# verticalLine

A vertical line is a simple tool that lets you mark a specific **time (candle)** on the chart. Traders often use it to highlight important events, such as news releases, earnings, or just to separate sessions/days.

### Syntax

`verticalLine(time, styles?, text?)`

### Parameters

* **time:** The candle time where the vertical line should be drawn (for example, `time(20)` means 20 candles ago).
* **styles** (optional)\
  Style options for how the line looks:
  * `linecolor`: color of the line (e.g., `color.blue`)
  * [`linewidth`](/custom-indicators-docs/charting-library/linewidth.md): thickness of the line
  * [`linestyle`](/custom-indicators-docs/charting-library/linestyle.md): solid, dashed, or dotted
  * `showLabel`: show a label on the line (true/false)
  * `textcolor`: the color of the label text
* **text** (optional): A short label to display on the line (if `showLabel: true`).

### Return Value

* **string** — A unique drawing `id`.

### Example

This example will draw a blue vertical line every 30 candles to mark sections on the chart. We also add a label “Marker” so it’s clear what the line represents.

```js
//@version=1
init = () => {
    // Put this indicator on the main price chart
    indicator({ onMainPanel: true, format: 'inherit' });
};

onTick = () => {
    // Every 30 candles, draw a new vertical line
    if (index % 30 === 0) {
        // Choose the current candle time as the marker
        const time_line = time(0);

        // Draw the vertical line
        // - Starts at the current time (t)
        // - Styled in blue
        // - Thickness set to 2
        // - showLabel = true, so the text appears
        // - Label set as "Marker"
        verticalLine(
            time_line ,
            { linecolor: color.blue, linewidth: 2, showLabel: true },
            'Marker'
        );
    }
};
```

### Result

<figure><img src="/files/VZGSyY7k0SbfJovDv6RG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}

### Tips

* Use vertical lines to highlight recurring patterns (like market opens or closes).
* Dashed vertical lines are useful for visual guides without overwhelming the chart.
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}

### Warning

* If `time` is invalid or outside the chart, the line won’t appear.
* Adding too many vertical lines too often can clutter the chart and make it hard to read.
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}

### Good Practice

* Use vertical lines as “markers,” not as permanent drawings. For example, to mark events or \
  analysis points.
* Keep labels short (like “News” or “Open”) so the chart stays clean and readable.
  {% endhint %}


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