Tangent Constraint or Advanced snapping system
I work in Illustrator all the time and I ask my self why or how can I snap a line or a shape to the tangent of another shape like Autodesk AutoCAD's "Tangent Constraint", some say that I can start with the Line Segment tool and go from there building the shape, but this option will give me a limited movement and it's not practical like if we have a tangent constraint in Illustrator so we can build logos and shapes more easier and that will make illustrator go to perfection more and more.

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Gregory Holmes commented
When using the Pen (Path) tool I wish there was a way to to make adjacent arcs tangent to one another. Basically I just wish that Illustrator would act more like Corel, AutoCAD, or Solid Works in the way that the user has the ability to alter the shape characteristics of adjacent line segments. This would help immensely when creating ovoid/ ellipse forms and instead of eyeballing the shape to get it right, one could just click on the 'tangent' feature and it would automatically correct itself.
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Attila Sáfrány commented
Idea: an option to snap to curves tangentially.
Why is it important: for logo and icon designs, for illustrations and technical illustrations, and for shapes like metaballs and blobs in backgrounds and patterns.
Thanks for listening!
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Joe Henson Marin commented
For a vector based software, I think Illustrator's snapping features should be improved like AutoCAD implementation. I can't see why this is impossible.
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Since you are here, please also vote for this related request about the ability to actually add points at tangents:
https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657/suggestions/33438667 -
Meanwhile there is a plugin that allow to create tangent points with ease, PathScribe/InkScribe by AstuteGraphics.
It does not mean Ai should not have these by default, of course.Also, please vote for this related request, which is about having snaps to tangent points:
https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657/suggestions/34733398 -
Avana Vana commented
Seriously. I can't believe this is not yet in Illustrator after 20 years. Basic AutoCAD like snapping is a necessity.
Besides this, you also need to be able to snap to a line extension BEFORE you drag a line out, for example to plot a new point with the pen tool that is co-linear with an existing line. I can't say how many times (probably in the tens of thousands) in my career when I have had to drag out a construction line extension just so i can start a new line that is co-linear, or at least starts co-linear with an existing line, and then delete the construction line when i am done.
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Jean-Michel Le Goff commented
I agree, and asked the same thing thing to be added as options in smart guides from Glyphs (revealed in the last Beta version available.
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Andreas Tagger commented
Please add tangents. It's ridiculous this is not implemented in 2019.
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Andreas Tagger commented
Yes please. Why is this not a boiler plate feature of a program that has been around for 20 years +????
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Anonymous commented
Adobe, you need to look at professional CAD software in general. Illustrator ***still*** lacks some fundamental line-based drawing tools, like vector trim, offset, tangent detection, and so many more.
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Jeremy commented
I'd like to request a Smart Guide when drawing lines for when you are over a curve and the line is tangent to a curve.
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Anonymous commented
For Example:
Draw a circle by plotting 2 points + defining radius
Draw a circle by plotting 3 pointsMore object snapping options:
Snap to tangent
Snap to parallel
Snap to Perpendicular
Options to turn various snaps on/off -
nicky commented
You really should improve and snap and alignments. Really disappointing for a geometric vector design program. Consider that other software like Corel Draw, Affinity Design, the good old freehand this thing works much better, even free software Inkscape works better.
Beyond "align to point" you should also make align, and intercept alone the curvature of the vectors, as "hook to object" of freehand. If external plug-ins like those of the Institute or other external scripts are able to implement these functions, to the great I would say, I wonder why mom never ADOBE can not? Do not you want to do it? can not do it? where is the problem? or does not want to rage against Astute??
it is shameful for a software leader in the field as Illustrator that boasts 30 years, in my opinion NOT honored service that pity of many gaps like this and also slowdowns and a lot of machines in working. Freehand was very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very well. -
nicky commented
you really should improve and snap and alignments. Really disappointing for a geometric vector design program. Consider that other software like Corel Draw, Affinity Design, the good old freehand this thing works much better, even free software inkscape works better.
Beyond "align to point" you should also make align, and intercept alone the curvature of the vectors, as "hook to object" of freehand. If external plug-ins like those of the Institute or other external scripts are able to implement these functions, to the great I would say, I wonder why mom never ADOBE can not? Do not you want to do it? can not do it? where is the problem? or does not want to rage against Astute ??
it is shameful for a software leader in the field as Illustrator that boasts 30 years, in my opinion NOT honored service that piti of many gaps like this and also slowdowns and a lot of machineness in working. Freehand was very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very well. -
Jonathan commented
The ability to easily create tangents would be extremely handy for many designers out there. AutoCAD has an extremely versatile and intuitive system for them, it would be wonderful to finally have a tool for this. I PROMISE you, designers will respond well to this.