Broken lines

A broken line connects the locations you click in sequence. Use it to show a turning route, connect scattered information, or avoid content you want to keep visible. After drawing, you can adjust each node, switch to a smooth curve, or add direction markers at both ends.

Find broken lines in the submenuCopy Anchor Link

In the default layout, “Broken line” is in the “Arrow” submenu. Click the small angled arrow to the right of the arrow tool to see “Arrow,” “Broken line,” and “Magnifier.”

ArrowShift+3

Broken lineShift+2

MagnifierShift+=

Adjust

Broken lines start here

For a screenshot, select an area first. On an image pin, press SpaceSpace to show the annotation toolbar. Expand that menu and click “Broken line.” The group button changes to the broken-line icon, and its style bar appears below.

You can also select it directly with the default shortcut Shift+2⇧ Shift+2.

Its position changes if you customize the toolbar layout. For frequent use, click “Adjust” at the bottom right of the menu to move it to the top level. See Manage button order and levels.

Plot the route, then finish drawingCopy Anchor Link

Select “BrokenLine” mode in the style bar, set the line style, width, and color, then place nodes along the route.

• 1. Click the startRelease and move to preview the first segment.
• 2. Click each cornerEach click fixes another node.
• 3. Double-click the endFinish, then adjust the route with its handles.

Alternatively, click the endpoint once, then right-click to finish. The right-click location does not add a node; the line ends at the last left-click location.

While moving the mouse to prepare the next segment, hold Shift⇧ Shift to snap its direction to 45° increments for horizontal, vertical, or diagonal segments.

Choose the route shape and line appearanceCopy Anchor Link

The far left of the style bar switches between “BrokenLine” and “Curve.” Broken lines join nodes with straight segments; curves pass smoothly through them for curved routes. A curve needs at least three distinct nodes to bend; with only two, it remains straight.

6Arrow

• Broken lineStraight segments connect nodes with clear corners.
• CurveA smooth curve joins the same nodes.
• WaveChoose a repeating wave in the line-type list.
• End markersExample: a start dot and an end arrow.
• FillConnects the ends and fills the area.
• Joins and capsLeft: round. Right: sharp joins and square caps.

“Curve” changes how the route passes through nodes. “Wavy Line” adds continuous waves along the line, useful for underlining text.

To change corners and endpoints, open “Annotation” → “Broken line” in settings. “Broken line join style” offers “Rounded corner” or “Sharp corner (Miter),” and “Broken line cap style” offers “Rounded cap” or “Square cap.” Rounded joins and caps are the defaults; choose these before drawing.

If scrolling over the image has no effect, check “Disable mouse wheel to adjust annotation tools.”

Add arrows or fill an areaCopy Anchor Link

To show direction, check “Arrow” in the style bar. You can also press TabTab while the broken-line style bar is available to toggle arrows.

The two dropdowns on the right control “Start arrow” and “End arrow.” Keep an arrow at one end or set both ends. Other endpoint markers include dots, diamonds, slashes, and crosses. Unchecking “Arrow” restores ordinary line endpoints at both ends.

To mark an irregular area, choose “Filling” in the line style dropdown, place at least three nodes, and finish drawing. PixPin connects the last node to the start and fills the enclosed area; you do not need to click the start again.

Fill mode clears both arrowheads and disables arrow controls. After switching back to a line, check arrows again if needed.

Edit nodes, move, and deleteCopy Anchor Link

Keep “Broken line” selected and click an existing line to edit it. If you cannot select it again, set “Mark secondary editing” to “Enable.”

• Change the route: drag square control points at endpoints or turns; hold Shift⇧ Shift to snap to 45° increments.
• Move the whole line: drag a part of the line away from control points; hold Shift to constrain movement horizontally or vertically.
• Change the style: select the line, then switch between broken line and curve, or change the line style, color, width, and arrows.
• Delete the whole line: select it and press DeleteBackspace.

To change only the next line's style, press EscEsc once to deselect, then set the style and draw.

After finishing a line, press Ctrl+Z⌘ Command+Z to undo the whole line you just drew. You can also undo the last adjustment or accidental deletion. See Annotation basics for redo, duplication, and other general operations.

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