RevolutionDB

Sabine - I agree with you, a lot of the design materials (textiles, tile, etc.) leave a lot to be desired. I would advise that you learn Photoshop or a similar graphics program (if you haven't already) ASAP, and learn how Chief uses images as textures and materials in the program. Once you figure out how to create tileable materials, you will be able to get the look you want (using images you can find on the internet) of materials that you would like to use in your designs. There are great free resources on using Photoshop to create tileable materials (just use google) as all 3D programs need textures to make the models look more realistic. Many manufacturers have textures on their websites that you can use to create materials in Chief. When it comes to 3D models, that's a bigger hill to climb. The more complicated the item, the harder it is to create from scratch. Chief has gotten a lot better with Bonus and Manufacturer libraries, and is well worth SSA. Otherwise, 3D Warehouse, 3D Sky, and Syncronia are good resources. If you want to see some great examples of 3D artists at work (to learn about their techniques) check out ronenbekerman.com. It will blow you away - but the tools and tactics they use can be applied to Chief in limited ways. Good luck!

@johnny - to me, it looks like the texture scale for the log width and the line fill pattern are not a match. The origin seems to be at the bottom of the house and as the texture fills upward, the misalignment becomes larger. It has the appearance of chinking, but only due to the light and dark tones of the wood texture.

I have no experience with the software you are using, so this would be a shot in the dark: have you tried using an intermediary program, such as sketch-up? Try importing into sketch-up first, and see if the different formats it accepts are coming through as one solid piece, or in separate pieces. If you have access to 3dsMax, I would try that as well. You could also contact the company that makes your software and ask them if the software has the capability of exporting separate entities, or if all exports are made to be one object. Good luck!

Scott: If you are interested in an easy way to migrate your computer installation to a new (larger) SSD without having to reinstall Windows and all your applications, I would recommend the free software "Macrium Reflect". You can find it here: http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx I used this software to accomplish replacing my C:\ drive (SSD) with a larger one (128GB to 256GB), and also to save an image of my PC in case I need to restore it. It works like this: run the program and save an image (a snapshot) of your current C:\ drive. Save this to a different hard drive (not C:\) if possible - this can be an internal hard drive or an external hard drive. Create a boot disc (CD ROM or Blu-ray) with the Macrium Reflect software. Remove your 128GB SSD and set it aside. Install the new, larger SSD. Boot your computer with the rescue disc (it will load Windows PE so you can use the Macrium program). "Restore" your image to the new SSD from the drive where you saved your image file. Now your computer is restored to its previous condition, but on the larger hard drive. No need to reinstall Windows, applications, or change any settings back to how you like them - they are all there. Hope this helps! Rob

Agreed Perry, that is a shortcoming. I ended saving the .ico file in the Chief main folder so it's easier to find when I need to do a program update and reset the icon.

Similarly, I was hoping to experience faster speeds and haven't seen it yet. I upgraded my video card from a GTX660 to a GTX970 and so far have seen no noticeable difference either.

My pleasure - I love this forum. Just trying to give a little back when I can.

I always have trouble seeing the little "X8" in the corner of the icon to determine which one is the 32-bit and 64-bit version, so I created this icon to make it easier. I thought I would share in case anyone else is interested in using it. I uploaded a .jpg preview so you can see what it looks like before downloading. Rob CA X8 x64.zip

I think it's based on the property line because in the future if the neighbor decides to build closer to the shared property line, then there would be a fire separation issue if the structure isn't protected. It's all about keeping fires contained to properties, and the best way to do that is to base the regulation on the property line. Structures come and go.

I had to do this on a project in Minneapolis, we were less than five feet from the property line. Had to install fire-rated gyp board sheathing and soffit materials.

@WendyatArtform - You are 100% right! I am a total dork! I think my last post suffered from "I should have looked it up before I opened my big mouth." LOL. Thanks!

EDIT: Please disregard the comment below - I am 100% wrong and should have looked it up first! I use anno sets, and my only wish is that I would like the anno set to trigger a different "current CAD layer".

FWIW, I've experienced that behavior when opening an existing wall and changing the "Thickness" in the "Wall Specification" DBX. Chief creates another copy of the wall with the "_2" at the end, then "_3" and so on.

Can I get credit for the essay in the poster's class if I provide my own answer?

I made this one to use with the x64 version of CAX7. Looks like this: CA X7 x64.zip