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.

    Tip: To find and open a tool, press Ctrl+F. For more information, see Find and Search for 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.
    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. 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.
    Reposition a line
    • Select the line and drag it, or
    • Reposition the end points.
    Resize a line
    • Drag an end point, or
    • Select the line, then enter a Length in the microdialog.
    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.
  3. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Video: Spline Tools

Spline Through Points

Spline Using Control Points