How do you draw a horizontal line in LaTeX?

You can draw a horizontal line in LaTeX using commands such as \rule, \hrule, \line, \hline, \hrulefill, and \dotfill. Each command is used for different formatting needs such as full-width rules, customizable lines, table borders, or dotted separators.

Which command creates a full width horizontal line in LaTeX?

The \hrule command creates a full-width horizontal line across the page. Alternatively, you can use \rule{\textwidth}{thickness} to create a customizable full-width horizontal rule.

How do you create a dotted line in LaTeX?

A dotted horizontal line in LaTeX can be created using the \dotfill command. This command automatically fills the available horizontal space with evenly spaced dots.

How to Draw Horizontal Lines in LaTeX (Solid, Dotted & Double)

When writing documents in LaTeX, you often need horizontal lines to visually separate sections, create form-like layouts, highlight titles, or structure content.

Unlike word processors, LaTeX does not rely on manual drawing tools; instead, it provides several commands that generate horizontal lines with different behaviors.

This guide explains the most common commands used to create lines in LaTeX and when each method is most appropriate.

Using \rule for Customizable Lines

The simplest way to create a horizontal line is with the \rule[raise-height]{length}{thickness} command, allowing customization of length and thickness.

An optional argument adjusts the vertical position—positive values move it up, negative move it down.

To draw a line matching the paragraph width, use \textwidth. Adding \noindent improves the appearance.

\par\noindent\rule{\textwidth}{0.5pt}

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{lipsum}
\begin{document}
 \begin{center}
   \verb|Without using \noindent|
 \end{center}
 \lipsum[1][1-3]
 \par\rule{\textwidth}{0.5pt} 
 \par
 \lipsum[1][1-3]
 \begin{center}
   \verb|Using \noindent|
 \end{center}
 \lipsum[1][1-3]
 \par\noindent\rule{\textwidth}{0.5pt}
 \par
 \lipsum[1][1-3]
\end{document}

$Line indent can be controlled by \rule command.$

Using \hrule for Simple Lines

The \hrule command requires no arguments and is typically used between paragraphs. To add spacing above and below, use \vspace{}.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{lipsum}
\begin{document}
 \lipsum[1][1-3]
  \vspace{4pt}
    \hrule
  \vspace{4pt}
 \lipsum[1][1-3]
\end{document}

$\hrule commands will not have any arguments. That is, you cannot customize the line.$

Using \line for Adjustable Line Lengths

The \line(x-slope,y-slope){length} command allows for sloped or horizontal lines. For a line, use (1,0). Centering can be done with the center environment.

\line(x-slope,y-slope){length}

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{lipsum}
\begin{document}
 \lipsum[1][1-3]
 \begin{center}
    \line(1,0){340}
 \end{center}
 \lipsum[1][1-3]
 \begin{center}
   \line(1,0){70}
 \end{center}
\end{document}

Using \hline for Simple Table-Like Lines

The \hline command is another option, but it lacks customization. To adjust spacing, use \vspace{}. Double lines can be created by using \hline twice

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{lipsum}
\begin{document}
 \lipsum[1][1-3] 
 \vspace{5pt}
   \hline
 \vspace{5pt}
 \lipsum[1][1-3] 
 \vspace{5pt}
 \hline
 \hline
\end{document}

$Use \hline command in latex.$

Using \hrulefill for Inline Horizontal Lines

The \hrulefill command extends to fill available space in a line. It is useful for titles or decorative elements. Using \par forces the line onto the next line, and \noindent improves the appearance.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{lipsum}
\begin{document}
  \begin{center}
    \verb|\hrulefill use for Title|
 \end{center}
 \noindent\hrulefill Title \noindent\hrulefill
 \begin{center}
    \verb|Without using \par|
 \end{center}
 \lipsum[1][1-2]
 \noindent\hrulefill
 \begin{center}
    \verb|Using \par|
 \end{center}
 \lipsum[1][1-2]
 \par\noindent\hrulefill
\end{document}

$Use \hrulefill command in latex.$

Using \dotfill for Dotted Lines

The \dotfill command functions like \hrulefill but creates a dotted line, commonly used for visual separation in documents.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{lipsum}
\begin{document}
 \begin{center}
    \verb|\dotfill use for Title|
 \end{center}
 \noindent\dotfill Title \noindent\dotfill
 \begin{center}
    \verb|Without using \par|
 \end{center}
 \lipsum[1][1-2]
 \noindent\dotfill
 \begin{center}
    \verb|Using \par|
 \end{center}
 \lipsum[1][1-2]
 \par\noindent\dotfill
\end{document}

$Draw horizontal dot line by \dotfill.$

Conclusion

LaTeX provides several commands for creating rules and separators in documents. Commands such as \rule offer detailed control over size and thickness, while \hrule quickly produces a full-width divider.

For layouts that require flexible spacing, \hrulefill and \dotfill automatically extend across the available area. Meanwhile, \hline and \line are typically used within tables or structured environments.