Connecting Curves

You can connect two elements using splines and arcs.

A connecting curve (spline) is associative, and it can be continuous in point, in curvature or in tangency with its support curves. You can define the tension value and the direction of the continuity at each connecting point, as well as add constraints to the connecting curve. Moving a connecting curve changes the shape of the support curves accordingly.

This task shows you how to:

See Also
About Connecting Curves with a Spline

Connect with an Arc

You can connect two elements using an arc.

Before you begin: Sketch few intersecting lines.
  1. From the Sketch section of the action bar, click Connect .

    The connect options appear in the Tools Palette.

    By default, Connect with a Spline is selected and its related options are displayed.

  2. Click Connect with an Arc .

    The Connect with a Spline option is no longer available in the Tools Palette.

  3. Select the first element to connect (start point), and then the second element (end point).


    Tip: The point on which you click to select the first and the second element is important. The closest point to where you click is used as the start point and the end point of the connecting curve. Always click close to the point you want to connect, or click the point itself. A connecting arc appears, tangent to both selected elements.



Connect with a Spline

You can connect two elements, using a connecting curve (a spline) that goes through their end points.

Before you begin: Sketch two splines.
  1. From the Sketch section of the action bar, click Connect .
    Tools Palette displays connection and continuity options for defining the connection.
  2. Select Continuity in tangency as the connection type.

    By default, Continuity in curvature is selected as the connection type.

  3. Select the splines to be connected to each other.


    Tip: Locations where you click to select the first and the second element are important. The closest point to where you click is automatically used as the starting point and the end point of the connecting curve. Always click close to the point you want to connect, or click the point itself.

    A connecting spline appears, it is continuous in curvature to both selected elements. Both splines are connected.

  4. Right-click the connecting curve and select xxx.object > Isolate to trim it, split it, or break it.