Can I simply draw in 2d?

Technical Problems SketchUp for Web
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Hello, SketchUp Free web user. I can’t find any 2d drawing web apps that aren’t either complete junk or way too deep and esoteric. SketchUp looks like a happy medium but it seems to only be for 3d. I figured if it’s 3d, it’s also 2d. I looked for a way to make a 2d drawing but there doesn’t seem to be one. google says:

 To create a 2D drawing in SketchUp specifically, follow these steps:
 1. Set Up Your Workspace
 Open SketchUp: Launch the application.
 Choose a Template: Select a 2D template, such as "2D Graphic" if available.
 2. Switch to 2D Mode
 View Settings: Ensure you're in a top-down view by selecting Camera > 
 Standard Views > Top. This gives you a 2D perspective.

I don’t see any of these options available.
Is there a way to ditch an axis and just use it to make 2d diagrams or plans? The very idea of working in 3d space gives me a headache. I’m not an evolved thinker. Any help would be appreciated

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Feel free to disregard that whole answer. It makes no sense. Instead, change your camera to ‘Parallel Projection’, also referred to as ‘Orthographic.’ Then set the camera to Plan or Top view. Then switch to whichever drawing tool you wish to draw with. Of course you don’t have change the camera at all. You can simply begin drawing and as long as you do not draw along the blue axis, ie up and down…the linework will remain 2D until you decide otherwise.

I’d recommend taking the lessons that are currently offered on SketchUp Campus - Section 2 - ‘Quick Start’ - SketchUp Web Fundamentals

Edit:

The very idea of working in 3d space gives me a headache. I’m not an evolved thinker

I’d recommend a different program. That’s like using Car Design app to draw a landscape design concept…it may technically be feasible but isn’t the best idea. Use the right tool for the job. AutoCAD for example is specifically designed for drawing in 2D.

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I am not sure where Google got those steps, but AI may have failed with that solution.

The fact is, SketchUp is a 3D program. There are ways to try to draw in 2D, but you are always working in 3D space, as such you have to work harder to try to maintain you are drawing on a flat plane.

Personally, if I had to draw something in 2D, I would use a different program.

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Any template would be good for 2D plans (taken that you use ‘Top View’ plus Parallel Projection’ and don’t orbit, only pan and zoom in/out) but SketchUp stays 3D. You cannot ditch any of the three axes.

To make things easier for you to stay and work in 2D:

  • switch to ‘Parallel Projection’
  • Switch to ‘Top View’
  • Save this scene to instantly return to and also disable ‘Scene Transition’

Start drawing on a large face in the R/G plane on the ground.

Whenever you inadvertently orbit you just click on the saved scene to instantly return in (sort of) 2D view. Drawing on the large face will show you the inference “On Face” to ensure you that you are drawing 2D (= in one plane)

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