The NEW Curve Pen Tool

Taking a tour of the new curve pen tool in Blender 3.2 and the shortcuts to use it most effectively.

[@theunaimedarrow4903]

I'm watching this 2 years later when we now have draw on surfaces. It is really good.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

@theunaimedarrow4903 oh... I didn't realise we can use the curve pen on surfaces... Did I miss something?

[@Saddy_Longlegs]

This channel is absolutely underrated, I could never get a hang of the old way. This will be great for low poly or literally anything else!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Cheers on all counts :D And glad the video and the new tool is helpful

[@RealGaryGibson]

I just discovered the Curve Pen Tool. Thanks for this great tutorial!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

My pleasure Gary 😁

[@umpoucodetudoealgumacoisa]

Reminds me of an addon I've been using for quite a while now but with some interesting extra shortcuts. The addon is Flexi Edit Bezier tool and it pretty much also covers everything you suggested at the end of the video: grid snapping and face snapping But another thing that I like about it is that you don't need to create a curve object and delete everything in edit mode before you start. Just click on the tool, click on the viewport and it will create a new object. It also helps to build any type of curve too (like circles, nurbs curves, etc) It's a huge time saver and I really recommend it :) At least while Blender's native tool gets developed further

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Cheers, I'll have to check that out. Is it a free addon?

[@umpoucodetudoealgumacoisa]

Yep, it's free! You can check some demo videos by the creator Khemadeva here on KZbin and those have the Github link in the description Just pay a little bit of attention to some tips people are saying in the comments of those videos before trying to install as the process is not so straightforward (like don't just download the Github .zip file and don't forget to check if your Blender version in written on the code) [There's some error appearing when I try to answer... I hope it works this time)

[@Totorus]

Excellent addon, thanks for sharing!!!

[@bdragon254]

Yep I've been using Flexi Edit / Bezier Utilities for a long time. Current version still works in Blender 4.1. The workflow is very similar to Inkscape. I believe some part of the code was taken directly from it, if I remember correctly.

[@MrHahajoe]

amazing and easy to follow tutorial. Saved me so much time, thank you!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

My pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@chuckle70]

Use the Draw tool just above the Curve Pen tool, does exactly what you ask for, and have an option (on the upper left corner when tool is activated) to be on Cursor or Surfacewith the bezier curve. Your video is excellent I have learned so much, Thank you!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Well I'll be trying that as soon as I get home. Thanks so much for taking the time to share!

[@chuckle70]

The surface constraint only works with pen tool unfortunately. I do agree on your video that if blender can make it work with the curve pen tool would be perfect!

[@manukrafter8506]

Oh this is just OP! Goodbye Abode subscription! I no longer need AI for vector tracing!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

I know! I was pretty hyped when I saw it (hence doing the video on it as soon as I could).

[@theheftygamer]

I'd recommend affinity designer, just as good if not better than AI for a 1 time price to own forever and all future updates

[@StevenDoye]

Just finished a model that I had to use curves with. I'm so pissed I didn't see this video first😂. You got a new subscriber👍.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Thanks man. And yeah it was damned tedious before.

[@dudleybarker2273]

brilliant - this is a proper vector editing tool which is going to make life so much easier - thanks for this

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Yeah it's really nice. So much nicer than the other curve tools and a great addition to Blender

[@kevinhouse7143]

Great rundown of this new tool. That decimate modifier tip is great as well! Sub'd.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Cheers 👍🏻😁

[@DeathDealer-DD]

maybe there's a way but tricky, didn't tried it yet...by creating a plane and shrink wrap it on the surface, reshape it the way you want, and then extract the edges and convert it to curve then bevel it with whatever profile you want. blender is doing great but still some limitations to the tools it has, like mirroring a rotated object away from the world center (like in x and y axis area)...i don't know but that's another subject to discover...thank you for the video

[@ArtisansofVaul]

I think that might work but when you went to edit it I'm not sure it would change in an easily predictable way making it quite hard to use. I'm not totally sure though

