Off topic:
If I have 2 planes with a line on the first plane, I can draw a line on the second plane that is perpendicular to the first line just by hovering a second or two over the first line after setting the starting point of the second line.. (watch for the magenta color, perpendicular or parallel.)
So: you can instruct the line tool to draw perpendicular..
Off Topic:
Do you mean SketchUp is NOT Computer Aided Design?
Or do you mean something else?
I know it is not like Autocad and should not be compared to that or a lot of other CAD softwares..
I am aware of this, and it is quite handy, but when I draw a line I want the ability to specify whether I want it to be perpendicular or parallel. There is a difference, and when one wants precision and speed being able to instruct really works.
I’m of the opinion that SketchUp is indeed CAD, and even without the native tools I’m looking for, it’s the best CAD package for the money.
Inflation is ridiculous lately. I’m tempted to raise my own prices but I am also cautious because the average American is having to tighten their belts with all the cost increases in housing and food. At some point we are going to be priced right out and won’t be able to afford anything but the very base necessities.
Basically SketchUp is going to $400.00 per year, a fairly substantial increase from $300 per year. That is where I thought it would stay for some time but I guess I was wrong, no one has a crystal ball. Sadly it does not seem like our income or wages is keeping up with the current inflation. Politics aside, the recent tariffs will probably only make prices even go up higher (with everything).
Off topic:
SketchUp has always worked with inferencing, not commands.
You could use the down arrow key (once for parallel, twice for perpendicular) and see that as an instruction if you want..
Not only Americans, Nathaniel..
Over here in Europe it’s pretty much the same..
I have found the use of the down arrow key to be very inconsistent, so I don’t use it. By the way, how did "inferencing’’ come into use, when it should be “referencing”, as one is using a node or an entity as a point of reference?
I really don’t know, but then English/American is not my first language..
Off topic, but this whole thread is heading there:
SketchUp infers what you are trying to do based on know data - end points, mid points, lines, planes, etc.
A reference is a different thing:
Interesting way of using the term, but to my way of seeing it, SketchUp is using a specified node or entity as a point of reference. Nothing more than semantics … making everyone right.
It is literally called the inference engine in official documentation.
https://help.sketchup.com/en/sketchup/introducing-drawing-basics-and-concepts
Copilot’s spin on the topic:
The term “inferencing” is used in SketchUp to describe its inference system, which helps users align and snap objects accurately while modeling. While “inferencing” is not a common word in everyday English—where “inference” is more typical—it is grammatically acceptable within the context of SketchUp’s functionality. It refers to the process of detecting and locking onto reference points, edges, and axes to assist with precise modeling.
I use Chief Architect (CA) because it makes plans for permit simple, and fast. The CA Layout is amazing at configuring all the plan and detail files into a format that exports to PDF. I wish Sketchup would study how CA does it and follow suit.
I use Sketchup to make precise framing details. Way better than Chief…just slower.
I just had a look at Chief Architect - it looks like very nice software. Are you using the Premier version? At first glance it seems somewhat similar to Revit.
I guess a few on this thread would find it rather expensive, especially compared to SketchUp.
Everybody wants their dream BIM / CAD package with a perpetual licence for a $1. Trimble are pitching their product at a price they are happy with to a Global market. Depending on your local economy it may be cheap or expensive. If you can see a more appropriate product offering a better return on the purchase cost then change your software, I did. Alternatively, paper, pencils & scale rules are still available. 
[quote=“medeek, post:66, topic:329950”]
Sadly it does not seem like our income or wages is keeping up with the current ̶i̶n̶f̶l̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ greed.
[/quote] - FTFY
Well, we can see shrinkflation everywhere, like in supermarkets, less for more.
Here with SketchUp you will gradually get more software for your bucks. They are working on it.
Wasn’t exactly calling Trimble greedy but it was targeted to corporations in general, as they are. But “greed” was mainly behind the 2020/2021 inflation as true inflation will not show gains in corporate profits as we saw in 2021 and onward, Trimble included. I have no issue in a business being profitable but increasing costs to feed increasing profits just for greed? I also understand that software is a cost of doing business much like a power bill, internet bill, water bill etc. I also understand that no one from Trimble on this board has any says in such matters.
well there IS shrinkflation in sketchup.
the icons are slowly getting smaller and smaller…