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A scheme is presented to predict crack trajectories in two and threedimensional components. First a relation between the curvature in mixed-mode crackpropagation and the corresponding configurational forces is derived, based on theprinciple of maximum dissipation. With the help of this, a numerical scheme is presentedwhich is based on a predictor-corrector method using the configurational forces acting onthe crack together with their derivatives along real and test paths. With the help of thisscheme it is possible to take bigger than usual propagation steps, represented by splines.Essential for this approach is the correct numerical determination of the configurationalforces acting on the crack tip. The methods used by other authors are shortly reviewed andan approach valid for arbitrary non-homogenous and non-linear materials with mixedmodecracks is presented. Numerical examples show, that the method is a able to predictthe crack paths in components with holes, stiffeners etc. with good accuracy.