Illustrator help. Joining two tangents together.

[JonZ_]

I always been curious about the most efficient way to do this.

Example.

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8329/joinxw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Starting with a rounded box, I want only a half of it, but by keeping the round edges.

So I cut and paste and join the lower quarter of the lower-right of the rectangle and paste it to the upper right and lower left, weld the 2 vectors and make a perfect rounded corner.

Except now the 2 corners tips are oriented inside the triangle. I marked the line in red where I want the line to close the triangle, where I join the 2 tangents, the arrows is where approximately I need node points. I just don't want to randomly create a vector point in approximately in the middle of the 2 curves. I feel there is some logical way to do it perfect.

I don't know how to explain it better.

[H.Evans]

Could you upload the file your example is in?

I'd say to 1. select the points that curve inward with the direct selection (white)arrow,
2. Ctrl-J or object/path/join
3. Use the "remove anchor point" mode of the pen tool to get rid of the 2 points curled inside the shape you want.

* Im not sure if the next point will make the correct curve or only have one handle and have a little corner to it. This is why I'd like to see the file and try it.

[JonZ_]

In which format? currently CS2/CS3 here

[Ilaekae]

Use the cut tool (scissors). Bring the art way up on your screen and cut the curve you'ere trying to connect to. Then delete the waste piece completely. You should be able to do this fairly accurately by eye, because it'll be a 45° angle (half the distance between the original points). If accuracy concerns you, create a floating line at 45° and position it over the circle before you delete the first section and make it a GUIDE.

After doing both "circles, select only the "dots" you want to connect and JOIN with Menu (COMMAND-J on a mac).

[H.Evans]

cs2 is fine - I'm curious - I wanna try it too now... hehe

[JonZ_]

Well, I exported it to AI3.. lol.

Couldn't get the required size with CS2 and was way above it.

there you go

[JonZ_]

Thanks Ilaekie, I've just re-read your tips and it make sense now. I've been able to create the node where it supposed to peak.

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/985/trianglehu3.png (http://imageshack.us)

Now, this being resolved, I came up with a bigger problem. I realized that the triangle is a right triangle when I wanted it to be more equilateral.

Is it possible to in someway start by doing an equilateral rectangle with the polygon tool and round the 3 edges?

Edit: found it, I had to go in the filters haha...


Thanks everyone!