All Activity

I have the Plot Lines Color Fill option turned on for this elevation layout box in order to show solid fill material backgrounds (black roofing, black fascia, etc.). (X17) Is it possible within Chief to print to PDF with this color fill option turned on but have the final PDF output be greyscale? Thanks, Jim BTW, this is what I'm looking for below... I was able to do this by converting the Chief PDF to greyscale with a 3rd party app. Just wondering if I can do this within Chief without resorting to workaround.

(to others reading, we are texting about this now. I'm going to be looking back into project management but I had issues with it when it was first being introduced, though I don't recall with what exactly, and I had to revert back to the traditional method) For now, is there a reason for this not working with the traditional method?

Because its LITERLLY better in every single way, just turn it on and learn it and be thankful you did because its SO much better once you learn it. One SINGLE file to store your project with all of its complicated linking, assets, design iterations. One file. just switch!

I've been experimenting with the new MCP server in X18 using Codex, and I'm pretty disappointed to discover how much functionality appears to be restricted unless Project Management is enabled. Codex can read room and object properties, retrieve dimensions and elevations, and even select specific objects. However, attempting something as basic as opening an object's specification dialog through the MCP returns "This tool requires Chief to be in project management mode." The same happens when attempting to use the MCP's keyboard shortcut functionality. I understand that certain project-related functions might depend on Project Management, but why would basic drafting commands and object interactions require it? I use the old file management intentionally. My entire workflow revolves around an established folder structure, NAS storage, and backup system. Switching to Project Management just to take advantage of AI automation would be a pretty significant change that I'd really rather avoid. (And honestly, my file management has been working just fine...I've never had a reason to change) Is there an actual technical reason these functions require Project Management, or is this simply a limitation of the experimental implementation? I'd really like to see full MCP functionality supported with Traditional File Management as well. Otherwise, it seems like a lot of the potential of this new feature is being unnecessarily restricted for those of us who don't use Project Management. Also, I'm shocked that this is being implemented - it's incredible! My head has been spinning with all of the potential, I'm beyond excited about it and to see what others come up with. But the file management deal is really odd to me...and a problem. I might be misunderstanding something as I'm mostly just communicating what Codex is telling me that it's running into. Thanks Chief team for bringing something like this in!

AI agents can now connect directly to #ChiefArchitect! Chief Architect Premier #X18 Build 28.2.1.14 introduces an experimental #MCP server, opening the door for compatible AI agents like Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, Google Antigravity, and GitHub Copilot to interact with Chief Architect through a local installation. The download is available now in your digital locker! To get started: Install the latest X18 update. Open Preferences → General → Agentic AI and check “Enable Chief MCP Server (Experimental).” Review the information prompts and restart Chief Architect. Use a compatible locally installed AI client to configure the connection. You can give your #AIAgent this prompt: “A local MCP server is installed with Chief Architect Premier X18. Locate the MCP server and configure it for use.” Make sure Project Management and Auto Save are enabled to access the full range of features. This requires a local AI client with local MCP support—web-based clients aren’t compatible. This is an exciting step for #ArchitecturalDesign and #AI workflows, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do with it! Have ideas or feedback? Join the discussion on ChiefTalk: https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/topic/49554-looking-for-feedback-potential-ai-integration-in-chief/

Hi Kelly, Thanks for reaching out! Sure, I’m available on Friday and would be happy to discuss your projects and my services. Best, Ethan

Our next contest is Residential! Share one of your designs for a chance to win Chief Gear. Use any Chief Architect software product to create your original design. You have the chance to win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in this contest. Discover how to enter and more through our blog: https://www.chiefarchitect.com/blog/design-contest/ The entry deadline is November 12.

Hi Renerabbitt, I appreciate very much the time and efforts you invested to provide your answer. Honestly said, you are much more advanced in what you do with video and the workflows than I am. Up to now I haven't done any video and my workflows are pretty short because I do the plan in CA X18, do the PBR and then get the result which is an image into a this tool https://app.myarchitectai.com. This is a tool for which you pay an annual flat rate. I use it without any creativity and do not want that it changes anything to the design I did. My goal is simply that the tool makes the rendering more photo-realistic. I attach two renders to better explain. My clientele today consists of roughly 50% private persons who want to build or reform a house or smaller institutional clients who build multi-family homes which are mostly sold once they are finished. The latest client is now already starting with videos in his marketing activities; but he is the first one. All other clients up to now were happy with the renderings. The question which I may obviously not answer is, if my chances to win more, bigger, more interesting projects if I had e.g. the video capacity. I haven't tried yet. I currently have three offices where I work: in my home in Switzerland, in my office in Switzerland and in my office in Spain. In all three places I have the same setup with two 27" monitors and a CalDigit Thunderbolt mini dock which allows me to connect the macbook pro to the two monitors. If I bought a PC instead of a Mac, which product and configuration would you suggest for such a setup? Thanks a lot for your help. Kind regards Benny

Hello, I was wondering how to create a macro for roof specifications, mainly, baseline, ridge and top plate height. I can access all the information by opening up each roof plane, but when I'm working on what I consider a complicated roof, it would just be helpful to insert the information on each roof plane as I'm working. Then I could easily use it for reference and comparison purposes. Because my memory isn't very good, I usually have to write down all the information as I'm working to glance at as needed. I created one for room specs that I use often when I'm working on my platforms, but there isn't any information in the macros list to access roof specs. Keith Kitchell Version 18

Mainly because of all of the other programs I use and the compatibility with those programs. For Chief specific reasons from the Mac side: No Mnemonic Keys Too MUCH security(device drivers, ai tools, file access, much more) only 4 position radial menus for the 3d conexxion mouse and device driver timeout issues No DLSS in raytrace Slow raytrace ( I work in 3d views) I know you can get some programs to work in virtual machines but its just not quite the same experience or performance 261020 (2).mp4

Thank you, Kelly.

