How Bézier curves are described in SVG paths
This page explains how Bézier curves are described in SVG files.
Anchor and control points
A section of a Bézier curves is described by 4 points:
- 2 anchor points: also called end point, they describe the coordinates of the starting and final points of the curve ;
- 2 control points: they define the direction of the curve at each anchor points.
In the following illustration, points P1 and P4 are the anchor point. Points P2
and P2 are the control points.
- P2 is the control point associated to the anchor point P1 ;
- P3 is the control point associated to the anchor point P4.
![Anchor and control points in Bézier curves in SVG paths]()
SVG paths : M and C commands
In SVG paths, the commands M and C are used to describe Bézier
curves.
- M (move to) is followed by one point (P1) and describe the first anchor point (starting point).
- C (curve) is followed by three points (P2, P3 and P4) and describe the curve (control points and final points)
M x1 y1
C x2 y2 x3 y3 x4 y4
Examples
The following examples are from w3.org :
![Example of Bézier curve paths in SVG files]()
See also
Last update : 04/13/2019