> ASCII Line Generator_
Generate decorative line separators in various styles. Choose the style and length, then copy.
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Uses for ASCII Lines
ASCII line separators are useful in plain-text documents, code comments, terminal output, markdown files, and any context where you need visual separation without HTML or rich text formatting. Unlike HTML horizontal rules or Markdown dividers, ASCII lines render identically in every environment that displays monospaced text — from a terminal emulator to a plain-text email client to an IDE editor.
Common Use Cases
- Code comments: Separate sections within a long script or configuration file. A line of dashes or equals signs makes it easy to jump between sections when scrolling.
- Terminal output: Add visual structure to command-line tool output. Many CLI tools use lines of dashes or asterisks to separate results, headers, and summaries.
- README and documentation: While Markdown supports --- as a horizontal rule, a literal ASCII line renders as a visible separator in plain-text editors that don't process Markdown.
- Email signatures and plain-text messages: The classic "--" (double-dash space) convention marks the start of an email signature, but a full line separator adds cleaner visual separation.
- Log files: Separate log entries or sessions with a distinctive line that is easy to search for with grep.
Available Line Styles
The generator offers multiple line styles for different contexts. Simple dash lines (---) and equals lines (===) are the most universally compatible since they use basic ASCII characters supported everywhere. Star lines (***) are common in legacy code. Unicode box-drawing characters (─, ═, ━) produce cleaner, more modern-looking separators in environments that support Unicode — which includes virtually all modern terminals, browsers, and code editors. Choose the style that matches your document's character set and aesthetic.
Line Length
The traditional width for terminal output is 80 characters, inherited from the IBM punch card and early CRT terminal standards. Many style guides for code comments recommend staying within 80 characters. For wider modern terminals and code editors, 100 or 120 characters is common. The generator lets you choose any length so the line fits your specific context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard width for a line separator in code?
80 characters is the classic standard, matching the historical terminal width. Many Python and JavaScript style guides recommend 79–80 characters maximum per line. 100 and 120 characters are common modern alternatives for wider screens.
Can I use Unicode box-drawing characters everywhere?
Unicode box-drawing characters (─, ═, ━) work in all modern terminals, web browsers, and code editors. They may not display correctly in very old systems or environments that only support ASCII. For maximum compatibility, use basic ASCII characters like dashes or equals signs.