Finds a tangent to an object from a given point, places a point on the object in this place, and splits the object into two new objects (optionally). Can be applied to line, arc, curve, path.

Function parameters

• name of object, to which a tangent line is needed
• name of the point, from which we draw a tangent line
• (optional) parameter, which defines whether we search a tangent. Equals 0 by default (clockwise) and can be set to 1 (counterclockwise)
• (optional) name of the first part of the object (from the first point of the object to the new point)
• (optional) name of the second part of the object (from the new point to the last point of the object)

Usage

This function can be used, if you would like to make smooth transition between a line and a curve, for example in a flared skirt.

Imagine that the point in this function is clock center and there’s a minute hand that moves around until it runs into the object. By default, the minute hand moves clockwise, however you can set it to counterclockwise by assigning 1 to the third parameter.

In the example of the right, the front dart of the skirt has been closed, and the designer decided to add flare to the skirt. As a result, the edge of the skirt was broken at the point P72m (see the dashed line). To automatically smooth the side edge, we can use:

ptan=tangent(side,p82n,1,upside,downside) // in this case we want the tangent to fall onto side seam counterclockwise, hence the third parameter equals 1.