> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.synaps.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.synaps.app/drafting/draw-a-line.md).

# Draw a line

Draw a straight line between two points, with a live length and angle readout as you go.

**Shortcut:** L

## Steps

1. Press **L**, or find **Line** in command search with **Cmd/Ctrl+K**.
2. Click once on the canvas where the line should begin.
3. Move the pointer to where the line should end. A preview line follows the cursor, showing its length and angle. Click again to place it — the line is finished as soon as you place the second point.

**Watch the steps · 10 seconds**

{% embed url="<https://610775476-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqzriLrFv2ZhYgQvlapF0%2Fuploads%2FusyM8axDjaH9c7LGvQRW%2Fdrafting-draw-a-line-01-hero.mp4?alt=media>" %}
Draw a line by choosing its start and end points.
{% endembed %}

## What you'll see

A straight line between the two points you clicked, drawn in your current line style. The finished line appears selected, so you can move or restyle it straight away.

## Draw to an exact length or angle

While you are placing the end point, the tool panel shows a length field (**L**) and an angle field (**A**). Type a length to fix the line to that exact length in the direction you are pointing, type an angle to set its exact angle, or set both. Press **Enter** to confirm, and the line is placed.

**Example:** for a 4 m line at 30°, enter **L = 4** if the displayed unit is m (or **4000** in mm), set **A = 30°**, then press **Enter**.

**Video examples**

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Length and angle" %}
{% embed url="<https://610775476-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqzriLrFv2ZhYgQvlapF0%2Fuploads%2FtRNpDhYv7MUahifTPFSA%2Fdrafting-draw-a-line-03-detail.mp4?alt=media>" %}
Set both a line's length and angle with the numeric inputs.
{% endembed %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Length" %}
{% embed url="<https://610775476-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqzriLrFv2ZhYgQvlapF0%2Fuploads%2FpdozF7KcVgZUX47Mr7QQ%2Fdrafting-draw-a-line-04-input.mp4?alt=media>" %}
Set a line's length with the numeric input.
{% endembed %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Angle" %}
{% embed url="<https://610775476-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqzriLrFv2ZhYgQvlapF0%2Fuploads%2FWrDb1mO02M3VP942FJ51%2Fdrafting-draw-a-line-05-input.mp4?alt=media>" %}
Set a line's angle with the numeric input.
{% endembed %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Keep lines straight and aligned

As you draw, the line snaps to nearby points — the ends, midpoints and centres of existing geometry, along with intersections and perpendicular points. It also locks to **0°**, **90°**, **180°** and **270°** as you move, so horizontal and vertical lines stay aligned.

Press **F3** to turn snapping off or back on.

## Cancel a line

Press **Esc** while drawing to discard the line in progress. Nothing is added to your drawing.

## Properties

Select a line to open its shared appearance controls.

* [Stroke](/reference/properties/stroke.md) — colour, opacity and weight
* [Line style](/reference/properties/line-style.md) — solid or dashed
* [Opacity](/reference/properties/opacity.md) — how see-through the line is

## Related guides

[Draw a polyline](/drafting/draw-a-polyline.md).

More: [Draw a rectangle](/drafting/draw-a-rectangle.md) · [Snapping and precision](/drafting/snapping-and-precision.md).