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# NSTrackingAttributeName

The amount to modify the default tracking.

```
extern NSAttributedStringKey const NSTrackingAttributeName;
```

## Overview

The value of this attribute is an <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/Foundation/NSNumber> object containing a floating-point value. The value represents the amount of space, in points, to add between the specified characters. A positive value increases the spacing between characters, and a negative value brings the characters closer together. Specify `0` to disable tracking.

The effect of this attribute is similar to the effect of [`NSKernAttributeName`](/documentation/UIKit/NSKernAttributeName), but the system treats tracking as trailing whitespace. A nonzero amount of tracking disables nonessential ligatures, unless the [`NSLigatureAttributeName`](/documentation/UIKit/NSLigatureAttributeName) attribute is present.

---

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