Tangent > Object - Point (Draw Menu)

This command draws a line which begins at a given point and ends tangential to a circle or ellipse.

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") is important for the rest of the process. If a tangent is placed on a curve or ellipse it can go on either side. The tangent point used as the end of the line is the one nearest to the ID point (see graphic).

The start point of the tangent can be entered by clicking the mouse anywhere in the drawing. A tangent is drawn from this point to the reference object.

This command does not work if the point is inside the object or on its outline; in this case, input is not allowed.

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