How to Use the B-Spline Tool in CorelDRAW

The B-Spline tool in CorelDRAW allows designers to create smooth, flowing curves quickly without having to manage complex Bézier direction handles. This guide provides a straightforward overview of how to locate the B-Spline tool, draw smooth curves and sharp corners, close shapes, and edit control points using the Shape tool to refine your vector artwork.

Locating the B-Spline Tool

  1. Open your project in CorelDRAW.
  2. Go to the Toolbox on the left side of the workspace.
  3. Click and hold the Freehand tool (or the active curve tool icon) to open the curve flyout menu.
  4. Select B-Spline from the list.

Drawing Smooth Curves

B-Spline curves are shaped by control points that guide the path from a distance rather than touching the line directly.

  1. Click on the drawing page to establish the starting point.
  2. Move the cursor and click again to set your first control point. As you move the mouse to place subsequent points, a smooth curve naturally bends toward the control points.
  3. Continue clicking to outline your desired shape.
  4. Press the Spacebar or the Enter key to complete an open curve.

Creating Sharp Corners (Clamped Points)

By default, B-Spline points produce rounded, floating curves. To introduce sharp angles into the path:

  • Method 1 (Keyboard Shortcut): Hold down the Alt key (or the V key, depending on your CorelDRAW version) while clicking to place a "clamped" control point. This forces the line to touch the point directly and create a sharp corner.
  • Method 2 (Double-Clicking): Double-click at the location where you want a sharp angle.

Release the modifier key to resume drawing smooth curves.

Closing a Path

To create a closed vector object suitable for fills:

  1. Hover the cursor over the initial starting point until the cursor changes to a curve-close icon (a curved arrow).
  2. Click directly on the start point to snap the path shut.

Editing and Refining B-Spline Paths

Once drawn, you can adjust the path at any time:

  1. Select the Shape Tool from the Toolbox or press F10.
  2. Click on the B-Spline curve to reveal the control polygon (the dotted framework connecting the points).
  3. Click and drag any control point to reshape the curve.
  4. To convert an existing floating point into a sharp corner, select the point and click the Clamped Control Point icon on the interactive Property Bar at the top of the screen.
  5. To turn a sharp corner back into a smooth curve, select the point and click the Floating Control Point icon on the Property Bar.
  6. Double-click anywhere along the control line to add a new control point, or select a point and press Delete to remove it.