User Guide
User Guide
User Guide

Blend Curves

Use it!

Used to construct a B-spline curve between two elements (lines, line strings, arcs, ellipses, complex chains, complex shapes, or B-spline curves) that consists of the trimmed original elements and a transition curve connecting them.

Tool SettingEffect
Continuity

Sets number of control points between the blend points (identified in steps 2 and 4 below).

  • Position
    • — 0 control points. A straight “line” is constructed between the blend points.
  • Tangent
    • — 2 control points. In most cases, this is adequate.
  • Curvature
    • — 4 control points.
Factor 1

Magnitude of blend curve's initial tangent.

Factor 2

Magnitude of blend curve's final tangent.

To construct a blend between two elements
  1. Select the Blend Curves tool.

  2. Identify the first element at the blend's start point.

  3. Identify the end of the first element to trim.

  4. Identify the second element at the blend's end point.

  5. Identify the end of the second element to trim.
    The blend curve displays dynamically.

  6. (Optional) Adjust the relative magnitudes of Factor 1 and Factor 2 to achieve the desired blend.

  7. Accept the blend.

    Blend Curves. Blending the line and arc shown at top left. Top right: Continuity is set to Position. Bottom: In both illustrations, Continuity is set to Tangent.

      

Key-in: BLEND CURVE