[@ericman2323]

Thank you for the excellent video going through the tool in depth. Clear concise and informative. Well done. In the video @12:00 You talk about the desire to create curve objects that snap to the surface of the mesh to generate like cables and ropes etc. It would be amazing if the Blender folks would get to gether with Sergey Kritskiy the creator of 'Cablerator' which I very highly recommend. I actually highly recommend trying out all of his tools actually. He creates addons and scripts for both Blender and Photoshop, that guy is a magician. After seeing you demo the curve pen tool I was thinking it would be very handy to somehow mix the option to 'grid fill' when generating the mesh. Freeform creation of geometry with a tool like the curve pen tool and then quickly ending up with clean quad geometry in the end is the dream.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

I love cablerator. In fact so much so I have two videos on it one on the basics and the second on more advanced things. I'll have to check out his other stuff too. 👍🏻

[@ericman2323]

@@ArtisansofVaul Good stuff. Initially, I was directed to your video via the KZbin allgorythm and was curious to see what was new with the curve pen tool. I'm now looking through your previous videos. You do great work Sir and it is very much appreciated! *subscribed*

[@ArtisansofVaul]

@@ericman2323 Cheers 😁👍🏻 Got an interesting one on making solid non-flexing links along curves on Monday. Hopefully you'll find that useful too

[@suburbanview]

Wow, for the point of view of an Illustrator guy, this is a pretty good 3D pen tool!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Yeah, it's just so much easier when the workflow is similar to other programs. And thanks for the sub 😁👍🏻

[@hungrysquishybrain]

Wonderful! 🥳

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Thanks 😁

[@KaramAlayan]

after 2 years do you know of any add ons that added the first feature where the vertex perfectly aligns with the closest point ? amazing video btw

[@ArtisansofVaul]

I havent found one unfortunately, which is a real shame.

[@noistruct.]

great tutorial! quick and straigh to the point.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

👍🏻 Thanks so much. Cheers for taking the time to comment, really appreciated

[@SaS-Music]

Thank you very much. This is great. Love your work!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Cheers 😁 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, its really appreciated.

[@Moj206Pejo]

I worship you, you are one of the best gods of Blender.😍😍😍😍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ArtisansofVaul]

😅😅😅 Thanks so much, thats so kind to say

[@outskilledyagaming9996]

we need this tool for painting in blender!!!!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

@@outskilledyagaming9996 I hadn't thought of that as I don't really do it much. Good call!

[@outskilledyagaming9996]

@@ArtisansofVaul what do you prefer for painting textures?

[@ArtisansofVaul]

@outskilledyagaming9996 I don't often paint textures as I generally do more hard surface. But when I do I generally just place them on using either an alpha or vdm.

[@magnuswootton6181]

definitely is quick to put that annotation squiggle in!!!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

True

[@lameru32]

I wanted there to be a way to extrude without creating another loop from a point/subdivision. Basically, I wanted to create a structure for butterfly wings but am going to try the curve point/skin modifier and eye the curves instead. Plan on adding the cloth simulation to the structure since I need to be able to fold the wings some to go from a pupa stage to a butterfly.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Sorry I'm not sure I'm fully understanding what you mean about extruding without creating a point. Any extrusion has to have a point for the extruded edge/curve to be attached to....

[@lameru32]

Basically, what happens if you duplicate and then extrude to create the single-line segment to avoid creating the loop (where there are two connecting lines). So, I guess the duplication of the point is the only way to do what I was attempting.@@ArtisansofVaul

[@lameru32]

*When extruding from a midsection as opposed to an endpoint. Like creating tree branches.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

@lameru32 Ahhh, now I get you. I don't think you can. You'd have to duplicate the point and then extrude from that duplicate.

