Line (graphics)

The purpose of a line in graphics is to help the artist to communicate to the viewers what it is they are supposed to be seeing or taking notice of.

Line is one of the main components of design including principles such as shape, color, texture, value, perspective, and form.

Lines can appear in many different forms some examples may be straight or curved; continuous or dotted; thick or thin; and real and implied.

It is commonly used in illustrations as a way to help viewers distinguish a subject’s edges or boundaries and to create individual shapes.

The use of lines, or outlining, to create a sense of shape is most commonly used in cartoon style illustrations or animations.