Face Curve

Extract curves from a face in the U or V direction. This is useful for creating trim curves that run along a face.

Face curves can also be used to recreate a given surface with different parametrization. Extract several face curves and use the Loft tool to create a surface through them. A face curve extracted from a surface can be used as a snappable location when you need to place an object on such a surface.

  1. On the Geometry ribbon, select the Face Curve tool.
    Note: The tool may be hidden in the dropdown menu. To access the dropdown menu, you can do one of the following:
    • Select at the lower right corner of the currently displayed tool.
    • Click and hold the currently displayed tool.
    Tip: To find and open a tool, press Ctrl+F. For more information, see Find and Search for Tools.
    The guide panel appears.


  2. By default, the Face button is automatically selected. Select a face on which you want to extract curves. To deselect, hold down Ctrl while clicking or, in the guide panel, click .
  3. Choose a method:
    • Select Point/Vertex: Select a point or vertex to create the curves. To deselect, hold down Ctrl while clicking.
    • Mesh Mode: Create curves in a mesh pattern.
  4. Based on the method previously selected, create and adjust the curves.
    Note: The color next to the U and V options indicate the color of the curves in the respective direction. Face curves in the U direction are displayed in yellow while face curves in the V direction are displayed in magenta.
    Method Do this
    Select Point/Vertex
    1. Next to Point/Vertex, select the Vertex button.
    2. Select a point or vertex.
    3. To create curves along the U or V direction, turn on U Curves and V Curves. To disable curves along the U and V direction, turn off the respective option.
    4. To position the curve along the U or V direction, enter a value of 0 to 1 for the U Ratio or V Ratio.
    5. To not draw curves through holes on the face, turn on Ignore Holes.
    Mesh Mode
    1. To create curves along the U or V direction, turn on U Curves and V Curves. To disable curves along the U and V direction, turn off the respective option.
    2. To enter the number of curves along the U or V direction, enter a a value for Number of U Curves or Number of V Curves.
    3. To not draw curves through holes on the face, turn on Ignore Holes.
  5. In the guide bar, select Apply .
  6. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.