[@JohnWBoltJr]

My rabbit hole of today lead me to one of your videos! I am going to have to poke around and see if there is any updates to your comments at the end!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

I haven't heard that it has but it would be amazing if it did. As an aside it's one of the basic functions of Cablerator to do that but that's a paid for addon as opposed to being a native tool. If you're interested in that I have a playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLnqmLZKRm5CZ0wfuvwdudn9I7znunsXBE

[@JohnWBoltJr]

This is the next addon on my list! 100% @@ArtisansofVaul

[@graphguy]

Mucho gracious! I hated all the 'old' tools

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Agree. This is such a nicer working experience.

[@fleabillydesign]

Great info… question… Is there a hotkey to convert handles so that they are equal. To turn a square curve into a round curve… similar to illustrator ? Cheers

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Off the top of my head I believe V cycles though the handle types for a selected point.

[@richardokeeffe8375]

Very handy. Snapping would be ace!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

For sure!

[@SteveHe]

What can I say, only thanks a million.🥳🥳

[@ArtisansofVaul]

😁 Thanks Steve

[@jeffg4686]

I wish grease pencil had that "click to finish", or an option to anyways (maybe it already does tho and I just don't know)

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Thats a good call. I dont know of a click to finish option on it but I can see why it would be useful.

[@mipe7755]

Instead of using decimate planar modifier, I would just use limited dissolve in edit mode.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Totally fair and usable. I prefer modifiers as I can leave it on and tinker and come back to it where as the limited dissolve you need to do there and then but both work perfectly well 😁👍🏻

[@samdavepollard]

first of your videos that i've watched certainly won't be the last very nice channel you're creating; deserves way more subs/views many thanks for sharing your knowledge subbed! :-)

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Thanks so much for the nice words and the Sub. Honestly though I've learnt so much from other people online it's only right to give a bit back. But I'm very glad you're enjoying the content 😁

[@samdavepollard]

@@ArtisansofVaul sure, nobody learns this stuff all on their own (or any other subject, come to that) Weird, though, how many people having achieved a certain level of mastery look back and convince themselves that they did it without help. Blender's community - the willingness of so many to teach others - is the software's secret sauce in my opinion. You being a perfect example. Good Luck with your channel.

[@shahidaslam9542]

very well explained. thank you 💕

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Glad it was clear 👍🏻😁

[@pepi9429]

A Loft Modifier to go with this would be awesome!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

You can loft in a way with Blender. That could be a good video so I'll add it to the list.

[@pepi9429]

@@ArtisansofVaul I'm looking forward to it, as I do to any video from you 🙂

[@ArtisansofVaul]

To be fair its basically just using "Bridge Edge Loops". There are a few minor tricks to it (like trying to get the shapes to have the same number of vertices) but it works quite well.

[@pepi9429]

@@ArtisansofVaul I know that process. A proper Loft Modifier would be nice though. It would be like Bsurfaces but non-destructive. With the wonderful Curve Pen Tool now in place this would be the right time for Blender to make it happen. Fingers crossed.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Oh I see what you mean. You can set that up as well (though I cant remember if thats an add on I have). I'll have to have a look.

[@alfredomaussa]

The problem with that (12:15) is that the bezier curve has its parameter definition, it can't have more restrictions/conditions (like snap on the surface). What is possible is to increase the degree of the bezier curve (most bezier curves are of 3rd order - cubic bezier curve*). But it won't work to snap all not-control points, at least you would need a polynomial degree as high as the number of points you want to snap to the surface. I mean, it is by definition mathematically impossible... you would need to use another kind of curve. *Snaping only the control points should be possible.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

That's curious and thanks for the explanation. It's odd that it's so hard when they can program it into things like the grease pencil and you can snap it after it's created as well.

[@gaston.]

good info. well presented.. thank you!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

😁👍🏻

[@Kavukamari]

I think they should add that snapping feature, because, I thought you could do that already when you're using CTRL to automatically extrude vertices in mesh edit mode? if snapping is turned on, I'm PRETTY sure it snaps to the surface like you expect, but not here in the curve pen... that's inconsistent

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Yeah. But the tool is new so maybe it will come.

