How to Make a Curved Line in InDesign | Easy Guide Using the Pen Tool ✏️➰

How to Make a Curved Line in InDesign | Easy Guide Using the Pen Tool ✏️➰
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Curved lines add elegance, flow, and visual interest to your layouts. In this video, you'll learn how to make a curved line in InDesign using the Pen Tool—a flexible drawing feature that lets you craft custom paths, waves, or arcs.
Whether you're designing infographics, logos, decorative borders, or illustrative layouts, curved paths give you the freedom to design beyond straight lines and rectangles. We'll walk you through creating a curve step-by-step, modifying its shape, and even placing text on a curved line to enhance your typography.
If you've been wondering how to draw a curved line in InDesign, or how to type on a curved line in InDesign, this tutorial will show you how to master it all with ease.
🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Video
This tutorial will teach you:
- How to make a curved line in InDesign using the Pen Tool
- How to draw curved lines in InDesign with precision
- How to add and edit anchor points to refine your curve
- How to adjust Bézier handles for perfect smoothness
- How to create flowing paths, loops, and arcs
- How to place text on a curved line in InDesign for visual impact
- How to style, color, and format your curved lines
Whether you're a beginner or intermediate user, this guide will unlock a whole new level of design control.
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Create a Curved Line in InDesign
Let’s go through the process of making your first curved line using InDesign’s vector drawing tools.
✅ Step 1: Open Your InDesign Project
Launch Adobe InDesign and open your current layout or create a new document. You can draw curved lines on any page or artboard, so feel free to experiment.
This works on brochures, posters, social media templates, or custom illustrations—anywhere that a curve adds design flair.
✅ Step 2: Select the Pen Tool
- Go to the left-hand Tools Panel
- Click on the Pen Tool (P)
This tool is your key to creating custom curved paths.
✅ Step 3: Place Your First Anchor Point
Click anywhere on the canvas to set your starting anchor point. This is where your curved line will begin.
Think of this as the base or origin of your curve.
✅ Step 4: Click and Drag to Create a Curve
Now move to a second point where you want the curve to extend. Instead of clicking, click and drag in any direction.
You’ll see handles appear—these are called Bézier handles, and they control the shape and angle of your curve.
By dragging longer or shorter, you can control the intensity and direction of the curve.
You've now completed the core step of how to make a curved line in InDesign.
✅ Step 5: Add More Curves or End the Path
- To continue the curve, click a third point and drag again
- Repeat to create a wavy or fluid path
- To finish the line, either click once to end with a corner point, or double-click to stop drawing
Congratulations! You've just created your first multi-point curved path.
🧩 How to Edit and Refine Your Curved Line
Once your line is placed, use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to click on anchor points or handles and refine their position.
You can:
- Adjust the curve's direction or tension
- Move anchor points for better placement
- Delete or add points using the Pen Tool + or – options
- Turn sharp angles into smooth curves with the Convert Direction Point Tool
These steps help you go beyond basic shapes and understand how to curve lines in InDesign with precision.
✍️ How to Type on a Curved Line in InDesign
Curved lines aren’t just for decoration—they also make a great base for dynamic text!
Here’s how to add text to a curved line:
1. Select the Type on a Path Tool (click and hold the Type Tool to access it)
2. Click directly on the curved path
3. Start typing—your text will flow along the curve
4. Use the Direct Selection Tool to adjust where the text starts and ends
5. Change font, size, and style just like any other text object
You now know how to type on a curved line in InDesign—a game-changer for logos, headlines, and creative layouts.
🎨 Styling Your Curved Line
Want to give your curve some flair? Select the path and go to:
- Stroke Panel (Window Stroke)
- Adjust weight, dashes, or end caps
- Change color from the Swatches Panel
- Apply effects like drop shadows or glows
These customizations help your curves blend seamlessly into your design or stand out as artistic accents.

📌 Hashtags
#HowToMakeCurvedLineInInDesign
#InDesignPenTool
#CurvedTextInInDesign
#AdobeInDesignTips
#InDesignGraphicDesign
Thanks for watching and creating with iZoRun — your go-to space for design mastery, creative inspiration, and practical Adobe InDesign tutorials. ✨✏️ Keep bending the rules—literally!

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