When to use EP and CV curves

[luminis]

Actually, the only difference is how they were created. Both the CV Curve Tool and the EP Curve Tool will create a regular NURBS curve. The only difference is what you do to create it. Usually, using the CV curve tool will give you a bit more control over the curvature of the curve, while using the EP curve tool will give you more control over the exact placement of points on the curve.

An example where the EP tool is better would be if you want to trace an image and create a curve out of that trace. Using the EP curve tool, you can click right on the outline you are tracing, and that will ensure the curve passes through that point no matter what (even if it has to do some weird twisting to achieve that).

An example where the CV curve tool works better would be when creating splines to later loft or otherwise create a surface out of that. You might not care very much about the exact positioning of points, but you are more interested on the curvature.

Otherwise, it's just a matter of preference. I usually find that the CV curve tool is more dynamic in its uses. But either way, keep in mind, they create the same kind of curve, there is no distinction between a "CV Curve" or an "EP Curve", since curves already contain both CVs and EPs as part of their structure.

[Kabab]

Thanks that is a great explanation !! :applause:

[playmesumch00ns]

Also bear in mind that when you're placing edit points you're really putting down curve segments. Maya just fits the CVs to the shape as best it can. So if you're putting down three edit points, you're making 2 curve segments which Maya will construct using 5 CVs.

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