[@TheYourbox]

But this was always possible with shift RMB. I didn't even know that E for extrude could be used to add a point to a curve. But OK Curve Pen is another tick easier.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Oh for sure, but it's nice to be a bit easier.

[@socrates112]

Great tutorial, I never knew about this tool. This will really improve the Curves workflows. Quick question... Is your accent a region in England? You sound like the actor from James Bond, the new young 'Q'. What region accent is that? Keep up the great tutorials!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

😅 Thanks. So Im from southeast London but I often get told that my accent isn't exactly "right" for there, so who knows 🤣

[@JakitSol]

finally! A weapon to surpass Metal Gear! (but in all seriousness im incredibly happy and appreciative that you made this video!)

[@ArtisansofVaul]

😊 Thanks

[@unkatom]

Overall, as a Ol’ Bezier hound i’m very happy! One thing though, I’m having trouble with the “filled circle” workaround… there seems to be a difference in our menus… do you have additions or free extras installed?

[@ArtisansofVaul]

If you go to edit>preferences >add ons and then type in extra there will be an extra objects mesh (I think it's the name off the top of my head, not the curve one). Select that tick box and then save those choices (box with lines on in the bottom left corner) and it will add them to the menu.

[@unkatom]

@@ArtisansofVaul Oh yes! I had two copies of Blender on my drive and it replaced the wrong one. Thank you for the lightening fast response!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

@@unkatom No problem 👍🏻😁

[@unbidmeteor1]

probably a dumb question, but how did you start w/ a singular vertex?

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Sorry its been a while since I made this video, could you give me a time stamp? The Curve at the beginning starts with two but there is an option to have a single vertex for a mesh (not a curve) if you activate the Extra Objects in the addon preferences you can get it there.

[@pixunPL]

Very good Tut!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Thanks a lot. Hopefully everything was clear, it's such a handy tool

[@MartinJamesLittle]

Looking forward to planning pipes (when I'm not using Cablerator) by just creating a curve with 2 points, one on each end and then CTRL Clicking the extra points along the way to add geometry.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Yeah, me too. Such a time saver for things like that. I can see me using it for lots of things like pipes and ropes. I do just wish there were the options I mentioned at the end, that would be the icing on the cake.

[@pikachufan25]

11:20 Closest Thing i got is F3 (Search) Selection to Grid. (faster way of Searching it just type "Grid") Bam, it is Perfect to the Grid... but its still Tedious xD

[@ArtisansofVaul]

I'll be checking that out when I get home!

[@mertcanurcan]

Definetly it become much more easy to work with, and some kind of snap/degree/axis constratins should be built in for further use will be a good idea. About 12:30 face snapping work around; we can do it with Grease Pencil + Snap on surface + Bsurface addon (inside Blender), especially for retopology.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Thanks for the comment. I'll have to have a look at Bsurface as an add on. I dont think Ive had a reason to use that yet.

[@Dexter101x]

This is the better version of the bezier curve for Blender in reality

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Totally agree.

[@sebbosebbo9794]

curve on sphere problem there exist different solutions ...in the past I ahd same question and I used 2.8 old version bit the 3.0 GP. draw tool should helpe you too..with some snapping option like in the past like here described... -bezier curve with face snapping turned on. In the Object Data tab for the curve, use “Shape: 3D” , “Fill: Full”, and under “Geometry” set your bevel distance to your liking, then (the key thing), use an “Offset” under “Modification”. Done. or together with this... get the path to conform to a surface: select all points on the path, navigate to a POV where you’re looking past the curve to the object turn on Snap Type of element to Snap to: face, Project individual elements to surfaces of other objects (far right button in Snap section)grab and try not to move the mouse.. -or shrinkwrap modifier ,...but it xould be to jagged... ...happy blending ...

