer together. ``` VStack(alignment: .leading) { Text("ABCDEF").tracking(-3) Text("ABCDEF") Text("ABCDEF").tracking(3) } ``` The code above uses an unusually large amount of tracking to make it easy to see the effect.  The effect of tracking resembles that of the [`kerning(_:)`](/documentation/SwiftUI/Text/kerning(_:)) modifier, but adds or removes trailing whitespace, rather than changing character offsets. Also, using any nonzero amount of tracking disables nonessential ligatures, whereas kerning attempts to maintain ligatures. > Important: If you add both the ``doc://com.apple.SwiftUI/documentation/SwiftUI/Text/tracking(_:)`` and > ``doc://com.apple.SwiftUI/documentation/SwiftUI/Text/kerning(_:)`` modifiers to a view, the view applies the > tracking and ignores the kerning. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)