If you are unable to draw a wavy line using the pen tool, don’t worry. There are ways to make a wavy line in Illustrator through some of the built-in software tools. So, how do you make a wavy line in Illustrator?

The ZigZag effect, which can be found under the Distort & Transform option, is the simplest way to make a traditional wavy line. The Curvature Tool or Envelope Distort are two tools you may use to create lovely wavy lines if you want to be inventive. You may also use the Live Corner Widgets to create them.

Keep reading below as we describe how to do this in more detail.

How To Make A Wavy Line In Illustrator

You can make a wavy line in Illustrator by following the instructions in this section.

For more information on how to draw a wavy line in Illustrator, watch this video below:

Utilizing Distort and Transform

Step 1: Start by drawing a straight line with the Line Segment Tool ().

Step 2: Choose Effect > Distort & Transform > Zig Zag from the top panel. The standard zig-zag effect (the Points setting) is Corner, and you will see that in a pop-up window that will appear.

Step 3: Switch the Points setting to Smooth. The Size and Ridges per segment may be adjusted appropriately. Size and Ridges per Segment dictate the frequency of waves and the distance each wave will travel from the midline, respectively.

Step 4: Click “OK.”

Using Curvature Tool

Step 1: Draw a line. To create a line, utilize the Pen Tool or Line Segment Tool. Because we’ll be bending it to generate waves anyhow, it may be either straight or curved.

Step 2: Press Shift +’ to choose the Curvature Tool.

Step 3: To create a curve, click and drag the straight line upward or downward. When you click, anchor points are added to the line. So, after clicking the mouse once, you will have inserted one anchor point and pulled it downward.

Step 4: To make a wave, click on the line once again and move the anchor point upward or downward. For instance, you will need to drag up the following anchor point if you dragged down the prior one.

The wave will begin to take shape. 

Using Envelope Distort

Step 1: From the menu, choose the Rectangle Tool (M), and draw a lengthy rectangle—anything with a thick line appearance.

Step 2: Make a copy of the line (rectangle).

To repeat the procedure and create other copies of the line, click the duplicated line and press Command + D.

Step 3: With all lines selected, choose Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Mesh from the top panel. Click “Ok” after selecting the columns and rows. You have more waves as you add additional columns.

Step 4: Click and drag to choose the top two columns using the Direct Selection Tool (A) that you selected from the toolbar. Anchor points may be seen on the rows after the columns are chosen.

All rows will move in the same direction if you click and drag the line that connects the two columns’ anchor points.

Step 5: Repeat Step 4 for the following two columns. You now understand what to do. Repeat the process for the final two columns. 

You’re done now! To create additional unique effects using the wavy lines, you may also click on certain anchor points on the rows and columns.

Using the “Live Corner Widgets”

You can also use the live corner widgets to create a wavy line. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Enable the “Smart Guides”

As you draw your lines, the “Smart Guides” will assist you in keeping them organized. 

• Use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+U” to enable them, or choose “View” > “Smart Guides” from the main panel.

Step 2: Create a Zig-Zag Line

• Use the “Pen Tool” (P) to make a zigzag pattern.
• Click once on the canvas and once more diagonally further up. Eventually, if you drop down diagonally one more click, you’ll reach a mountain.
• The “Smart Guides” will assist you in maintaining the same height in both directions by showing a pink guide when it reaches the same height as you move forward with every click.
• Continue it as often as necessary. When finished, use the “Selection Tool” by pressing the “V” key to remove the anchor point.

Step 3: Curve the Spikes

• Now, while it stays selected, switch to the “Direct Selection Tool” (A) after you are through with the zigzag line.
• Then, you’ll see that every one of the pikes has a set of tiny, round handles. These are the “Live Corner Widgets,” a tool in Illustrator that makes it quick and easy to round the edges of any object.
• Simply click one of the handles and drag it downward; the more you drag, the more curved the line will become.

Conclusion

And there you are. In this article, we looked at three of the best methods you can use to create a wavy line in Illustrator. We hope that the instructions in this article are easy to understand and follow. Happy editing!