Tangent to Line

Draw a circle tangent to a line through an indicated point and with a specified radius.

This function allows you to draw a circle of given radius tangent to a line and to pass through a specific point; by indicating the line for the circle to be tangent to, specifying the radius of the circle, and indicating the point the circle must pass through.

Select the correct tangential circle from the options presented. If the specified radius is too small the radius is set to the minimum value allowed.

Procedure

1. You are prompted to:

2. You can set the radius of the circle by clicking in the text box, or pressing [Tab] to move into the text box, and then typing the required radius.

3. Position the cursor near the geometry line to add the tangential circle to, and press [Enter] or click to indicate the line. The line is highlighted.

4. You are prompted to:

5. Position the cursor at the required tangential point and press [Enter] or click. Alternatively, use one of the snap or jump functions to position the point accurately. The two tangential circle centre points are indicated and the rubberbanded preview of the circle added to one of the centre points.

6. You are prompted to:

7. Position the cursor near the correct centre point and press [Enter] or click.

8. The indicated point through which the circle must pass does not have to be on the selected geometry. If the specified radius is too small the radius updates to the minimum value allowed.

9. If the incorrect point has been selected, right-click in the drawing area and select Cancel to return to the beginning and indicate the Geometry line.

10. Right-click on the screen and select Quit to end the function. Alternatively, press [Esc].