Arcs tangent

Purpose#

An arc is meant to join existing geometry without a kink — the normal case for transitions, radii and smooth contours. Two tools cover this: one for the arc between two elements, one for the arc that joins one element and ends freely.

The difference from filleting is that a new arc is created here while the existing elements stay unchanged.

Access#

• Ribbon: group Draw, triangle on the Arc button — entries Arc tang. 2+R (4) and Arc tang. 1+R (5).
• Classic toolbar: drop-down triangle of the arc family (4).
• Command search : Arc tangent.

Arc tangent to two elements + R#

Arc tangent to 2 elements Places an arc with a given radius between two elements, touching both:

1. Click the first element (1) — Click an element.
2. Click the second element (2) — Click the 2nd element….
3. Type or click the radius — Enter the radius or click….

Where you click the elements decides in which of the possible corners the arc lies.

Arc tangent to one element + R#

Arc tangent to 1 element The arc joins a line or an arc tangentially and ends freely:

1. Click the line or arc (1) — Click a line or arc. The click position determines the connection point; the program takes the nearer end.
2. Click the endpoint (2) — Click the endpoint or enter R + angle…; alternatively type radius and angle.

If no connection can be determined from the click position, the program reports Connection point cannot be determined. If the intended endpoint lies exactly on the tangent there is no arc: Endpoint lies on the tangent - no arc possible.

Options#

• Both tools draw on the active layer; pick up attribute (J) applies beforehand.
• The elements being joined stay unchanged — nothing is trimmed.
• Every arc is a separate step for Undo.

Related commands#

• Arcs — centre, three points, start/end/radius
• Tangents · Circle constructions