I believe you're asking about how to create the visual effect of two brackets with a 3/4 space between them. There isn't a single, universally recognized typographic term for this, and the best way to achieve it depends heavily on the context (e.g., typesetting software, programming language, plain text).
Here's a breakdown of how you might approach this in different scenarios:
1. Typesetting Software (like InDesign, Word, etc.):
-
Using a non-breaking space: Most word processors offer a non-breaking space character (often
in HTML or Ctrl+Shift+Space in some applications). You can use multiple non-breaking spaces to approximate the 3/4 space. However, this is visually imprecise, and the exact space will vary depending on your font and point size. -
Adjusting Kerning/Tracking: Professional typesetting software allows you to adjust the space between individual characters (kerning) or a range of characters (tracking). This provides much finer control over spacing but requires more technical skill.
-
Using a Tab: A tab character can create a larger space, but its width might not precisely correspond to 3/4 of a space. Its behavior is also dependent on the software's tab settings.
2. Programming/Web Development (HTML, CSS, etc.):
-
HTML Entities: While
provides a non-breaking space, it is not precisely controllable in its width. -
CSS: You can achieve greater precision using CSS and manipulating the width of an element containing the brackets. This would involve creating a div, span, or other container and using padding, margin, or width properties to adjust the spacing. This solution is robust and accurate but requires more code. Example:
<div style="display: inline-block;">
[<span style="margin-left: 0.75em;">]</span>
</div>
(Note: 0.75em approximates 3/4 of the em-width of the parent element. The exact measurement depends on the context.)
3. Plain Text/Markdown:
In plain text or Markdown, precise control over spacing is limited. You might use multiple spaces (e.g., [ ]), but this approach is highly inconsistent and not recommended. The best option is to use a descriptive alternative if the visual spacing is not critical.
In summary: The most accurate method for achieving your desired visual effect depends greatly on the tool you're using. If precise spacing is crucial, utilizing the kerning/tracking features of professional typesetting software or CSS in a web development context would be the most reliable solutions. For less demanding situations, non-breaking spaces or tabs might suffice. Remember to test and refine your solution to ensure the spacing appears consistent across different fonts and screen sizes.
