Padding refers to the practice of adding extra space or material around an object or within a design. In computing, it often involves adding extra bytes to data structures to align them in memory, which can improve performance. In textiles, padding is used to provide cushioning and support in items like furniture or clothing. In graphic design, padding is the space between the content of a box and its border. This helps to create a visually appealing layout by preventing text or images from touching the edges. Proper padding enhances readability and overall aesthetics in designs, such as those seen in web design or print media.