Align node relative to middle of object in Inkscape

Question

(This is my first question here so apologies in advance if I break any rule. I have seen a question on how to align an object relative to nodes here, but I haven't found how to align a node with respect to another object.)

I would like to know the best way to align a node of one object with the middle point of another object. For example, imagine I have a rectangle and a diagonal line (a straight Bezier curve with two nodes). The top node of the line is already aligned with the bottom side of the rectangle in the y axis, but it is at an arbitrary position with respect to the rectangle in the y axis (left). I would like to align the top node of the line with respect to the middle point of the rectangle in the x axis, leaving the bottom node of the line and also the rectangle unchanged (right).

What is the most efficient way to achieve this?

Answer 1

In the Snapping Controls Bar, enable the following snapping options:

1. Enable Snapping

2. Snap Nodes, Paths and Handles

3. Snap Midpoints of Line Segments

Then, using the Pen Tool, mouse over the middle of the line segment, when the midpoint tooltip shows, click to add a node.

See example below. Note the Snapping Controls on the far right of the screenshot. You can see the three that are enabled.

Additionally, if you also enable Snap to Cusp Nodes, you can also click and drag a path to snap its node to the segment midpoint.

Answer 2

Here are two options for you.

Inkscape's connector tool is most useful if you want to constantly tweak the layout. It's a little bit buggy but normally yields handsome results. This tool doesn't work well with snapping enabled.

For more intricate designs use the node tool with snapping.