9.5.2

254 • CHAPTER 7
OBJECTS MENU • SPLINES • 255
Bezier, B-Spline, Linear, Cubic, Akima
Using these commands, you can create the exact type of curve you require. Choose the desired spline
type. Point editing mode is activated automatically. Click to create each point. Once you’ve added the
desired points, either click the starting point to close the curve or press Esc to exit the mode. You can
then edit the spline in the usual way (drag to move a point; Ctrl-click to create a new point, etc.).
If you work in the 3D viewport, the spline is created in the XZ plane. Then it is not possible to set
vertices above the horizon.
You can alternatively create the points in the same way as for the Spline
object. After choosing the command, rather than clicking to create points,
use Ctrl-click instead; to move a point, drag it; to close the spline, click the
starting point.
Spline Primitives
CINEMA 4D gives you a generous number of predened curves. Add to this the possibility to convert
vector based artwork les from other programs (see ‘Vectorizer’) and to add graphic characters (see
‘Text’) and you have a wealth of spline primitives at your ngertips. All of these spline primitives are
parameterized. This means that the spline is merely the graphical representation of a mathematical
formula built controlled by parameters you can edit the Attribute manager.
As a result, this mathematical formula initially has no properties to edit within the 3D viewport. It
has no vertices to manipulate. To adjust the vertices with the Points tool, for example, you must rst
make the spline editable (Functions > Make Editable). You can, however, apply deformer objects to
the spline even if the spline has not been made editable.
You may change all the preset parameters of such an object — such as height and radius — at any time.
Test the object’s various parameters in the Attribute manager for a better understanding of what can
be achieved. Start by changing the values one by one so that you can see what effect each parameter
has. Enter large values, then try smaller ones.
When creating a new spline primitive from the Objects menu, the spline appears in the viewports and
its parameters are displayed in the Attribute manager.