Michael_Gia

I think the simplest way is to draw a line between the two points you want to dimension. Then the dimension tool will easily snap to the end points of that line. The advantage of this approach is that you can see and adjust that line to make sure it’s where you want it, before dimensioning.

Download and use Twinmotion

Printers always ask for 300dpi which for us is actually 300ppi (pixels per inch). This gives a resolution that nobody even with 20/20 vision will be able to detect any pixelation. Now you have to do the math, but you first need to know how large the image you are sending will be printed, or displayed on a screen at. When it will only be displayed on a screen then you need to think about how much the end user will be zooming in to examin the image. So, keeping the 300 ppi in mind do the math of how large of an image you have to send so that when the image is stretched on to a sheet of paper or when the image is zoomed in on a computer screen, the resulting image will still have at least 300ppi for a monitor or 300dpi for printed paper. But, how can anyone calculate the ppi per image size, ie the density of pixels on a monitor if you don’t know what the resolution of your clients monitor is? (to further complicate things). You could play it safe and just send over a ridiculously large image with an insanely high ppi to make sure that no matter how much an image is stretched it will still retain a minimum of 300dpi or ppi but that would be irresponsible because your files would be insanely large for no reason. So, you have to do the math to send over the minimal file size for the production you want. When you print a pdf with Chief and chose 300dpi then Chief will print a pdf with 300dpi given the size paper you selected and the math will be done for you as long as the image contains only vectors but if there are raster images then those image may be stretched to a point where you lose the 300ppi threshold. So, we’re back to math again. There’s no way of escaping it. TL:DR…. Nobody, absolutely nobody ever does the math. Although you can look up videos on YouTube and learn but I don’t suggest you do that. The best way is to print to pdf at whatever size paper you think is appropriate. I use tabloid size. Then open the pdf and zoom to the “actual size” (command 0 on a Mac) so that the image on your screen is to scale. If you are happy with the quality but the file is still a little large then maybe try reducing the pixel density and do the experiment again until the file size is manageable and the image quality is to your liking. This procedure works because the resolution on today's monitors are quite high, so if it looks good on screen at scale then it will definitely print well.

I think all carpenters should do a compulsory 30 days training as an apprentice for a mechanic in a garage. That’s where you learn the concept of putting back tools in their proper place.

How realistic is this in our lifetime? Would be amazing.

Chief’s “export to 3D Viewer” is the closest we have to BimX. If you save enough plan views in there along with some notes then it approaches albeit in a limited way the BimX feature in AC. As for the separate layout file approach of Chief, it’s cumbersome but you are still able to reference plans and reference sets from multiple plans in the same layout. I realize AC does the same but doesn’t require you to keep a separate layout file but you won’t find anyone on this forum to even understand that concept let alone make a request for with Chief.

I guess nobody reads the tagline?… ”Share your favorite tried and true methods for solving custom problems using Chief Architect.”

It would be nice to have a double line tool for these kinds of things.

By working in a set scale in plan view at the outset. No danger. Don’t be afraid.

Which also doesn’t make sense. I mean, don’t you simply want to know what height your text will be when outputted to whatever pdf or print? Shouldn’t we just be designating 1/8” or 1/4” and then let the software do the math automatically and make sure that that is indeed the height of our text regardless of scale? why so complicated?

Are you guys not required to have a centre garage pit for drainage?

Chief should eventually develop a curtain wall tool. Parametric.

We had sneak peeks of X13 last May. Beginning of May, I think. So, you might have to wait a couple more weeks. If I think back it seems that the even numbered releases were more stable but underwhelming in new features.

Maybe oversimplifying but this is all you need…

What passes are you talking about? I don’t have a card to perform RTRT but it sounds like you are referring to a RayTrace. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Floor too shiny and counter not shiny enough. Otherwise, bravo.

What year is this?…

By going to Chief Architect website and entering in "stepped wall foundations" in the search bar... https://www.chiefarchitect.com/videos/watch/402/stepped-foundation.html?playlist=88

I think for driveways like this, another approach is needed. Use a terrain feature to cut a hole out for the space occupied by the driveway. Then, use a combination of ramps and solid tools to precisely create your sloping driveway. Your textures and fills will also behave as expected (which is actually the least of your problems based on the image) This will give you better information in a cross section for you to relate to the guys who will be doing the work.

Ah yes, the old section and elevation view blues. At this point someone should just write a song. …and it’s getting worse with each version.

Something looks a lot more wrong than just wall connection issue. Post the plan so someone smart can help. I’m also curious about your suggestion regarding putting all layers on main layer. Can’t be a good idea. But if it is then I’d like to know as well.

I’ll do it for 1.4M but hire Rob to do the work

Make 2 walls? One just for your 3” brick veneer which you could split into a pony wall showing your brick below and your siding above? Sounds scary but it does work. Just make sure your outer wall is “no room definition”.

Not sure exactly what you’re after, but do you know that you can create shapes with a polyline then convert those shapes into either roads or sidewalks and then use the union, intersection and subtraction tools to pretty much make and join anything you want out of your roads and sidewalks? Also try breaking your sidewalk at a point and then use the alternate behaviour, ctrl + click or right click and drag the end of your sidewalks to create the curve you want. I find it easier to make the intricate parts with polylines and then convert them to roads or sidewalks, and then join them with the main, “easier” sections of your roads etc…

Do yourself a favour and seek out some coaching from guys on this forum. You’d be surprised at how much you can learn in just a one hour session, especially if you’re focussing on something like rendering tips.