Thanks Josh - I am going to email you and we can figure out how to connect.

Hi Thank you for reaching out. I’d be happy to connect with you. I’ll be available for a call on Friday after 2:00 PM your time and look forward to speaking with you. Thank you, joshuanyambisa14@gmail.com

Hi Ethan - Are you available for a call to discuss your services and pricing, as well as typical turn around times? I am flexible Friday after 2pm EST. I am an interior designer in Central VA - I often do drawings for remodels and additions and would love to sub it out if possible. Thanks, Kelly

Hi Josh - I would love to set up a call with you to discuss working together. I am interior designer in central VA - I do all of my own drawings using Chief and have just started using the As Built app... I have frequent requests for architectural drawings to send out for permits and construction. I am capable, but truly bogged down by it all... I really would love to sub this part out! Are you available on Friday for a call? I am available after 2pm EST. Thanks, Kelly

Thank you Jonathan, the problem was that I didn't have a road drawn. Once I drew the road and made the intersection connect the driveway to the road, it fixed itself and follows the terrain. thank you!

From my notes without warranty: Differences between the Reverse Plan tool and the Edit Area tool: The Reverse Plan tool: 1. does not reverse (flip) terrain objects (good for flipping building on a lot). 2. will reverse (flip) elevation cameras while Edit Area tool will not. The Edit Area tool: 1. Gives you more control over what gets reversed (flipped). 2. A few objects, notably CAD points, are not affected by the Edit Area Tools. 3. Camera and cross-section/elevation symbols are included in the selection and can be moved with it. While cameras can also be rotated as well as copied, cross section/elevations cannot. Tip1: Copy any item(s) that you want to keep to your clipboard. Then use Edit> Paste> Paste Hold Position to paste the item(s) back to the same place. Make sure you are on the desired floor level when you paste them back into the plan. Tip2: Paste using WinKey+V (not Ctrl+V), especially helpful when trying to enter multiple data (ceiling hts, roof baseline hts, etc.) into a CA DBX and so you do not lose your data on the clipboard due to another action. (To paste previously copied text in Windows, press Windows Key + V to open your clipboard history, then click on the desired item to paste it. You may need to click "Turn on" the first time you use this feature. It stores up to 25 entries (text, HTML, images) and supports pinning.) Best, Charles

It's all about setting your terrain elevation data correctly. It should build the driveway sloped with the terrain with just the regular driveway tool, but you can use the polygon driveway tool as well. The only problem is that it doesn't cut your curb like the regular one does. Either way, Chief's terrain tools are ok at best, but you should still be able to get kind of close. You might have weird artifacts pop up, though.

How does a web search for this question yield this note but the Icon is something completely different

What in the wide wide world of sports are these showing up for on my plans suddenly? They appear to be the arc radius markers but I can't delete or hide them.

Hello, I am working on some home designs on lots along a street that is sloped. So, the driveways will be sloped side-to-side as they connect with the street. The driveway tool allows slope to follow the terrain from front to back of the driveway, but as far as I can tell, it does not allow slope from side to side. At the house, it obviously has to be flat as it connects to the level garage, but the street is not level, so it will have to have slope in multiple directions. How can I acheive this? And thank you for any help.

Hi Renerabbitt Your feedback is highly appreciated. It is actually not that easy to predict how much the role of PBR will increase. Currently, I spend roughly 80-90 percent of my time doing 2D plans. The visualizations are mainly used when asking for building permits (quality of the rendering of minor importance) or for sales purposes in institutional investor projects. The latter obviously is very demanding work and top quality of the renderings is regarded as a competitive advantage. I was originally a PC user but when I bought CA X12 I switched to Mac. May I ask you why use PCs' and not Macs' for your work? Benny

Wow AI can be an extremely powerful tool. As I looked at the framing, I realized, first of all, it’s a four-person bunk bed, so it’s going to need plywood shearing because if it’s kids, it’s going to rock around as they all wrestle and fight and play. I subscribe to Claude, so I’m going to play around with this on the next smaller project I do. Having interactive models to share with clients or builders is next level.

Seeking an established stock plan designer for a long-term growth partnership I’m Jeff Combs with Atlas Digital Design. I’m looking to work with a residential designer who has an existing stock plan catalog and wants someone to take ongoing responsibility for the online sales side. I already do this for Intertwine House Plans. My work covers the storefront, catalog, search strategy, product feeds, advertising, analytics and follow-up email. I also build custom software for sales analysis, revenue sharing and producing architectural study sets. I use Chief Architect Viewer to review the drawings behind the products. I’m interested in a designer who has good plans and wants to put serious work into selling them directly. You bring the catalog and design expertise. I build and run the systems that help buyers find, understand and purchase your plans. The work continues after launch. I study search demand and buyer behavior, improve pages and the buying process, check tracking and feeds, and fix problems as they surface. The same person doing the analysis also writes the code and implements the changes. I’d like to discuss an arrangement with a paid setup or rebuild, an ongoing base fee (light retainer compared to hiring an dev team or firm) and a performance component tied to agreed, measurable sales growth. The scope and terms would depend on the catalog, current sales and work involved. If that sounds like something you’ve wanted for your business, send me your website and a little about your plans and how you sell them now. atlasdigital.design · jeff@atlasdigital.design

Here in the L.A. area, I deal with about 50 different cities and the lots are small, so the fences are mostly on the property. If we need to be exact then we have someone come out and locate where the property lines are. Doesn't happen very much. We still use a laser for property area. Most lots are also flat with a 1% slope, sometimes hillside but in that case, I will order a topo from an engineer.