# Hypertext Help with LaTeX
\rule

`\rule[raise-height]{width}{height}`

The `\rule` command generates a rectangular "blob of ink." It can be used to produce horizontal or vertical lines. The arguments are defined as follows.

- `raise-height` specifies how high to raise the rule (optional)
- `width` specifies the length of the rule (mandatory)
- `height` specifies the height of the rule (mandatory)

The default value for `raise-height` is zero; a negative value lowers the rule.

The reference point of the rule box is the lower left-hand corner.

A rule box of zero width may be used as a "strut" which is invisible but which causes LaTeX to adjust veritcal spacing to leave room. This can be particularly useful where the `\vspace` command cannot be used, for example, within mathematical formulas.

The `\rule` command is fragile.

See Spaces and Boxes
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