Definition: A Bézier curve is a curved line or path defined by mathematical equations. It was named after Pierre Bézier, a French mathematician and engineer who developed this method of computer drawing in the late 1960s while working for the car manufacturer Renault. Most graphics software includes a pen tool for drawing paths with Bézier curves. (Continued below...)

The most basic Bézier curve is made up of two end points and control handles attached to each node. The control handles define the shape of the curve on either side of the common node. Drawing Bézier curves may seem baffling at first; it's something that requires some study and practice to grasp the geometry involved. But once mastered, Bezier curves are a wonderful way to draw!

Pierre Bézier was born September 1, 1910 and died November 25, 1999 at the age of 89. In 1985 he was recognized by ACM SIGGRAPH with a 'Steven A. Coons' award for his lifetime contribution to computer graphics and interactive techniques.

A Bezier curve with three nodes. The center node is selected and the control handles are visible.

A Bezier curve with three nodes. The second node (from left) is selected and the control handles are visible.

Related Terms • Vector • Path • Control Handles • Nodes

Alternate Spellings: bezier curve, Pierre Bezier

Common Misspellings: bezer, bezire, bexier

Related Resources:

The Language of Curves
Whether working with curves and paths and vector-based shapes in painting or drawing software, it is helpful to understand some of the terminology used for this type of computer drawing.

Tracing a Logo with Bezier Curves
Tracing a logo with Bezier curves in CorelDRAW.

Photoshop Pen Tool
Step by step instructions for removing the background from an image with the pen tool in Photoshop.

Photoshop Path Tool Tutorial
A basic tutorial on the pen tool in Adobe Photoshop 6. Should provide you with a good basic understanding of what the pen tool is and how it works.

Elsewhere on the Web:

Bezier Curves
An in-depth explanation and exploration of bezier curves from webreference.com.

Artwork done by Pierre Bézier using Bézier curves
A scanned original of Pierre Bézier's artwork.

Pierre Bézier’s Wonderful Curves
Diagrams help to explain the geometry of Bezier curves. From the 1960 PC Users Group.

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