How to create a dotted line in Adobe Illustrator

Learning to create a dotted line in Adobe Illustrator opens up a whole new set of graphic possibilities. Use them to show where to cut or fold your print, break up line work within a design, or even make the dotted line the main feature of the piece.

Here’s our step-by-step video guide, designed to help you create dotted lines quickly and easily, whatever your level of experience.

What is Adobe Illustrator?

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor. Instead of relying on pixels, it works with mathematical paths and shapes. That makes it ideal for designs that need to scale—logos, icons, infographics, print layouts, signage, etc. Designers often choose Illustrator when precision, crisp edges and unlimited scaling are key.

What do designers use Illustrator for?

Outside of professional design circles, Photoshop is often seen as the star of the Adobe  suite. To ‘Photoshop’ something has become a verb that everyone understands. However, designers on the frontline know that Illustrator is the tool of choice for many essential tasks. Here are some of the common uses:

• Logo design

• Icons and interface graphics

• Infographics and diagrams

• Print artwork  for Business Cards, Brochures, Leaflets, Flyers and more.

• Vector illustrations

• Branding assets (patterns, shapes, monograms)

Because Illustrator works in vector format, lines and edges remain sharp at any size. That’s an incredibly useful feature when preparing design intended for print. A logo you create for a business card can scale up to appear on a billboard with zero loss of quality.

However, it’s less suited to photo editing or detailed raster effects; those tasks are better handled in Photoshop or Affinity Photo.

Why would you want to use a dotted line in Illustrator?

A dotted line (or dashed line) is more than decorative. Use cases include:

• Indicating cutting, folding or perforation lines in print layouts

• Separating sections or guiding the eye in infographics or layouts

• Decorative borders or outlines that are lighter than solid lines

• Emphasising paths, directional flow or movement

• As a design motif in packaging, labels or promotional graphics

In print artwork, structurally using a dotted line helps with clarity (for example, “cut here”) without drawing too much visual weight.

How many methods are there to create a dotted line in Illustrator?

Illustrator is a versatile application that allows designers to develop their own favoured ways to There are at least four popular methods. Below is a clear, optimised summary—plus when to choose each method.

Method 1: Use the stroke’s dashed line settings

This is the most direct approach.

Steps:

1. Draw a path (e.g. with the line tool, pen or pencil).

2. Select the path, and open the Stroke panel (or Appearance panel).

3. Tick “Dashed Line.”

4. Set the Dash value to 0 pt (for no dash).

5. Set the Gap value to whatever spacing you prefer (e.g. 6 pt, 12 pt).

6. Change the Cap setting to Round Cap—this turns each “dash” into a dot.

7. Adjust stroke weight as needed.

When dash = 0 and you use round caps, Illustrator renders circular dots spaced by the gap value. You can also experiment with multiple dash/gap values if you want non-uniform patterns.

This method is fast and flexible for straight or curved paths.

Method 2: Use the Blend tool with shapes

You draw two dots, then blend them.

Steps:

1. Draw a circle (hold Shift for a perfect circle).

2. Duplicate the circle (e.g. Alt/Option + drag while holding Shift) a little distance away.

3. Select both circles.

4. Go to Object > Blend > Make.

5. Then go to Object > Blend > Blend Options and choose Specified Steps to set the number of dots.

6. You can modify individual dots (size, colour, position) and the blend will interpolate between them.

This gives you creative control—dots can gradually change size or colour along the path.

Method 3: Create a custom dotted brush

You convert a dot into a brush, then paint a path.

Steps:

1. Draw a dot (circle).

2. Open the Brushes panel (Window > Brushes).

3. Drag the circle into the panel.

4. Choose Scatter Brush (or another brush type) in the dialog (or customise).

5. Draw a path.

6. Apply your new brush to that path.

7. Double-click the brush swatch to edit spacing, size, scatter, etc.

This method is powerful when you want the dots to follow curves or bends naturally.

Method 4: Manual duplication with transform + repeat (Command/Control + D)

This super fast method is great for a quick, visual mock-up.

Steps:

1. Draw a circle.

2. Copy and paste or duplicate it with a gap you like.

3. Use Command/Control + D (Transform Again) repeatedly to repeat the dot along a straight line.

4. Optionally group them and align or adjust manually.

This is less flexible for curved lines or automatic spacing, but can be fast for simple straight lines.

Which method should I use when?

Tips for best results

• Always use Round Caps when using the dashed stroke method to get perfect circles.

• If the dots look too compressed or overlapping, increase the gap.

• For very small dot sizes, pay attention to print resolution—very fine dots may lose definition.

• When applying to curved paths, the brush or blend method tends to look more consistent.

• Avoid using extremely small gaps or dots on print designs where misregistration or ink spread could merge them.

What about print readiness and supplying artwork to printers?

Even when creating decorative or functional elements like dotted lines, your file must remain correct for print. Here are relevant pointers and links:

• When saving your Illustrator file for print, convert fonts to outlines, embed or link images properly, and save as EPS, PDF or AI format per printer specs.

• Use CMYK colour mode (not RGB) for print.

• Allow sufficient bleed and avoid placing elements too close to the trim. If your design includes dotted lines too close to the edge or near the trim, you run the risk that they’ll get accidentally cut off or distorted.

• Double-check your proof carefully before approving.

Solopress Support Guides are a treasure trove of info when it comes to preparing print ready artwork. These are a great place to start:

• Our Supplying Artwork Guide gives an overview on how to ensure your layouts, file formats and colour modes are optimised get the best print results.

• Understanding Vector Artwork outlines the differences between raster images and the vector graphics that you create in Illustrator, as well as the advantages of using vectors in certain situations.

• Our Proof Checking Guide shows you how to make sure the artwork that you submit for print will result yield the outcomes you’re expecting.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use dashed lines with curved paths like circles or arcs?

Yes. For curves, the brush method or dashed stroke method will both work. The dashed stroke method will render dots along the curve automatically. The brush method gives you more flexibility in path behaviour.

Why does setting dash > 0 not render real dots?

If you set a dash value (nonzero), you’ll get short lines instead of dots. To achieve circular dots via the dashed stroke, you need dash = 0 and round caps, so each “dash” becomes a dot.

Can I vary dot size along a path?

Yes—with the blend method. You draw two initial dots (start and end) with different sizes (or colours), then set the number of steps in the blend. Along the path, Illustrator will interpolate size, colour, or position.

Will dotted lines print well?

It depends on the final size and spacing. Very fine dots can bleed or blur depending on the press. Always test and avoid dots smaller than what the printer reliably reproduces.

How do dotted lines help with print layout?

They are ideal for “cut here” or fold lines, guiding the user visually without dominating the design. They can also break up or organise sections in brochures, vouchers, packaging and more.

Be sure to follow the Solopress YouTube Channel for more graphic design tips and print related content. And hen it comes to bringing you designs to life with print, solopress.com is the place to find fast, reliable service and free UK mainland delivery.