Curve node

Some node parameters have a connector that allows you to use the Curve node to dynamically change the values of this parameter, mainly along the path line.

The X-range of the curve is shown as a percentage from 0 to 100%. The point at 0 specifies the value at the start of the line, the point at 100 - at the end.

Double clicking on a curve opens the Curve control window for editing the curve.

Scale factor

This parameter allows the user to set the overall scale of the curve.

Rescale

Applies the scale factor to the curve. After clicking this button, the Scale factor value will be set to 1.0.

Repeat

Specifies the number of curve repeats along the X axis.

A Curve node can be connected in two ways: Curve as Value or Curve as Factor:

Curve as Value - With this connection, the parameter receives data from the curve as is, the data completely replaces it. The connector of parameter will look like this: .

Curve as Factor - With this connection, the values from the curve will be multiplied by the value of the parameter, thus you can change the value of the parameter to change the overall scale. This can be useful for specifying the radius of a mesh with a curve range of 0 to 1, then the parameter value will specifies the maximum radius. The connector of parameter will look like this: .

If the parameter value in world space units, and the Curve node is connected in Curve as Value mode, then the node will have the Universe label:

Curve control window

Double clicking on a curve in the Curve node opens this window:

You can adjust the shape of the curve by adding points to the line and moving or scaling them. You can add Corner, Bezier-Smooth, or Bezier-Corner points. When a move or scale option is active, points can be selected much like objects in a viewport, by clicking a point, dragging a region around one or more points, and holding down Ctrl to add or subtract from the selection.

When you select an individual point, its exact coordinates are displayed in the two fields below the curve at the lower left. You can enter values directly in these fields, but the values are automatically constrained as they are when you manually move or scale a point.

You can zoom into the curve to make detailed adjustments. As you zoom in, the curve updates to show decimal measurements along the left vertical axis. You can pan anywhere on the curve with the horizontal and vertical scroll bars, use a button option, or the middle mouse button. Points can be deleted, and you can reset the curve to its default at any time.

Move flyout

Moves a selected point in any direction, limited by the unselected points on either side.

Constrains movement to the horizontal.

Constrains movement to the vertical.

On a Bezier smooth point, you can move the point or either handle.

Scale Point

Changes the output amount of control points while maintaining their relative position. On a Bezier corner point, this control is effectively the same as a vertical move. On a Bezier smooth point, you can scale the point itself or either handle. As with the move controls, scale is limited by the unselected points on either side.

Add Point flyout

Adds a Bezier corner point anywhere on the curve line. The point makes a sharp angle when moved.

Adds a Bezier smooth point anywhere on the curve line. Handles attached to the point create smooth curves when moved.

When either Add Point button is active, you can use Ctrl+click to create the other type of point. This eliminates the need to switch between buttons.

Delete Point

Removes selected points.

Reset Curves

Returns curve to its default. For different parameters, the default curve maybe different.

The following controls affect the view of the curve. The change in view does not affect the curve's results.

Pan

Drags the curve in any direction within the viewing window.

Zoom Extents

Shows the entire curve.

Zoom Horizontal Extents

Shows the entire horizontal range of the curve. The scale of the curve will be distorted.

Zoom Vertical Extents

Shows the entire vertical range of the curve. The scale of the curve will be distorted.

Zoom Horizontally

Compresses or expands the curve in a horizontal direction.

Zoom Vertically

Compresses or expands the view of the curve in a vertical direction.

Zoom

Zooms in or out around the cursor.

Zoom Region

Draws a rectangular region around any area of the curve, then zooms to that view.

Scale factor

This parameter allows the user to set the overall scale of the curve.

Rescale

Applies the scale factor to the curve. After clicking this button, the Scale factor value will be set to 1.0.

Choose curve preset

Opens a dialog shown below where you can choose one of several presets.

Curve Presets dialog

Click any button and the shape of the curve is changed. The Y range will be the same as the Y range of the previous curve.

You can then use Undo (Ctrl+Z) to return to the previous curve, if necessary.

An example of using Repeat and an additional Curve node for Scale factor:

Result: