In typography, what does "leading" refer to?

Leading refers to the vertical space between lines of text in a written or printed document. It is a crucial aspect of typography because it affects readability and the overall aesthetic of the text. Good leading can help make a block of text easier to read by providing adequate space that guides the reader's eye comfortably from one line to the next. When leading is adjusted, it can either enhance or detract from the visual appeal of the text. The term itself originates from the days of metal type printing, where strips of lead were used to create space between lines of type.

Other options are related to different characteristics of typography. The style of the font refers to its design and appearance, such as serif or sans-serif. The color of the text pertains to its hue and does not affect the spacing of lines. Alignment of characters relates to how text is positioned on a page (left, right, center, or justified) rather than the space between lines. Thus, understanding leading is essential for effective typographic design.