Curve Modifier

The Curve modifier provides a simple but efficient method of deforming a mesh along a curve object.

It works on a (global) dominant axis, X, Y, or Z. This means that when you move your mesh in the dominant direction (by default, the X axis), the mesh will traverse along the curve, as if it was a train following and deforming along rails. Moving the mesh perpendicularly to this axis, the object will move closer or further away from the curve.

When you move the object beyond the curve’s ends, the object will continue to deform based on the direction vector at those ends.

Nota

This modifier works in global space, in other words, the actual position of the geometry relative to the curve is determinant to get a correct result.

Typically, you’ll want your object’s origin to be at the center of your geometry (not offset far away from it, you can e.g. Set Origin to Geometry).

And then you’ll want to start with your object’s origin at the same location as your curve object’s origin (you may use snap tools for that…).

If the curve is 3D, the Tilt value of its control points will be used to twist the deformed object. And the Radius property controls the size of the object as well. Those options are in the Shape panel, under Path/Curve-Deform.

Options

The Curve modifier.

Object

The name of the curve object that will affect the deformed object.

Vertex Group

If set, restrict the effect to the only vertices in that vertex group.

Invert <->

Inverts the influence of the selected vertex group, meaning that the group now represents vertices that will not be deformed by the modifier.

The setting reverses the weight values of the group.

Deformation Axis

This is the axis that the curve deforms along.

X/Y/Z/-X/-Y/-Z

Example

Edit curve.

Monkey on a curve.

Monkey deformations.