Splines

Sketch and edit a spline (S).

Sketch a Spline

Sketch two types of splines: (1) a smooth curve that passes through the fit points or (2) a smooth curve that passes near, but not through, the control points.

  1. On the Sketch ribbon, select one of the Spline tools.
  2. Select a face or plane as the sketch plane.
  3. To sketch a spline:
    To sketch this Do this
    Spline Through Points

    		 Click to place each fit point of the spline.

    To change the magnitude of a spline, click the

    Spline Using Control Points

    		 Click to place each control point of the spline.
  4. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Edit a Spline

Reposition, resize, or apply a sketch constraint.

  1. Double-click the spline to enter edit mode.
  2. Right-click the sketch and verify Show Points is selected so you can see the spline points.
  3. Edit the spline:
    To Do this
    Define the degree In the guide bar, select from:
    • Degree 2
    • Degree 3
    • Degree 4
    • Degree 5
    Close the spline on creation In the guide bar, turn on Close spline.
    Add a point Select the spline, then hover over the curve between two points until you see a reference point with a + icon. Click on the reference point to add an additional point.
    Reposition a point
    • Drag the point, or
    • Select the point, then enter coordinates to specify the position.
    Change the tangency Drag the diamond control to adjust the tangent curve:

    Note: Available only for splines created with the Spline Through Points tool .
    Change the magnitude Drag from the arrowhead at either end of the tangent line:

    Note: Available only for splines created with the Spline Through Points tool .
    Change the tangency and magnitude simulataneously Drag the point at either end of the tangent line:

    Note: Available only for splines created with the Spline Through Points tool .
    Select a chain of segments Select a sketch segment, then double-click it to select the entire chain of segments.
    Cut, copy, or paste the sketch curve Right-click a sketch curve, then select Cut, Copy, or Paste on the context menu.
    Apply a sketch constraint Right-click a sketch curve, then select a sketch constraint on the context menu.
    Convert a sketch curve into construction geometry Right-click a sketch curve, then select Construction.

    Construction geometry is used as a reference to line up or define other geometry.
    Hide dimensions Deselect Show dimensions in the Preferences.
  4. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Video: Spline Tools

Spline Through Points

Spline Using Control Points