Vector Nodes Explained A node is a point on a line through which the direction of that line can be controlled. The line we will use has three nodes. A start, a center and an end. We are only interested in the behaviour of the center one for this demonstration. You can see that this node has two "handles" It is a symmetric node so the handles are in line and the same length. If we pull one of the handles out the other follows on the other side keeping the shape even. By pulling it out we can see that the drawn curve is exactly in line with the handles as it passes through the node. Swinging the handles around further emphasises this point. Revolving the handles even more the curve doubles back on itself to follow the handles. By changing the "Node Type" to asymmetric one side can be changed without moving the other but the curve will still follow the handles as it passes through the node. In this way any curve can be accomplished and still kept completely smooth. Although there are many types of nodes these 2 and the cusp node are the basis for all drawings. The cusp node breaks the line of the handles and allows them to be used completely independently of one another making corners possible. Here we only dealt with one node but the next node in line can also be used to alter the shape of the line. Return to Tutorial