Bezier is a digitizing method used by all major graphics programs. Digitizing with Bezier produces a type of curve where each control point has 2 handles to modify the shape of the curve.
To use Bezier, first select the tool . Then click your
mouse on the desired points that define the shape. If you are digitizing
a curve, hit Backspace
to change the previous point from curved to straight. Hit Backspace again
to delete the point. Now edit the Bezier point.
Editing Points in Bezier:
Drag a point: Drags the point and the bezier handles connected to the point.
Alt + drag: Constrains the line.
Ctrl + drag: Generates an arc through the point and the previous/next point.
Ctrl and drag a bezier point: Fixes the slope of the bezier handle while dragging.
Shift + click a point: Converts the point to/from straight/curve.
Shift + drag a point: Adds a bezier handle to a point.
Double-click: Brings up a dialog to manually edit the point types and coordinates.
Editing Segments in Bezier:
Left-click: Insert a straight point.
Right-click: Insert a curved point.
Click and drag: Drags a curve.
Ctrl + click + drag: Drags a curve (prevents accidentally inserting a point, unlike Click + drag)
Ctrl + Right-click: Converts a bezier segment to a straight segment.
Illustrations of Various Bezier Commands:
Select a point to show Bezier handles. Click and drag the handles to change shape of the curve.
To change the point type you are using, double-click on the point and select the desired point type from the dialog.
If the point is a curved point then when you drag the handle, the opposite handle moves with it to ensure that the curve remains smooth.
To delete a Bezier handle, click and drag the handle that is on top of the control point.
To add a Bezier handle, hold down the Shift key and click and drag on the point.
