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

This command draws a line on a straight line running through a given point and being tangent 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") affects the rest of the command. If a vertical tangent is placed on a circle or an ellipse, this can occur at the left or the right. The line will end at the tangent point which is closer to the ID point (see graphic).

The point through which the tangent should run, can be entered by clicking the mouse anywhere in the drawing. A tangent is drawn from this point to the identified object.

After entering the point, a straight line appears which runs through the point 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.