How to Draw a Line in Illustrator

In the following tutorial, you will learn how to draw a line in Illustrator and how to draw a curved line in Illustrator. After you learn the basic techniques, you can try this tutorial for a more detailed explanation on how you can take full advantage of the Pen Tool: Illustrator’s Pen Tool: The Comprehensive Guide.

How to Use the Pen Tool in Illustrator: The Ultimate Guide

Ian Yates

18 Jul 2023

What You'll Learn in This Quick Illustrator Tutorial

How to draw a line in Illustrator
How to draw a straight line in Illustrator
How to draw a curved line in Illustrator

How to Draw a Line in Illustrator Using the Pen Tool

Select the Pen Tool from your toolbar, or press the P hotkey, and with two simple clicks, you can draw a line in Illustrator.

How to Draw a Straight Line in Illustrator Using the Pen Tool

Select the Pen Tool (P), click once to create the starting point, hold down the Shift key, and click a second time to easily draw a straight line in Illustrator.

How to Draw a Line in Illustrator Using the Line Tool

Select the Pen Tool from your toolbar, or press the \ hotkey and simply click and drag to draw a line in Illustrator.

How to Draw a Straight Line in Illustrator Using the Line Tool

Let's cover how to draw a straight line in Illustrator. Select the Line Tool (\), hold down the Shift key, and click and drag to easily draw a straight line in Illustrator.

How to Draw a Curved Line in Illustrator Using the Pen Tool

Now let's see how to make a curved line in Illustrator. Select the Pen Tool (P) and click once to create the starting point. Click and drag to add a second point, thus creating the curved effect, and then you can click one more time to finish your curved path.

How to Draw a Curved Line in Illustrator Using the Curvature Tool

Alternatively, you can use the Curvature Tool (Shift-~) to learn how to curve lines in Illustrator. Click once to create the starting point, click again to add the second point, and then move the cursor away from this second point to adjust the curvature of your path. Click one more time to finish creating your curved path when you're happy with the look of it.

How to Draw a Curved Line in Illustrator Using the Arc Tool

Here's another technique to learn how to curve lines in Illustrator. Select the Arc Tool from your toolbar and simply click and drag to draw a curved line in Illustrator. If you can't find the Arc Tool in your toolbar, you need to go to Window > Toolbars > Advanced.

Hold down the Shift key as you click a drag to easily draw a perfect arc.

Congratulations! You're Done!

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial on how to make a curved line in Illustrator and how to use the line tool in Illustrator. If you're looking to learn more about the Pen Tool and how it works in Illustrator, check out this tutorial: Illustrator’s Pen Tool: The Comprehensive Guide.

Feel free to use these new skills to create more intricate designs. You can find some great sources of inspiration at Envato Elements.

Popular Assets From Envato Elements

Now that we covered the line tool in Illustrator, we'll go over the best source of digital assets. Envato Elements is an excellent resource for line graphics for Illustrator, add-ons, and more. Don't forget to check out the extensive digital creative assets library, where you'll find resources like this one:

Falling Rounded Lines Background (JPG, PNG)

Check out this set of backgrounds and notice how you can create mesmerizing designs using simple lines and vibrant colors.

Want to Learn More?

We have loads of tutorials on Envato Tuts+, from beginner to intermediate level. Take a look!