Blend Curve

Create a free-form curve that blends into one or more existing curves, surfaces, or edges.

1. On the Geometry ribbon, select the Blend tool.
   
   
   Note: The tool may be hidden in a dropdown menu. To access the dropdown menu, you can do one of the following:

   • Click and hold the currently displayed tool (NURBS, Helix Curve, Extend Curve, Face Curve, or Divide).
   • Select at the lower right corner of the currently displayed tool (NURBS, Helix Curve, Extend Curve, Face Curve, or Divide).
2. Optional: In the guide bar, select a curve degree. This controls the placement of the points to determine the shape of the blend curve.
   • Cubic (3): Create a degree 3 curve.
   • Quintic (5): Create a degree 5 curve. In general, select this option to produce a smoother curve.
3. To place the points, click existing vertices, sketch points, reference points, or free space.
4. To edit after creation, right-click the blend curve in the History Browser (F6), and then select Edit.

   To	Do this
   Reposition a point	Drag the point. Click the point. In the microdialog, click the chevron, and then enter the X, Y, and Z coordinates.
   Add a point	To extend the blend curve, click the plus sign near an endpoint. To insert a point on the blend curve, click a plus sign.
   Delete a point	Click the point, and then press Delete.
   Change the curve degree	The curve degree controls the placement of the points to determine the shape of the blend curve. In the guide bar, select one of the following options: Cubic (3): Create a degree 3 curve. Quintic (5): Create a degree 5 curve. In general, select this option to produce a smoother curve.
   Change the continuity	The continuity is used to constrain the shape of the curve at a selected point. Click a point. In the microdialog, select one of the following options: Position (G0) (default): The blend curve is merely attached to the curve or surface at the blend point. Tangent (G1): The blend curve is made tangent to the curve or surface at the blend point. Curvature (G2): The blend curve follows the curvature of the attached curve or surface. The curvature is the same on both sides across the blend curve's boundaries. Double Curvature (G3): Only available if you selected Quintic (5) for the Degree. The blend curve follows the curvature of the attached curve or surface. The curvature's rate of change is the same on both sides across the blend curve's boundaries.
   Change the tangent magnitude of a point	Click a point. In the microdialog, click the chevron, and then enter the Tangent Magnitude.
   Break the link between the point and the snap point	Click the point. In the microdialog, select Break Snap Reference. Click the icon to link a selected feature to a snap reference point. Click it again to break the snap reference.
   Link the point to a snap curve	The shape of the blend curve will change based on the position of the snap point. Click the point. In the microdialog, select Maintain Snap Reference.
   Automatically calculate the best tangent direction	Click the point. In the microdialog, turn on Auto Tangent.

5. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.