Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer readable storage media are disclosed for utilizing enhanced curve primitives to modify color gradients in vector-based graphics. To illustrate, the disclosed system can receive an input of a curve to insert into a portion of a vector-based graphic including a mesh for a color gradient. The disclosed system can then insert a discontinuity into the mesh by adding a plurality of vertices to the mesh defining two unconnected edges at the position of the curve within the portion of the vector-based graphic. After inserting the discontinuity into the mesh, the disclosed system can determine colors for the edges of the discontinuity based on one or more user-selected colors and/or one or more colors associated with the color gradient. The disclosed system can then update the color gradient in response to determining the colors for the edges of the discontinuity.