How to Draw Straight Lines with Inkscape Pen Tool?

This article provides a quick, step-by-step guide on how to use the Bézier pen tool in Inkscape to draw perfectly straight horizontal, vertical, or angled lines. You will learn the essential keyboard shortcuts and mouse clicks needed to control line precision, as well as how to finalize your paths quickly.

Step 1: Select the Bézier Pen Tool

To begin, open your Inkscape document and select the Draw Bézier curves and straight lines tool from the left toolbar. Alternatively, you can press B or Shift + F6 on your keyboard to activate it instantly.

Step 2: Set the Start Point

Click once on the canvas where you want your straight line to begin. Release the mouse button immediately—do not click and drag, as dragging will create a curved line instead of a straight one.

Step 3: Use the Ctrl Key for Perfect Alignment

Move your cursor toward the destination point. To ensure the line is perfectly straight horizontally, vertically, or at standard 15-degree angle increments, press and hold the Ctrl key while moving your mouse. Inkscape will snap the preview line to the nearest precise angle.

Step 4: Set the End Point and Finalize

Click a second time to establish the end point of your line segment. If you only want a single straight line, press Enter or Right-click to finish the path. If you need to connect multiple straight lines to form a shape, continue clicking at new points before pressing Enter to finalize the entire path.