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Chapter 11 Realtime FX
Bending Bezier Curves
You may already be familiar with this type of curve from vector graphics programs. Each Bezier curve
has small handles attached to each of its Key Frames, with Control Points at the ends of the handles. When
you drag these points, it changes the bend of the curve. Basically, however, the same applies as for
straight, linear lines: The steeper the angle of the curve, either up or down, the faster the parameter value
rises or falls; the tighter the radius of the curve, the more drastic the change.
The Control Points are always linked by a line. The gradient of this line indicates the angle at which the
curve passes through the Key Frame between the Control Points. In the figure below, the line is relatively
horizontal:
Bezier curve with “handles” and control points
In the next figure, the curve passes through the Key Frame at a fairly steep angle, so that the line linking
the Control Points is also very steep:
A sharp bend in the curve indicates a rapid change
The Control Points also act like magnets: They attract the zeniths of the curves, but the further they are
from a curve, the greater their magnetic effect.
It takes only a moment to acquaint yourself with the basics of Bezier curves. You’ll soon find that you
intuitively achieve the desired results.