A curved line defined by mathematical formulas. At least three points are required to define the curve: two endpoints called anchor points, while the other point or points, which define the actual curvature, are called handles or splines. Moving the splines allows you to modify the shape of the curve. Many audio editing programs (such as Digital Performer) provide support for drawing Bezier curves to define controller movements, volume and fades, and other functions. It’s named for the French mathematician Pierre Bezier.

The simplest form of a Bezier curve is a straight line between two points (a “linear” curve). More complex curves, such as those found in some graphics programs, can contain several splines.