Converting Polyline Segments
A polyline is a single object that includes any combination of straight line, arc, or spline segments. You can convert a polyline segment from one type to another. The following conversions are supported:
- Straight line segments to arc or spline segments.
- Arc segments to straight line or spline segments.
- Spline segments to straight line segments.
To convert polyline segments:
- In the History Tree, locate the polyline that contains the segment you want to convert. Expand this part of the tree.
- Click the polyline segment operation you want to change to select it.
The segment properties appear in the Segment tab of the docked Properties window.
- Click in the Value text box in the Segment Type row and select the desired polyline segment type from the drop-down menu.
The polyline segment you selected is changed to the new type.
Note:Converting an arc or spline segment to a straight line segment results in two straight line segments; one segment is created between the start point and midpoint and one segment is created between the midpoint and endpoint.
- By default, curved segments are generated as smooth (true) curves. If you want to approximate an arc or spline using multiple discrete straight segments, enter an integer of 2 or greater in the Number of Segments value. A value of zero produces a smooth curve.
Segmented curves can be useful when sweeping polylines into surfaces. Segmented surfaces provide some regularity to the mesh and can enable you to visualize surface twisting when you sweep along a path with a twist angle specified.
- If the changes are not what you expected, undo the change using the Edit> Undo command or by pressing Ctrl+Z.