Adding and Modifying Lines and Routing

[kristeno]

Adding lines

The line tool allows you to add free-standing lines in your workspace or attach lines to objects.

To add a line to your workspace:

1. Select (Line) from the workspace toolbar.

2. Click and drag to draw your line. Once you release, your line places, and the Line Toolbar appears.
    
   

   
   
   Note: Hold down the Shift key to draw a straight line, then click and drag to draw your line horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

3. To extend or modify the length or direction of your line, click on (Select) and use the circular anchor points to manipulate your line.
    
   

4. Use the line toolbar to pin the line, modify the appearance of your line, or perform other actions, such as layering.

Line toolbar (left to right):

The line toolbar allows you to customize the appearance of your line.

Expand to learn more about all options available in the Line Toolbar.

Icon	Description
	Line type that may be used to begin a workflow or diagram.
	Line type that may be used to end a workflow or diagram.
	Allows you to choose the color of the selected line.
	Allow you to designate a Line Style, Line Width, and Line Routing.
	More Options Style - Allows you to choose a line type, such as solid or dashed. Weight - Allows you to access a slider that provides a range of line weights or thicknesses. You can move the slider gradually left or right to adjust the thickness of the selected line. Routing - Allows you to choose a line type that is rounded, squared, or straight.
	Attach an object to the line’s endpoint.
	Allows you to remove a line or object.
	Locks the line to its current workspace location.
	Allows you to choose from additional actions such as Layer, Duplicate , Delete , Export , and view Properties.
	More Options Layer - Allows you to Send to Front or Send to Back, moving the line to the foreground or background. The Shift ] and Shift [ keyboard shortcuts (respectively) also allow you to perform these actions. Duplicate - Creates a copy of the line, which will appear immediately to the right of the original line’s endpoint. Delete - Removes the line. Export - Allows you to export the line to your local device in selected formats; PDF and PNG… Properties - View the line’s metadata and add alternative text.

Modify multiple lines simultaneously

You can modify the style of multiple lines simultaneously.

1. Add several lines to a workspace.

2. Highlight the lines you want to modify using the (Select) tool and left-selecting and dragging.

3. Once your lines are selected, the line toolbar appears. Select (Line options).

4. Apply changes to line style, weight, and routing.
    
   

Adding line connectors

Line connectors enable quick connection of workspace objects, including shapes and icons, documents, images, canvases, and notecards.

To add a line connector:

1. Select an object. A blue border with circular anchor points will display around your object.
    
2. Select and drag one of the anchor points to extend a line from that point to another object or area in the workspace.
    
3. The Line toolbar displays, and you can modify the appearance of your line or customize your line routing.
    
   
    
   Note: If you delete a shape, all connected lines will also be removed.

Quick connect objects

You can also quickly add and connect subsequent identical objects.

To use quick connect:

1. Select any blue anchor point surrounding the object. A duplicate of the original object appears a short distance from the same edge you selected. Both objects connect by a line.
    
   
    
2. Repeat as needed, or begin customizing the connected assets.

Line routing

Elevate your flowcharts with line routing. Once a line is placed, you can use multiple anchor points to modify the routing of your line.
 

To adjust line routing:

1. Add a line or a line connector in your workspace.

2. Turn on (Select) mode and make sure the desired line is selected.

3. Circular anchor points appear along the placed line. Click and drag the anchor points to manipulate your line’s routing to your desired outcome.
    
   

Enabling or disabling the Snap to feature

When adding a line to a workspace and connecting it to an already placed object, by default, the line will Snap to specific areas around the object’s border, as shown below.
 

You can disable the Snap to feature by holding down Ctrl/CMD on your keyboard and guiding your line to an exact area within the borders of your object.
 

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Now, go try it in your workspace!