DRAWZILLA

BTW, you can download the trial version for free and do it. Not sure about a Mac. version though.

I used Squiggle for many years and still have version 6, but not on my computer at the moment, but when Chief came out with squiggly lines I don't use it anymore. I think I could install it and squiggle it for you if you send me a DWG file.

No, after it frames just turn off automatic deck framing and move it. We have asked for Beam placement but haven't got it yet.

Decks make a good tool for lattice top patio covers.

try to re-start Chief, happens once and a while for me. I rarely use the p to p dim. tool and really only when lines are not parallel to each other.

I find that I have to restart X8 more than other versions, for those little hick-up things that happen and the fix is only when a re-start happens.

My layouts are always in color, what matters is that you use plot lines, and use a special layer-set with all the line-weights you want to use. like walls set them to 40 in that layerset and they will be thicker, also do it with windows doors, etc. Your elevations will pop. Using any other method will not get you the line-weights you need. Live doesn't use special layer-set line-weights, you can set. Print in grayscale to get no color and it prints good

I keep all my details in my lib. You need to just put them in your layout template. Any layout can be saved as a template plan to use over and over again. I just open a template layout and install any detail on my detail page. Some here do it differently. My templates have everything you need to just start drawing. plan, foundations, sections, elevations,, details, all camera views, interior and exterior. They are all ready to go just by opening it.

Yes, that's the idea behind it. Makes line-weights bigger and smaller to look constant at 1/4" scale or 1/8" scale. Chief recommends you just leave it checked all the time.

How do you mean, slab to slab doesn't give me any problems only slab to stem wall.

set it up in your template plan and forget it.

I just draw them in the sections, and callout a detail. Wish there was a way automatically. I connect every rafter (per engineer) whatever the spacing. If there is no ceiling at the plate level then just use ceiling joists ties at whatever level you need. you could also use a ceiling plane high up.

I do many many remodels for many many years now and find Chief is the perfect software for me. It does everything I need to produce every condition I need so to those that say not good for remodeling, learn how to use it. Just don't use the material list, to much trouble to get correct.

Remember that "number style box" only changes what you see on your monitor, and not the plan, to change the plan you have to change it in the dimension DBX.

You can multiple select and do them all at once

You can also add the "type" macro, from the object specific section, in the label DBX

Try to use this when sending to the layout at different scales.

Picky clients, I know you can change the amount of sections in the arch to look smoother, you may have to convert the arch to a polyline to do it. My clients just aren't that picky so I just don't do it. more info here https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-00565/creating-a-custom-arch.html

I personally use the slab footing tool to manually put a footing all around the porch so I can control the footing size and just use a small scoop footing against the stem wall. We have asked Chief to fix this for many versions now--but never done. To get rid of the line just copy your slab footing wall, and delete the interior footing line or change it to a blank line.

for a slab that butts up against a stem wall, add a mono footing that butts up against the stem wall or use the slab tool with footing

Make sure you export to the the correct version of Auto*** that they are using.

yes Sherry has it.

I try to make my fills on the dark side to show properly, light colors will not print well. try to experiment a little to get what you want. I print everything in color and there is a setting in preferences " Color off is grayscale" try that one.

change it to steel-round in the post defaults/ framing, before putting it in the plan.

Are you sure its not a marker, if so you have to move the marker.