Select the Ruler tool from the toolbar.
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Measure and position with the Ruler tool
Last updated on
Sep 28, 2026
Learn how to use the Ruler tool to calculate distances, angles, and coordinates for precise image positioning in Adobe Photoshop on desktop.
The Ruler tool helps you position images or elements precisely by calculating the distance between any two points in your workspace. When you measure from one point to another, Photoshop draws a non-printing line and displays measurement information in the options bar and Info panel. If your document already has a measuring line, selecting the Ruler tool displays it automatically.
Measure between two points
Drag from your starting point to your ending point. Press Shift to constrain the tool to 45° increments.
View the measurement data in the options bar or Info panel.
Create a protractor angle
Create an initial measuring line using the Ruler tool.
Press Alt-drag (Windows) or Option-drag (macOS) at an angle from one end of the measuring line or double-click the line and drag.
Press Shift while dragging to constrain the protractor to multiples of 45°.
The protractor displays two length measurements (D1 and D2) along with the angle between them.
Edit or remove a measuring line
Select the Ruler tool.
To resize the line, drag one end of the existing measuring line to a new position.
To move the entire line, place the pointer on the line away from either of the endpoints and drag it to a new location.
To remove the line, drag it completely out of the image or select Clear in the options bar.
Use the Ruler tool to straighten images. Draw a measuring line along a feature that should be horizontal or vertical, then select Image > Image Rotation > Arbitrary. Enter Angle for rotation and select required rotate options and then OK to rotate canvas.
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