Generally you really want to avoid this. The bracket ideally should be straight to function.
However, if your wall is not completely straight (many walls are not, this is reasonably common in buildings), you have a couple options. The important thing to remember is that the bracket cannot bend too significantly or it won't engage properly. That said, there is SOME tolerance for a bow in the wall, and we have a great little video on how to troubleshoot this here as long as you aren't overdoing it. This should be your first starting point:
However, if your wall is not completely straight (many walls are not, this is reasonably common in buildings), you have a couple options. The important thing to remember is that the bracket cannot bend too significantly or it won't engage properly. That said, there is SOME tolerance for a bow in the wall, and we have a great little video on how to troubleshoot this here as long as you aren't overdoing it. This should be your first starting point:
You can also learn more about bending the bracket, why it's generally best avoided except in very small amounts, and some other options to get around any problems with it here. You may also find this article on whether you can scribe the shelf of use.
If the bend is too significant for the above method to work, we can move on to the next best solution below:
If it is just a 1/32” you may get away with it. But in theory, if the female bracket that is attached to the shelf cannot catch the top of the male bracket along its entire length, the two will not connect correctly, and will not hold anything. In fact, they will fall as soon as you let go.
But to be clear, we don't every recommend a bent bracket - It's extremely important to keep the male and female brackets straight, these are only tools and tips for if you are somehow forced to do so. See the below diagram for help with bowed walls and solutions:
