Linesbut

Linesbut is a term used in contemporary visual art and computational design to describe a family of line-based compositions produced under fixed constraint rules. A linesbut artwork typically consists of a dense network of straight line segments arranged to form a bounded region. The approach aims to maximize structural clarity while minimizing the number of elements, yielding high-contrast, modular patterns that read as cohesive units.

The name blends the reference to lines with an implication of constraint or modification, reflecting its core principle: lines are generated within predefined rules rather than drawn freely. The concept emerged in design discourse during the 2010s as artists and developers explored rule-based drawing methods alongside generative techniques.

In practice, creating a linesbut involves setting a finite set of anchor points on a boundary or grid and applying rules that govern which anchors may connect, the directions of connections, permissible intersections, and whether lines may overlap. Variations include non-overlapping line packs, reoriented lattices, and adaptive line lengths that respond to an input field or image. The resulting works emphasize geometry, rhythm, and the perception of motion along the line network.

Linesbuts are used in digital art, textile and graphic design, and in studies of algorithmic aesthetics. They can be generated with simple scripts in vector graphics environments or built into generative design tools. Critics note that the technique foregrounds form and constraint, producing scalable motifs suitable for logos, wallpapers, and architectural surfaces.

See also: generative art, constraint-based drawing, line art, vector graphics.