Curve Point

This command creates a dependent point that lies on a curve or relative to it.

The point can be either on the curve or off the curve. If it is on the curve, the U Position is the only control of its location. The U Position specifies a location along the curve (based on the curve's local U axis). There are three ways to displace the point's location relative to the U position.

Procedures

To create a dependent curve point:

  1. In the NURBS toolbox, turn on (Create Curve Point).
  2. Click along a curve to position the point.
  3. The curve and cursor position are highlighted during this operation.
  4. At the Point sub-object level, adjust the point's position relative to the curve by adjusting the curve point parameters on the Curve Point rollout.
  5. Right-click to end point creation.

Interface

While a curve point sub-object is selected, the Curve Point rollout appears.

U Position

Specifies the point's location on the curve or relative to the curve.

On Curve

When on, the point lies on the curve at the U Position.

Offset

Moves the point according to a relative (object space) X,Y,Z location.

This is relative to the U Position.

X Offset, Y Offset, and Z Offset

Specify the object space location of the offset curve point.

Normal

Moves the point along the direction of the curve's normal at the U Position.

Distance

Specifies the distance along the curve's normal. Negative values move the point opposite to the normal.

Tangent

Moves the point along the tangent at the U Position.

U Tangent

Specifies the distance from the curve along the tangent.

Offset, normal, and tangent displacement of a curve point

Trimming group

Controls in this group let you trim the parent curve.

Trim Curve

When on, trims the parent curve against the curve point's U position. When off (the default), the parent isn't trimmed.

Flip Trim

When on, trims in the opposite direction.

Replace Base Curve

(Only at modification time.) Lets you replace the parent curve. Click the button, then click the new curve on which to base the curve point.