How to Make Arrows Straight in PowerPoint

Updated on:

May 25, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to draw perfectly straight arrows in PowerPoint.

Quick summary

Making arrows straight in PowerPoint is done by holding the Shift key while drawing, which constrains the arrow to a perfectly horizontal, vertical, or 45-degree angle. This technique works with both standard Line Arrows and thick Block Arrows inserted via the Shapes menu.

Steps

Go to the Insert tab in the PowerPoint ribbon.
Click Shapes located in the Illustrations section of the Insert tab.
Select the standard Line Arrow or the thick Block Arrow from the dropdown menu.
Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard before you click and drag on the slide to draw a perfectly straight arrow.

📌 Why this matters

Drawing perfectly straight arrows in PowerPoint is a common challenge that affects the visual quality of presentations, diagrams, and flowcharts. By holding the Shift key while inserting an arrow shape, users can constrain movement to exact horizontal, vertical, or 45-degree angles — eliminating crooked lines instantly. This built-in PowerPoint technique requires no third-party tools and works with both Line Arrows and Block Arrows, making it essential knowledge for anyone creating professional slides. Mastering this shortcut saves time and ensures polished, precise visuals every time.

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