Bezier curves enable you create vector objects by using a series of curves, lines and control points to draw vector paths. Each point has an associated axis which can be used to increase the length and degree of curvature of a section of the vector path. The final shape of the vector object is created when you close off the curve. There are various ways of doing this, as you will see.
Click on Bezier Curve in the Vector tools box.
There are two basic techniques to remember when using the mouse to draw curves and lines:
Curves: Click once and keep the mouse button depressed to create a curve point, marked by a control point. An axis centered on this point is displayed along with two handles, one at either end of the axis. Drag the handles to extend and rotate the axis, thereby changing the length of the curve and the degree of curvature. Release the mouse button to set the curve. After setting a curve, moving the pointer will create another curve until you click again.
Lines: Click once and release to create a control point. Move the pointer to draw a straight line, which becomes fixed as soon as you click again. After setting a line, moving the pointer will draw another line until you click again, at which point you can create a curve if you keep the mouse depressed (as described above) or another line if you click and release.
To complete a curve you must right-click to define the finish point and open a submenu with the following options:
Open Curve: draws the curve using the current background color without joining the start and finish points.
Smooth Closed Curve: draws and fills in the curve with the current foreground color, the start and finish points being joined together with a smooth curve.
Glue end points: draws and fills in the curve with the current foreground color, the start and finish points being pulled towards one another.
Close with line: draws and fills in the curve with the current foreground color, the start and finish points being joined with a straight line.
The best way to learn how to create vector objects using Bezier curves is, as always, to experiment. You can always edit or delete the results later on.
You can read about how to edit vector objects in Vector objects: Modifying.
See also: