Sketch tool
Tangent
Constrain a line and circle or two circles to touch with a shared tangent direction.
Purpose
Constrain a line and circle or two circles to touch with a shared tangent direction.
Where to find it
While editing a sketch, open Constraints and choose Tangent.
Selection
- Tap a supported line and circle, or two circles.
Steps
- Select the two compatible entities.
- Confirm they move into tangent contact.
Options
Result
A Tangent constraint keeps the selected entities in contact. When a connected line moves to meet a fixed circle, its existing corners remain joined to neighboring edges. An impossible fixed relationship is rejected without changing the sketch.
Editing
Use Manage Constraints in a relationship constraint panel and delete Tangent to permit intersection or separation.
Troubleshooting
Tangency moves geometry to the wrong side or conflicts.
Reposition the entities near the intended contact before applying and remove conflicting fixed or distance constraints.