Line Tool

Drawing Lines, Polylines, and create enclosed Shapes polygon.

Introduction

The Line Tool allows users to draw straight lines, multi-segment polylines, or fully enclosed multi point shapes directly on the document to create a custom red-lining. It is commonly used for outlining areas, indicating directions, sketching shapes, or adding graphic annotations without altering the original PDF.

Step 1: Open the Line Tool

Locate the Line Tool, represented by a line icon, in the toolbar on the left side of the screen. Click the icon to activate the tool.

With the Line Tool active:

  1. Click on the canvas to place the first point.
    • Tip: Hold the Shift key while drawing to constrain segments to perpendicular (90°) directions.
  2. Continue clicking to add additional points and create a line or polyline.
  3. To create an enclosed shape, connect the final point back to the starting point.

Step 1

Step 2: Drawing Controls

During drawing, drawing controls behave differently depending on the platform:

  • iPad: Three control buttons appear at the top of the screen:
    • Cancel (X): Cancel and discard the current drawing
    • Undo (Back Arrow): Remove the last placed point
    • Done (Check Mark): Finish and place the line or shape
  • Desktop: Control buttons do not appear. Instead:
    • Press Esc to cancel the drawing
    • Double-click the final point or press Enter to finish the drawing

Step 2

Step 3: Move or Edit the Line

After the line or shape is completed:

  • Move: Click to select the line, then drag the move handle beneath it to reposition the line anywhere on the canvas.
  • Edit points: Select individual points to adjust the geometry if needed.

Step 3

  • Add a point: Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and hover over an edge of the line. When the add-point indicator appears, click to insert a new point, then drag it to refine the shape.
  • Delete a point: Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and click an existing point to remove it.

Step 3-2

Step 4: Customize Line or Polygon Appearance

With the line or shape selected, click the Properties icon on the right side of the screen.

For Lines or Polylines, you can adjust the stroke color, weight, and opacity. You can also add an arrowhead to the start, end, or both ends of the line, and adjust the arrowhead size.

For Polygons, all the same stroke settings apply, with the addition of fill color and opacity controls.

Step 4