Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To draw a straight line in Adobe Photoshop desktop, select the Line tool, pick a drawing mode in the Options bar, and drag on the canvas. Hold Shift while dragging to snap the angle to a multiple of 45 degrees. To turn the line into an arrow, open the Arrowheads section of the Contextual Task Bar and choose Start or End.
Draw a straight line with the Line tool
The Line tool lives in the same toolbar group as the other Shape tools. If you cannot see it, the group is probably collapsed.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Find the Line tool
- In the toolbar, select and hold the Shape tool (the icon displayed for the current shape tool, such as Rectangle or Ellipse).
- From the flyout menu, select Line.
Draw the line
- Choose a drawing mode in the Options bar: Shape, Pixels, or Path. The mode decides what kind of object you get, so set it before you drag (see the comparison below).
- Set the stroke or weight for that mode. In Shape mode, set both Stroke and Weight. In Pixels mode, set Weight. In Path mode, Weight is only a visual reference.
- Click the canvas, drag to the end point, and release the mouse button.
Adobe describes the Shape-mode line as editable and scalable. Pixels-mode output is fixed pixel content, so it will not behave like a shape when you resize it later.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Constrain the angle with Shift
Hold Shift while you drag to lock the line to a multiple of 45 degrees: horizontal, vertical, or one of the two diagonals. Adobe’s Line tool documentation (last updated May 23, 2024) states this directly: “To constrain the line angle to a multiple of 45 degrees, hold down shift as you drag and draw the line.”
#1 Best Overall
Wacom Intuos Small, Wired Graphic Drawing Tablet with Pen + Software | Battery-free pen, 4 ExpressKeys for shortcuts, works with Mac, Windows & Chromebook; Ideal for creators, students & teachers
- Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: Enjoy industry leading tablet performance in superior control and precision with Wacom's EMR, battery free technology that feels like pen on paper
- Works With All Software: Wacom Intuos tablet can be used in any software program to explore new facets of digital creativity; draw, paint, edit photos/videos, create designs, and mark up documents
- What the Professionals Use: Wacom's industry leading pen technology and pen to paper feeling makes it the preferred drawing tablet of professional graphic designers
- Software and Training Included: Only Wacom gives you software with every purchase. Register your Intuos tablet and gain access to some of the best creative software and Wacom's online training
- Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life
Shift does not lock to an arbitrary angle such as 30 degrees. For an angle outside those steps, release Shift, drag roughly, and adjust the endpoints by hand, or draw the line with Pen tool anchor points.
Choose the right drawing mode
The three modes are not interchangeable. Pick the one that matches what you will do with the line after you draw it.
Rank #2
Wacom Intuos Medium, Bluetooth Graphic Drawing Tablet with Pen + Software
- Wacom Intuos Medium Bluetooth Graphics Drawing Tablet: Enjoy industry leading tablet performance in superior control and precision with Wacom's EMR battery free technology that feels like pen on paper
- Works With All Software: Wacom Intuos tablet can be used in any software program to explore new facets of digital creativity; draw, paint, edit photos/videos, create designs, and mark up documents
- Wireless Superior Connectivity: Connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or directly using USB-A cable which enables you to work, draw or create whether it's at a desk, on the sofa, in classrom or even outside
- Software and Training Included: Only Wacom gives you software with every purchase. Register your Intuos tablet and gain access to some of the best creative software and Wacom's online training
- Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life
| Mode | What you get | Settings in the Options bar | Best used when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | An editable vector shape on its own layer, which stays crisp when scaled | Stroke and Weight | You may change the color, thickness, or size later |
| Pixels | Fixed pixel content on the active layer | Weight | The line should be part of the raster image and will not need vector editing |
| Path | A work path, which you can convert to a selection, stroke, fill, or save in the Paths panel | Weight is a visual reference only | You plan to reuse the line as a path or process it further |
Adobe’s drawing-modes page (last updated December 2, 2025) covers these outputs in more detail. If you are unsure, Shape mode keeps the most options open.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Add an arrowhead
Arrowheads are set on a line you have already drawn with the Line tool. Adobe’s arrow page (last updated February 23, 2026) describes the current workflow.