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Thanks for taking the time to write that and the first method is really interesting. But (and please correct me if I'm wrong) I believe that only works when moving the curve points, if using this method to create them you'd have to create the point, then drag it a bit to move it so it then snaps to it? It doesn't just get drawn directly on the point.

[@simoneiorio9703]

Did you checked the MIRA TOOLS add-on ?

[@ArtisansofVaul]

I haven't. Worth checking out from the sound of it?

[@johndupras]

I used the wrong bezier (non-filled). Does anyone know if you can copy ‘paths’ from one bezier type to another?

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Im not sure Im afraid.

[@RainbowPigeon15]

I just upgraded to blender 3.2 and I don't see this filled circle option in the curve menu. Was this part of some addon? at 6:32

[@Saddy_Longlegs]

Edit > Preferences > Add-ons > Add Curve: Extra Objects 🙂 (this is a built-in add-on)

[@ArtisansofVaul]

What Saddy says. I should have mentioned that its a native addon, just go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons > Add Curve: Extra Objects as has been said. And thanks Saddy!

[@RainbowPigeon15]

That was it, thank you!

[@Caligulant]

HOW DO YOU CONNECT THE 2 ENDPOINTS

[@ArtisansofVaul]

You just click on the start point when you have the last point selected.

[@MechaUsagi]

What shortcuts did you use to go into "vertex mode" at 7:00?

[@ArtisansofVaul]

That uses the free addon Machin3 Tools. It has tab as a pie menu so it's quicker to swap between modes as you only need tab and not the 1,2,3 keys at all

[@kevinhouse7143]

At 6:45 where you create a filled in shape by starting with the filled in circle, is there a way to change a non filled shape to a filled shape if you didn't start out with a filled in shape? (without converting it to a mesh)

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Great question. I'm not aware of one (without turning it into a mesh as you say). What I haven't tried is turning it to a mesh, adding a face and then turning it back to a curve.

[@kevinhouse7143]

@@ArtisansofVaul So, at this point, if you want a filled in shape that is still a curve, go about it the way you demonstrated with a pre existing shape. Got it. Thanks.

[@robertao7564]

Hi, Why is your mesh red?

[@ArtisansofVaul]

For why, I generally prefer it as I think it's easier to work on for long hours with less eye strain (totally anecdotal there) and I find it clearer with the red and then green and blue for selected and active. If you're more asking how do I get it that way I have a video covering it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paPUpWt8rJykbtE

[@lupat9955]

for sure very good suggestions! also thought making entire profils from curves like axes profils? would be much easier than building from meshs objects and merging them, bevels always make mess, its a big loss of time..but so this would fit perfectly with an option of the subdivision surface, like a relax on the shape to get a better "nmbr of edges"/besier settlement ...dont know if iam clear...

[@ArtisansofVaul]

I think I get what you're saying. I think you still might have issues with a subdivision surface as the object will be an Ngon.

[@thirdofherne9232]

About time!!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Agreed

[@orestisvoukalis2010]

u can also use the pencil in curve edit mode to draw free hand and automatically convert to a curve. need to have the bezier curve selected, then use the pencil to dra sth and thats it kzbin.infosHZj4NDZCyk

[@ArtisansofVaul]

That's cool! Thanks.

[@eddy_creative]

Coming from illustrator this was actually a really confusing tool, its so much easier in illustrator lol

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Oh really? It was confusing before? Or this curve pen tool shown is confusing?

[@JOHAN_PERJUS]

Coming from Adobe Illustrator and trying to learn Blender it is quite baffling to me that it took up until Blender 3.2 for beziers to behave like this. @11:20 I was like yes, yes, yes, finally! but then; NO grid snapping to bezier points? However kzbin.info/aero/PLxsh4i5F_h9G6QFoPzKvBRMayz8533fSW allows you to do basically everything you wish for in this video.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Thanks for the link, I'll be checking that out for sure!

[@eviehartman2895]

I can't find any information on whether this is compatible with Blender 3.0+.

