Curves

Below are several different techniques that can be used in Maya to make different curves.

Simple Bends Using The Bridge Tool

It is possible to use the bridge tool to create curves. This method is most useful for creating object such as pipes. Follow the step by step instruction below.

Best for:

Pipes
Straight objects with a bend

Step 1: Create the object

I will be using 2 cylinders, but you can use cubes or other shapes. Just make sure they have the same amount of faces to bridge together.

Step 2: Combine objects

These two cylinders will connect with a curve. The first thing to do would be to combine them. objects

In object mode >> Select both objects >> Mesh >> Combine

Both of your object will now be combined together.

Step 3: Delete Faces

Now select the faces at the end of each cylinder and delete them.

It is not necessary to keep them as this is where our two objects will be joining.

Step 4: Bridge

Select 2 opposing edge loops

Select edge loop >> Hold SHFT select another edge loop
With both edge loops selected >> select Bridge (This will bridge the two edge loops together)
In Bridge settings: change the Curve Type to Blend
In Bridge settings: Add divisions (The more divisions the smoother the curve)

Extrude along Curve

create a custom 3D shape (like a pipe, cable, or handle) by drawing a curve and extruding geometry along it.

Common Uses:

Wires, cables, tubes, tentacles
Handles and pipes
Stylised vines or ropes

Step 01: Use the EP Curve Tool to Draw a Path

How to use it:

Go to the Curves/Surfaces menu set (top left dropdown).
Choose Create > EP Curve Tool.

Step 2: Create Curve

Click in the viewport to place points. Try the side (XZ) or top (XY) view to get a clean curve.
Press Enter when you're done placing points. You’ll now see a smooth curve.

Step 3: Modifying your curve

To make additional changes to your curve:

Hold Right click > Control Vertex
You can now select vertex points along your curve and move them

Step 4: Creating Geometry to Extrude

What it does:
This is the shape that will be "swept" along the curve — usually a small circle, square, or custom shape.

How to do it:

Go to Create > Polygon Primitives > Circle (make sure to uncheck 'Interactive Creation' if needed).
Scale the circle down so it's small and move it close to the start of the curve.

📌 Tip: Make sure the circle’s centre is lined up with the start of the curve, or the extrusion will twist or go the wrong way.

Step 5: Extrude the Profile Along the Curve

The Extrude Tool sweeps the profile shape along the path of the curve to create a 3D mesh.

How to do it:

Select the profile shape (e.g., the circle) first.
Then Shift+select the curve.
Go to Modelling Toolkit or Edit Mesh > Extrude.
In the Channel Box, make sure "Use Component Pivot" is on, and "Along Path" is checked.
Tweak divisions and taper if needed for smoothness.

📌 Tip: You can always go back and adjust the original curve, and the extrusion will update if history is on.

Step 6: Delete History

Select your object
Edit > Delete all by type > Hisory

Sweep Mesh

Using the sweep mesh tool you can quickly model objects like cables, ropes, pipes, or stylised strokes by drawing a path and using Sweep Mesh to generate geometry along it — all in just a few clicks!

1. Draw a Path Using the EP Curve Tool

What it does:
The EP Curve Tool lets you create a smooth curve by placing Edit Points. This curve will act as the path for the mesh.

How to use it:

Switch to the Curves/Surfaces menu set.
Go to Create > EP Curve Tool.
In a side or top view, click to place a series of points to define the shape of your curve.
Press Enter when done.

📌 Tip: For more control, right-click the curve and choose Control Vertex to adjust its shape after creation.

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