Creating Lines Normal to a Curve

You can create a line normal to a curve. As a perpendicularity constraint is created, the line remains perpendicular to the curve even when it is moved.

Before you begin: Create a curve.
See Also
Creating Lines
Creating Infinite Lines
Creating Bi-Tangent Lines
Creating Bisecting Lines
  1. From the Sketch section of the action bar, click Line Normal To Curve .
  2. Click a point on the curve.
  3. Click another point outside the curve.
    A line is created. A perpendicularity constraint is also created between the line and the curve.

    Tips:
    • After clicking Line Normal to Curve , you can cancel the selection of Select a Curve Before in the Tools Palette to first select a point outside the curve.
    • If Select a Curve Before is selected, the creation of the line normal to curve is symmetrical, if the Symmetrical option in the Tools Palette is selected.

      A point lying on the curve or outside the curve can be selected to specify where the normal line should go through. A message is displayed if the selected point is not valid and prompts you to select a new point or curve.

    • Lines normal to a curve are created as close as possible to where you clicked on the curve. You can get better results if, before clicking the curve, you position the line as perpendicular to the curve as possible.