> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.absurdrunning.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Draw a route

> Plot waypoints on the map to create a custom route. The line snaps to trails and roads between waypoints.

Drawing a route is the fastest way to capture a course that doesn't have a GPX yet — a local long run, a planned recon route, or a brand-new race you're designing.

## How drawing works

You click to drop **waypoints**. Each waypoint is an anchor on the map. The **line between waypoints** is computed automatically — it snaps to the underlying trail and road network so you don't have to trace every twist manually.

That means:

* **Close waypoints = more control.** Drop one every few hundred meters on a technical section to get the exact line you want.
* **Far waypoints = let the network do the work.** On a straightforward stretch of trail, a single waypoint at each end is enough.

## Start drawing

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Routes page → Create Route → Draw Route">
    The map opens centered on a default location. Drag to where you want to start.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click to drop your first waypoint">
    This is the start of your route.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click again to extend the line">
    The route follows the trail/road network between your last waypoint and the new one. Continue clicking to build out the full course.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save when done">
    Click **Save**, give the route a name. It lands in your library.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Editing while drawing

* **Drag a waypoint** to move it. The line recalculates.
* **Click on the line between two waypoints** to insert a new waypoint there.
* **Right-click a waypoint** (or long-press on touch) to delete it.
* **Undo / Redo** with the toolbar buttons or `Cmd+Z` / `Cmd+Shift+Z`.

## Snap can sometimes be wrong

The routing network doesn't always know about every trail, especially in remote areas or on new trails. When the line goes somewhere unexpected:

* **Drop more waypoints** along the section to force the line where you want it.
* **Switch the map style** (top-right) — some styles show trails the others don't, which helps you place waypoints accurately.
* **Accept a near-miss** for unmapped sections. You can fix it once a GPX of the actual run exists.

## Then customize

Once saved, [add checkpoints](/routes/checkpoints), tweak the route appearance from the design panel, or [share the route](/routes/share) with other runners.

## Why not just upload a GPX?

You absolutely should, when you have one. Drawing is for the cases where you don't — designing a new race, planning a recon route, or capturing a long run you haven't done yet. Once you've run it, export the GPX from your watch and [upload that instead](/routes/upload-gpx) for full point-by-point fidelity.

Drawing a route is covered in the [Routes 101 walkthrough on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yO7hj7JtSo).