Rank #3
Sale
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium, Bluetooth Graphic Drawing Tablet with ProPen 3 | Premium professional pen tablet with ExpressKeys & Dials for shortcuts; ideal for animation, photo, video & 3D pros
- WACOM’S BEST PEN TECHNOLOGY: Pro Pen 3 offers amazing precision, 8192 pressure levels, tilt support & lag-free tracking for smooth, precise strokes; choose slim, straight or flared grip, adjust balance & button layout for precision and comfort
- DIAL INTO PRODUCTIVITY: Speed up and stay in the creative flow with 10 customizable tablet ExpressKeys & 2 mechanical dials conveniently located at the top of the tablet and close to your keyboard for efficiency
- DESIGNED FOR MODERN MONITORS: With a versatile 16:9 format perfect for multiple monitors and wide displays; medium size has a large active area with a small footprint 11.4 x 8.1” / 291 x 206 mm
- SLEEK AND STURDY: Measuring 4mm at its thinnest this professional-grade drawing tablet feels like pen-on-paper on your desk, combined with the robust durability of magnesium making it equally suited for your office or life on the go
- WIRELESS FREEDOM: use Intuos Pro with USB or connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to multiple computers with a simple switch
- Select the Line tool and drag the line on the canvas.
- Open the Contextual Task Bar. If it is hidden, choose Window > Contextual Task Bar.
- In the Arrowheads section, select Start to place the arrowhead at the starting point, or End to place it at the finishing point.
- Enter the arrowhead Width and Length in pixels.
- Adjust Concavity between -50% and +50% to change the curve where the arrowhead meets the line. Negative values make the head concave inward; positive values make it bulge outward.
Adobe’s older help material describes arrowhead options in the Options bar. Current instructions name the Contextual Task Bar, so follow that if your menus differ.
Troubleshooting
- The Line tool is missing from the toolbar. Select and hold the Shape tool to open its flyout, then select Line. The tool is nested there, not in a separate toolbar slot.
- The Contextual Task Bar does not show the Arrowheads section. Confirm that a line is selected, not another object, and check Window > Contextual Task Bar to make sure the bar is enabled.
- The line will not snap to 45 degrees. Hold Shift before you start dragging, and keep holding it until you release the mouse button.
- The line can’t be resized like a shape. You probably drew it in Pixels mode. Undo the step and redraw in Shape mode if you need vector scaling.
- Your menus look different from the steps here. Adobe documents Photoshop on the web separately, and interface labels change between releases. The steps above describe the desktop Line tool documentation, so check the control names in your own version before following them exactly.
When another tool fits better
The Line tool handles single straight segments. For other needs, Photoshop offers different tools:
Rank #4
Sale
Wacom Intuos Small, Bluetooth Graphic Drawing Tablet with Pen + Software | Battery-free pen, 4 ExpressKeys for shortcuts, works with Mac, Windows & Chromebook; Ideal for creators, students & teachers
- Wacom Intuos Small Bluetooth Graphics Drawing Tablet: Enjoy industry leading tablet performance in superior control and precision with Wacom's EMR, battery free technology that feels like pen on paper
- Works With All Software: Wacom Intuos tablet can be used in any software program to explore new facets of digital creativity; draw, paint, edit photos/videos, create designs, and mark up documents
- Wireless Superior Connectivity: Connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or directly using USB-A cable which enables you to work, draw or create whether it's at a desk, on the sofa, in classroom or even outside
- Software and Training Included: Only Wacom gives you software with every purchase. Register your Intuos tablet and gain access to some of the best creative software and Wacom's online training
- Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life
- Custom Shape tool: draws built-in or imported shapes. Adobe’s custom-shape page (last updated February 23, 2026) also explains that you can save a path as a custom shape, which is useful for a line or arrow you plan to reuse.
- Pen tool: builds paths from anchor points and handles. Use it for multi-segment or curved routes. Adobe’s Pen tool page was last updated April 29, 2024.
No extra hardware or add-on is needed for any of these steps. A standard mouse or trackpad with the Shift key is enough.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Wacom Cintiq 16, Drawing Tablet with QHD Screen & Pro Pen 3
- IMMERSIVE CREATIVE CANVAS: 16" IPS display with 2.5K WQXGA resolution (2560 x 1600) delivers sharp, crisp, detailed visuals for digital art and design
- WACOM’S BEST PEN TECHNOLOGY: Pro Pen 3 with 8192 pressure levels responds to your lightest touch; includes tilt support, 3 shortcut keys for tool access, and a holder that mounts to either side of the display with adjustable angle for quick access
- CINEMATIC COLOR DISPLAY: 99% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB coverage with 8-bit color depth delivers the wide color gamut used in modern displays and digital media - see your artwork as it's meant to be viewed
- READY TO CREATE: Built-in fold-out legs provide a 20-degree working angle or purchase adjustable stand for personalized comfort
- CONNECTION: includes USB-C cable to connect to Windows/Mac computers with DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt 3 or 4 input (computers without DP Alt or TB 3 or 4 input require additional cables)
The Bottom Line
“”
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
