Line tangent to circle

[Andy Broomell]

How do I control which direction a line goes when beginning a line tangent to a circle? It seems to only go clockwise no matter what I do, but I need it to come off the circle counterclockwise.

 

[Benson Shaw]

Option key switches the direction of the tangent

-B

[Andy Broomell]

7 minutes ago, Benson Shaw said:

Option key switches the direction of the tangent

-B

 

So easy! Thank you! Not sure why I didn't try that.

[Kevin McAllister]

Slightly off topic but related, does anyone know how to draw a line tangent to a circle and at a specific angle? I tried entering an angle into the floating data bar but it doesn't stick.

 

Kevin

 

[Benson Shaw]

8 hours ago, Kevin McAllister said:

draw a line tangent to a circle and at a specific angle?

 

One workaround is a guide object, eg a 3 point rectangle:

1st click @ center of arc>2nd click @ circumference (horizontal)>3rd click up or down.

Then Rotate the rectangle about the arc center.

Then start the line w/ Tangent snap active>2nd click on edge of guide rectangle.

Then adjust line length (OIP or drag).

Then delete the guide rectangle.

Then whine on forum (optional).

 

Tangent functions are definitely missing a few screws. I think the smart cursor numeric input fields get stupid whenever the tangent snap is in use making a tangent."Doesn't stick" is a great description.

 

-B

Edited September 9, 2017 by Benson Shaw
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