Diamond. Corner node. Sub paths can meet the node from any direction with any curvature. Slope discontinuity is allowed, i.e. corners. Square. Smooth node. Sub paths meet the node with the same slope on both sides. Continuous first derivative, i.e. a tangent. Square. Symmetric node. Sub paths meet the node with the same slope and same curvature. Continuous second derivative. Round. Auto-smooth node. Like a smooth node, but the slope and curvature changes depending on the direction and distance to the next node.
For a long time I wondered about the mysterious "auto-smooth" nodes. I use them all the time now that understand them, for tracing smooth curves, for example.
Beginners' Questions Circle Nodes - What is their function?
Inkscape.org
I've figured out that there are three different nodes:
1. Diamond Node
2. Square Node
3. Circle Node
I can cycle through the 3 different types of nodes by holding down ctrl and repeatedly clicking on the node.
Diamond Node makes the bezier handles move independently of each other (which is the only one I use)
Square Node makes the bezier handles move in unison with each (I never need to use that one)
What does the circle node do? Just curious
Actually, there are four node types.
Diamond. Corner node. Sub paths can meet the node from any direction with any curvature. Slope discontinuity is allowed, i.e. corners.
Square. Smooth node. Sub paths meet the node with the same slope on both sides. Continuous first derivative, i.e. a tangent.
Square. Symmetric node. Sub paths meet the node with the same slope and same curvature. Continuous second derivative.
Round. Auto-smooth node. Like a smooth node, but the slope and curvature changes depending on the direction and distance to the next node.
For a long time I wondered about the mysterious "auto-smooth" nodes. I use them all the time now that understand them, for tracing smooth curves, for example.