# Finding Lines with the LineMax Tool

The LineMax tool locates one or more line segments corresponding to linear edge points in your runtime images:

A LineMax tool locates probable edge points and fits the best possible line segment based on criteria that you specify. You configure the tool with the expected orientation of the segment you want to find, its polarity (dark to light transitions), as well as other line characteristics.

By default a LineMax tool locates a single line segment, but can be configured to locate multiple line segments when the correct VisionPro license is present. See the topic VisionPro Security Devices for details on VisionPro licenses.

The LineMax tool is more robust than the Find Line tool (part of the Shape Finding Tools), which requires precisely placed calipers in order to find individual edge points. Cognex recommends the LineMax tool for new applications, and continues to support the Find Line tool for existing applications.

See the following topics for more information: