How to set straight vertical "snap" alignment parameters?

[NateDawg]

Hello. In trying to make this logo for example, using the "snap" functionality allows me to set the spike I've made on each end to an exact height matching one another (the red bar comes up and it snaps into place as I drag the node). How would I go about using this type of functionality to set a vertical alignment so each of the top nodes on each triangle will be set to an exact 45-degree angle (so they are exactly the same)? -See how I have exaggerated the crookedness in each photo.  Any insights and references to resources on this matter much appreciated.

 

 

[thomaso]

I don't fully understand your goal, in particular the 45º. Maybe this helps anyway: Try the horizontal align option for selected nodes. For instance to center a peak node between its 'base' nodes.

[h_d]

If you're starting from scratch and want a shape with perfect bilateral symmetry then one way is to draw a rectangle for the base, then a single triangle to the required size on one side. Duplicate the triangle across to the other side (I switched to the Move tool and then used cmd-drag on macOS). Select all the elements, pull down the Layer menu and choose Geometry - Add:

 

Then switch to the Node tool. This lets the software take care of the tough stuff...

Alternatively you could draw half the shape, duplicate it, flip the duplicate horizontally, align the two halves and then Add.

(PS an equilateral triangle has three angles of 60º.)

 

 

 

[Old Bruce]

16 hours ago, NateDawg said:

How would I go about using this type of functionality to set a vertical alignment so each of the top nodes on each triangle will be set to an exact 45-degree angle (so they are exactly the same)?

By functionality I assume you mean the snapping to ... things.

First off I have to point out that the width of your house is too narrow to have the peaks at 45º for both sides of both peaks.

this is what you would wind up with with that width.

I constructed this by using a couple of squares and basic knowledge of geometry.

Set the snapping options to include the bounding box of the squares and the nodes will snap to the corners of the two squares.

 

[R C-R]

In addition to what has already been mentioned, I suggest aligning your shape to the grid before you start moving or adding any nodes to it. Note that in the Grid & Axis Manager you have an option if you set it to "Basic" to Show axis editing handles. Enable that & you can snap the axis to one corner of your shape, & then if necessary adjust the grid spacing so the other nodes can be snapped to the grid without changing its size too much.

If you set the grid to be 4 times wider than your shape, you can avoid the too narrow problem @Old Bruce mentioned, like in this two 45° peaks.afdesign example where I have used snap to grid to set the 5 top nodes to the grid to get the 45° peaks.

[NateDawg]

Thanks to all who responded. Been messing with everything and still a way to go before I figure this out. I like working within one shape rather than copying and pasting elements if possible. Using Thomaso's suggestion of the "Horizontal Align" seemed to be exactly what I'm looking for, but when I select the center node on the right side for it aligns to the center of the entire image (pic 1). When I select all three nodes on the right side it centers like I want, but also takes the lower nodes on the left and right with it. 

Also, is it possible to perfectly center a node between two already placed nodes as this should help immensely with this type of thing?

Edited April 15, 2022 by NateDawg

[Old Bruce]

2 hours ago, NateDawg said:

Also, is it possible to perfectly center a node between two already placed nodes as this should help immensely with this type of thing?

Try horizontally distributing the three nodes.

There are many ways to get the result you want, some of them are quite versatile and you really should learn about how they can be used. More arrows in your quiver is a good thing, they are software and therefore don't weigh anything.