I probably misunderstood their message. By the way, two quadratic curves can approximate well a tiny subset of what a cubic bezier can represent. The number of quadratics required in the general case can grow quite substantially, very quickly.
You're right we probably need at least 3 quadratic bezier curves to cover most uses cases of 3rd degree bezier curves. (In general, not all shapes of 3rd degree bezier curves are used in the wild, that would lead to too much deformation and impossible paths).
But I agree with the OP, artists might only need new tools that use quadratic bezier curves in a different ways
I work on a commercial CAD application (architecture space) and we have a Polyline Tool (misnomer) that lets users add quadratic Bezier curves and arc segments and they are not clamoring for anything more than that. There is the ability to specify the quadratic segments by point on curve at t=1/2, and various different ways of specifying arc segments. But this is all just UI, under the hood it's arc segments, line segments, and quadratic Bezier and it seems to meet their needs.
There is also a NURBS curve tool but my impression is that the vast majority of our users just stick with the 2D Polyline.
ttoinou|6 months ago
But I agree with the OP, artists might only need new tools that use quadratic bezier curves in a different ways
neutronicus|6 months ago
I work on a commercial CAD application (architecture space) and we have a Polyline Tool (misnomer) that lets users add quadratic Bezier curves and arc segments and they are not clamoring for anything more than that. There is the ability to specify the quadratic segments by point on curve at t=1/2, and various different ways of specifying arc segments. But this is all just UI, under the hood it's arc segments, line segments, and quadratic Bezier and it seems to meet their needs.
There is also a NURBS curve tool but my impression is that the vast majority of our users just stick with the 2D Polyline.