Tangent > Angle - Object - End Point (Draw Menu)

This command draws a line along a straight line which is tangent to a given circle or ellipse at a particular angle.

After choosing this command, a dialog appears into which the angle to be used can be entered.

Any circle or ellipse which exists independently or as part of another object can be identified as a reference object. This can also be the arc of an ellipse segment or a circle arc within a surface.

The position at which the object is identified (the "ID point") affects the rest of the command. If a tangent is placed at a particular angle to a circle or an ellipse, it can be placed on either side of the ellipse/circle. The line will end at the tangent point which is closer to the ID point (see graphic).

After identification of the object, a straight line appears which runs at a specified angle and is tangent to the identified object. This line is referred to as the "Reference Straight Line".

The start point can be entered by clicking the mouse anywhere in the drawing. A perpendicular is dropped from this point to the reference straight line to determine the new line's start point.

The end point of the line can be entered by clicking the mouse anywhere in the drawing. A perpendicular is dropped from this position to the reference straight line to determine the end point of the new line.

The line is assigned to the current layer. In addition, it contains a reference to the current pen.