Select the Line tool or Pen tool.
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Draw shapes
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Automate actions
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Snap a line perpendicular to a path in Illustrator
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Use snap to perpendicular to align line endpoints at perfect right angles to straight paths, ensuring precise geometric connections.
Perpendicular snapping is especially useful for architectural diagrams, technical drawings, and vector illustrations where exact right angles are essential.
Before you begin
Ensure Geometric Guides are selected in Preferences > Smart Guides.
Draw a new line, or select an existing line to edit near another straight path.
Drag the line’s endpoint toward a straight path. A perpendicular tooltip appears when the line aligns at 90°.
Release the mouse to snap the line at a right angle.
To adjust existing lines, drag the anchor points until the perpendicular indicator appears.
Perpendicular snapping is on by default. You can turn it off from Preferences > Smart Guides > Geometric Guides.
Note
- Snapping is supported only between two linear paths. You cannot snap a line perpendicularly to a curved path.
- Snapping is limited to line endpoints only. Mid-line or multi-point perpendicular snaps are not supported.
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