[@JOHAN_PERJUS]

@@eviehartman2895 Ask the developer who is also the publisher of the video, he did respond when I commented so I am sure he can tell you.

[@Rod_Zaramella]

The Circle on Curve section doesn't appear in my Blender 3.2.2... Don't know why.

[@Rod_Zaramella]

Add-on "Add Curve: Extra Objects". Found it!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

@@Rod_Zaramella Good job! Before I could even reply 😅

[@Rod_Zaramella]

@@ArtisansofVaul Appreciated anyway! What you show with this tool is a game changer! Specially for a beginner coming from "flat Graphics" softwares like myself.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

@@Rod_Zaramella No problem. I thought the same as it makes it so much more intuitive and like other programs.

[@SkyfishArt]

but we still cannot import vectors from scribus or illustrator?

[@ArtisansofVaul]

I cant say I know too much about that. Maybe one day!

[@SkyfishArt]

@@ArtisansofVaul It has been many years since I last tried so I don't know if it's possible these days. Vector look and handle so similarly to bezier curves it seems strange to me why it's not a simple thing to import them including self intersections.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

@@SkyfishArt I know you can import some file types that work in a similar was so it may now be possible (though I didnt find the results that great and would now just use the curve pen in Blender for sure.

[@TheKevphil]

Panel edges!!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Haha. Yep

[@brahimlancas8960]

what if there is no handels no one explain that at all

[@ArtisansofVaul]

There should be handles. You might want to pan around or view from another axis as they may be pointed towards the camera view. Or click the point your interested in and try scaling it so the handles are visable.

[@thomas-zs2jm]

this is so much more clunky than zbrush curveline lol

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Oh I don't doubt it. For over $300 a year I would hope it was better, though it still doesn't have a number of the features Blender does.

[@WildPeanuts]

idk why im here i don't even have a pc

[@ArtisansofVaul]

LMAO.

[@maxstepaniuk4355]

I am tired. Each new version adds something yummy. You update Blender-half of your addons stop working-you yell and swear- try to update addons-fail-accept the fact that you are just a petty human- keep fighting for addons-finally you win, but new version of blender arrives....the cycle continues☺

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Yeah I can see that. I mean for me the updating has just been something I've got used to doing every month but when the Screencast Keys just stopped working it was really frustrating. At the same time I love that they are adding things like this so its a bit of a mixed bag. Overall Id say Im happy they keep improving but Im glad I didnt try to learn some Geometry Nodes before they did a big change in 3.0, that would have felt like a lot of wasted time.

[@marsmotion]

@@ArtisansofVaul would be nice if blender could carry the addons forward for you if it sees them installed in prev version. idk if thats already a thing. but manually adding them each version is a not fun thing.

[@ArtisansofVaul]

@@marsmotion I'm pretty sure last time I did an update it did this automatically. Maybe I just did it on autopilot I can't say 100% but I can't remember being annoyed by it....

[@suburbanview]

sub!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Cheers. 😁👍🏻

[@wallacesousuke1433]

"New" lol tons of programs (Illustrator, Inkscape, Photoshop Maya, etc) have had a similar feature for eons... In fact the name was stolen straight from Adobe Illustrator, surprised they didn't sue Blender devs for that

[@ArtisansofVaul]

I thought it was fairly obvious that "New" means new in Blender. I think otherwise most instances of the word wouldn't be applicable for any program as most will have taken ideas from somewhere. I'm pretty sure I also mention that it's like other software.

[@wallacesousuke1433]

@@ArtisansofVaul I know, I was just being facetious xD I just can't help but throw some shade at the ultra-toxic Blender community because they brag about "new" features in other software that already existed in Blender and even act like that those DCC's stole them from Blender (when in reality it's Blender that's forever playing catch up with industry-standard rivals).

[@ArtisansofVaul]

@@wallacesousuke1433 😅

[@otavioluisdacunha9135]

Thanks! Great Video!

[@ArtisansofVaul]

Thanks 😁