Did you know about types of lines in graphic design?
The use of lines in graphic design is to communicate a message to the viewer. Lines are paths that join two points. Lines may be straight, zig-zag or curved, dotted or solid, and heavy or light. You could also give different colors to different lines.
Lines are one of the basic visual elements of graphic design. But how can something as simple as a line lead to conversions and draw in profits for your business? Let us explore the possibilities of lines in graphic design.
Types of lines in design
Let us learn the types of lines and their meanings.
Vertical lines
They represent grandeur and strength because they stand and extend to infinite height and depth.
Horizontal lines
They lie down and look like the basis. So, they are calm and stable.
Diagonal lines
They do not lie down nor do they stand straight. So, they are indecisive. They are neither grand nor stable but unstable and fluid.
Zig-zag lines
They are a bunch of vertical, horizontal and mainly diagonal lines joined from end to end. They represent anxiety and excitement.
Curved lines
Curved lines represent comfort and ease when the curves are gentle. When they are deep curves, they represent calmness and movement. Curve lines represent the fluid movement of water. They also communicate sensual messages because they remind us of the curves of the human body.
Use of lines in graphic design
- Lines direct your attention to some particular part of the image.
- Lines of different weights, colors, and solidity can make the design look decorative. For example, look at the image above.
- In cartoons and illustrations, you use lines to sketch shapes.
- Divide the space into parts.
- Draw border around shapes.
6. Lines help to draw textures.
7. Lines make contours.
8. Lines allow you to provide a framework for the page.
9. Wavy lines suggest the movement of water.
10. There are some universal meanings of certain lines. For example, wavy lines for the flow of water, spiral lines for a whirlwind, dotted lines for coupons, etc.
11. Vertical lines create grandeur like a bunch of trees in a forest.
12. Horizontal lines in graphic design represent tranquility.
13. Diagonal lines direct attention to some parts of the design. They also represent movement.
14. Shallow curves calm the viewer.
15. Deep curves are aggressive.
16. Straight lines in random directions represent chaos.
Lines have different widths, lengths, weights, textures, and styles of lines
Lengths of lines
Lines may be long or short.
Widths of lines
Lines may be thick or thin.
Texture of lines
Lines can be rough or smooth.
Styles of lines
Lines can be solid, dashed, or dotted. Dotted and dashed lines are more attractive than normal lines.
Contour lines
When you use one continuous line to draw a figure, we call it a contour line. You can never lift your pencil when you use contour lines.
You may use different widths of contour lines or use the same width.
Parallel and cross-hatching lines produce shades and volume
When you use a pencil sketch or use a pen, you can use cross-hatched lines to produce an effect of volume. Use wide-spaced parallel lines to show areas of less volume.
Gesture lines
Gesture lines show spontaneous body movements. You draw them spontaneously and show how body movements are directed.
Implied lines do not exist
You do not draw implied lines in reality. The viewers have them in their minds. They direct viewer attention to a certain point.
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