Simplify stroke path curves

The stroke path is defined by an underlying stroke path curve which is comprised of CVs (control vertices). Just like using the Pencil Curve Tool, painting a stroke can create irrelevant or too many CVs. You can simplify the curve by removing misplaced CVs, making the path through the CVs smoother.

Simplifying stroke path curves using the following method is not the same as rebuilding the curve. The following method attempts to preserve the appearance of the stroke and its tube, while the rebuilding method does not.

Note: Simplifying the stroke curve removes CVs from the curve. You can also smooth the curve without removing CVs using the Smoothing attribute in the stroke’s strokeShape node. For details, see Modify stroke settings for existing strokes.

To simplify a stroke curve

1. Select the stroke.
2. In the Modeling menu set, select Generate > Curve Utilities > Simplify Stroke Path Curves.

To check that the stroke curve has few CVs

1. Select the stroke.
2. Show the underlying stroke path curve (select Display > Show > Show Geometry > Stroke Path Curves).
3. Select the stroke path curve. For details, see Define global scene settings in Set up to paint in 3D.
4. Right-click to display the marking menu, then select Control Vertex. Notice the number of CVs on the curve.
5. Hide the underlying stroke path curve (select Display > Hide > Hide Geometry > Stroke Path Curves).
6. Return to object selection mode.