Adobe Illustrator is one of the most popular vector graphics editors that designers use to create stunning graphics. One of the basic things that every designer needs to know is how to draw a line in Illustrator.
Lines are necessary for every design. You can create lines with different tools in Adobe Illustrator. Many designers, at the start, don’t have the idea of drawing lines in Illustrator. So, that is why we have decided to share some amazing tricks with you to help you draw lines.
If you are new or you don’t have the idea to draw lines in Illustrator, then you are in the right place. In this tutorial, you are going to learn easy and quick ways to draw lines in Illustrator.
Let’s start.
Table of Contents
4 Ways to Draw Lines in Illustrator
In Adobe Illustrator, many tools are available to draw lines. You can easily draw with these tools either straight lines or curved lines. In this tutorial, lines can be drawn by using different tools like the Line Segment Tool, Pen Tool, Curvature Tool, Arc Tool, and Pencil Tool. We will draw lines using each tool one by one and will show you all the steps to help you learn to draw lines in Illustrator.
1st Method: Line Segment Tool
The easiest and quickest way to draw lines in Adobe Illustrator is by using the Line Segment Tool.
Where is Line Tool in Illustrator?
Step 1: From the left toolbar, select the Line Segment Tool that is under the Rectangle Tool.
You can also use the Line Segment Tool by pressing “\” on the keyboard.
Step 2: Click and drag on the artboard, and the Line Segment Tool will create a line.
We draw a line using the Line Segment Tool.
You can easily draw horizontal and vertical lines using the Line Segment Tool.
Draw Straight Line Using the Line Segment Tool
You can also draw a straight line by pressing Shift while dragging the Line Segment Tool on the toolbar. A straight line will appear.
2nd Method: Pen Tool
Another way to draw a line is by using the Pen Tool. You can create a straight line or a curved line using the Pen Tool according to your choice. Let’s see how to draw a line using the Pen Tool.
Step 1: From the left toolbar, select the Pen Tool.
You can also press P from the keyboard to use the Pen Tool.
Step 2: Click once on the artboard to add an Anchor point to draw Line.
Step 3: Now make another anchor point by clicking at a different position.
A line is drawn, as you can see.
But the Pen Tool is still attached to the line.
Press Esc or Enter or click on the first anchor point that you have created to draw a line.
The Pen Tool is not attached anymore to the line. Here is a line that is drawn using the Pen Tool.
If you want to draw a curved line using the Pen Tool, then click and then drag to curve it.
Here is the curved line.
We can draw any style of curved line using the Pen Tool.
3rd Method: Pencil Tool
Pencil Tool can also be used to draw lines. You can draw paintings by attaching lines with the Pencil Tool.
Step 1: From the left toolbar under the Paintbrush Tool, select Pencil Tool.
You can also press N on the keyboard to use the Pencil Tool.
Step 2: Click and then drag to create a line on the artboard.
You can draw shapes by drawing lines on the artboard.
4th Method: Curvature Tool
The Curvature Tool is best for drawing curved shapes and lines. You can curve the shape according to your choice in any style.
Step 1: From the left toolbar, click on the Curvature Tool to select it.
Step 2: Click once on the artboard to add an anchor point.
Step 3: Now click again on the artboard to add the second anchor point.
A line is created.
Step 4: But if you want to curve the line, move the pointer now freely to any position, and you will see the line is curved.
Step 5: Click on another point to make the line curve.
Step 6: Press Enter or Esc to end the line.
Here are the straight and curved lines created using the Curvature Tool.
You have learned to Draw lines in Illustrator.
In this tutorial, you have learned to draw lines in Illustrator using 4 different methods. You can pick any method depending on which type of lines you want to draw.
You can also watch a detailed video tutorial to learn how to draw lines in Illustrator using the different methods given at the top.
You can also learn: How to Trim Lines in Illustrator
Have More Questions?
If you have any questions about drawing lines in Illustrator, you can ask us in the comments below.
How to Draw Curved Lines in Illustrator
In Adobe Illustrator, you can also draw curved lines by using the Pen Tool or Curvature Tool.
Click and drag to make the first anchor point then add the second anchor point and move the pointer to curve the line using the Curvature Tool.
With the Pen Tool, when you add a second anchor point don’t release the click and move the pointer to make the line curve.
How to Draw a Straight Line in Illustrator
A straight line can be drawn using the Line segment tool. Press and hold the Shift key to draw a straight line.
How to Add Line Segment Tool in Illustrator
Line Segment Tool is located under the Rectangle Tool, if you still don’t see it there, go to Window > Toolbar > Advance. Advance Toolbar will appear. Now you can see Line Segment Tool as a main tool in the Toolbar.
Can I change the thickness of the line in Illustrator?
Yes, you can change the thickness of the line by adjusting the stroke weight in the Stroke panel.
How do I change the color of the line in Illustrator?
To change the color of the line, select the line, and then choose a new color from the color swatch in the toolbar or the color panel.
Can I edit the shape of the line after I draw it?
Yes, you can edit the shape of the line by selecting it and then using the Direct Selection Tool to move or adjust the points and segments.
Can I copy and paste a line in Illustrator?
Yes, you can copy and paste a line in Illustrator by selecting it and then using the copy-and-paste commands.
Is Illustrator the best tool for drawing lines?
Illustrator is an excellent tool for drawing lines and vector graphics. However, there are other tools available, such as Inkscape and CorelDRAW, that you may also find useful.
All Done! Enjoy.
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