Skip to main content
S
SilentStu
Participant
June 21, 2013
Answered

Midpoints of path or sides of objects

  • June 21, 2013
  • 2 replies
  • 60084 views

I could be wrong though it seems Illustrator only has centre points of objects and not midpoints of paths or paths on the side of objects. Can this be?

Dont confuse center points with midpoints, thats not what I'm after. If there isnt one, could someone help me to locate accuratly the midpoint of a rectangle (which is on a 10 degree angle) on one of the short ends?

I have also tried to draw a path leading from the centre point of the rectangle running parrelell to one of the long sides, although it's not like Sketchup that works out your trying to keep the line running parelell.

Looking forward to the answer to this one.

thanks

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Jacob Bugge

Stu,

Does Object>Path>Add Anchor Points once fulfill your purpose?

Unnecessary Anchor Points on straight segments may be deleted.

2 replies

Jacob Bugge
Community Expert
Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
Community Expert
June 21, 2013

Stu,

For just one Anchor Point in a case like the one described, you could (Smart Guides are your friends), starting with the rectangle unselected:

1) With the Direct Selection Tool click one long segment and Ctrl/Cmd+C+F to create a copy as an independent path;

2) With the normal Selection Tool ClickDrag the path from 1) a bit on the opposite side of the target end and drag it up to the centre (Smart Guides will say center) so it crosses the end segment at the modpoint;

3) Select the rectangle and with the Add Anchor Point Tool click at the intersection

(Smart Guides will say intersect).

Edit: Cross posting.

You are right, Stu: the Add Anchor Point adds one wherever you click with no limiting options (apart from its having to be on the path).

S
SilentStuAuthor
Participant
June 21, 2013

Ah yes I found that one, as you say good for the one off. Its all about the process.

I found that the more times you do you instruction of Object>Path>Add Anchor Points adds more and more points evenly spaced.

Once you have done this to acheive the desired points you need then you can copy and past if you have the need for many copies and then rotate each one individually to the required angle (like the markings on a clock face for the minutes.

Thanks again Jacob. I hope chat with you again .

Strange thing though, if you draw a line & then attempt to draw another line rounghly the center point of the first line perpendicular to the first you will note it snaps to "intersect", strange program.

Jacob Bugge
Community Expert
Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
Community Expert
June 21, 2013

You are welcome, Stu.

If you wish to halve arbitrary segments, and if you have a version before CS6, you may use the free Divide (length) script available here:

http://park12.wakwak.com/~shp/lc/et/en_aics_script.html

If you create a two point curved path starting with a long handles and ending with a short/no handles, you will see that Object>Path>Add Anchor Point divides it far from the middle; you may use the two methods on identical paths to see it happen (and not).

If you wish to divide segments by other proportions than halving, and if you have a version from CS1 to CS5, you may set the number of divisions (per segment), such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, whatever.

The scripts do not work for CS6 on, and you cannot set the number up to 10.

Some of the other scripts may also be nice to know.

Edit: Just saw the Snap issue.

You may turn off View>Snap to Point and/or Smart Guides, depending on which snapping you wish to avoid.

    Jacob Bugge
    Community Expert
    Jacob BuggeCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    June 21, 2013

    Stu,

    Does Object>Path>Add Anchor Points once fulfill your purpose?

    Unnecessary Anchor Points on straight segments may be deleted.

      S
      SilentStuAuthor
      Participant
      June 21, 2013

      Wow yes thank you Jacob. So there's a difference doing it that way to doing it using the pen tool> add anchor point then as it that way couldnt detect a midpoint or intersection. Is that correct? Is there no preference that I could switch this as default all the time?

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices