How to Draw Lines in Google Docs Using the Drawing Tool

Drawing lines in Google Docs is typically done using the built-in drawing tool, which allows you to create shapes and lines on a dedicated canvas and then insert them into your document.

Steps to Draw a Line

To add a line to your Google Doc, you will use the drawing feature. Here's how to do it, incorporating the specific actions described in the reference:

1. Open the Drawing Tool: In your Google Doc, navigate to the menu bar and click Insert > Drawing > + New. This opens the drawing canvas.
2. Select the Line Tool: Within the drawing tool window, look for the line icon (it often looks like a diagonal line or arrow). Click on this icon. As the reference states, "At the top of the page, find and click Select line." This icon often acts as a dropdown menu.
3. Pick the Type of Line: From the options that appear when you click the line icon, "Pick the type of line you want." You can choose from various types.
4. Draw the Line on the Canvas: Once you've selected a line type, you can draw it on the white drawing area (the canvas). For most line types like Line, Elbow Connector, Curved Connector, or Arrow, you "Click to start, then drag across the canvas." Release the mouse button when the line is the desired length and position.
5. Finalize Drawing or Selection: After drawing the line, you may need to "Click Select" (the arrow icon) to switch back to selection mode, allowing you to modify the line's properties (color, thickness, style) or simply to finish drawing that specific line segment.
6. Insert into Document: Once you have finished creating your drawing, click the blue Save and Close button in the top right corner of the drawing window. The drawing, including your line(s), will be inserted into your Google Doc.

Types of Lines You Can Draw

As noted in the steps, when you select the line tool, you can choose from different types to suit your needs. Common options available in the Google Docs drawing tool include:

• Line: A simple straight line segment.
• Arrow: A straight line with an arrowhead on one or both ends.
• Elbow Connector: A line with a single 90-degree bend, useful for connecting shapes at right angles.
• Curved Connector: A line with a smooth curve, also used for connecting shapes.
• Polyline: Allows you to draw a series of connected line segments.
• Scribble: Lets you draw freeform shapes or lines.

Using the drawing tool provides flexibility to place lines exactly where you need them, independent of the document's text flow, making it ideal for diagrams, flowcharts, or simple visual accents.