Create Bezier curves

In the Create Features pane, line and polygon feature construction tools include a construction method for creating Bezier curves. It is available on the construction toolbar when you create a feature.

Bezier curves are nonlinear segments defined by four control points. The first two control points define the tangent at the From point. The second pair of control points define the tangent at the To point.

The length of the tangent lines and the position of the control points determine the shape of the curve. Each subsequent pair of control points you sketch creates a curve that is tangent to the curve defined by the previous pair control points.

1. In the Catalog pane, do one of the following to add a polyline or polygon layer to your map:
   • Expand Databases , expand the database containing your data, and drag the feature class onto the map.
   • Right-click the default database and create a polyline or polygon feature class.

   Creating a feature class or dragging one onto a map adds the layer to the current map and creates a feature template with default settings.

2. On the Edit tab, in the Snapping group, enable your snapping preferences.

   Tip:

   You can press and hold the spacebar to temporarily turn snapping off as you sketch a feature.

3. If you are working with z-enabled features, on the Edit tab, in the Elevation group, choose how z-values are added to your features.

   Note:

   For steps to add z-values when creating z-enabled features, see Specify an elevation for 3D features.

4. On the Edit tab, in the Features group, click Create .

   The Create Features pane appears.

5. In the pane, click a line or polygon feature template.
   • To create a line vertex, click Line .
   • To create a polygon vertex, click Polygon .

   The construction toolbar appears at the bottom of the map.

   

6. On the construction toolbar, click Bézier Curve .
7. Sketch the first two control points that define the tangent at the From point.
   1. Click the map.
   2. Move the pointer and click the map.
8. Move the pointer and sketch the next two control points that define the tangent at the To point.
   1. Click the map.
   2. Move the pointer and click the map.

   Note:

   To create a spline, continue to sketch pairs of control points. Each subsequent pair of control points creates a curve that is tangent to the curve defined by the previous pair of control points.

9. To continue creating other segments, use the tools on the construction toolbar.
10. To finish the feature, right-click and click Finish , or press the F2 key.