Evolution

When you open X11 (if you haven't already updated) you should get the usual message about a newer version (update of X11), at least I did. If not go to your digital locker and go from there.

I always save these types of images as a material and then do what David James said. A menu will open for you to search for the file, and you can load it from there. In case you're not familiar with the how to, check out this KB: https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-00767/creating-a-new-material.html

Check this help file out : https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-00170/using-cad-to-walls-from-an-imported-dwg-dxf.html

So, Mick, are we supposed to get a message (after we update the catalogues) telling us update complete? I updated and afterwards checked a couple of catalogues I know there have been changes in, but it doesn't appear to have changed. (EDIT) 2 hours later (I don't know why it took that long probably all the content) I had a message pop up showing all the catalogues that had been updated.

Mick, funny thing though, it only happens occasionally not every time I have opened a .plan file directly from the forum, and I haven't been doing anything special with any of them when I receive the message asking what I want to do I usually just select open (instead of saving as to my desk top). And it only started happening since X11 for me. Since tech support couldn't duplicate it and suggested I try opening with a different browser I took their suggestion for any file that gives me the same error message.

Steve, I was opening another plan today from the Forum and bang same error message. But this time I closed it, then clicked on the plan file, and when I went to open the plan file and the program asked if I wanted to open or save it, I saved it to my computer, then opened it in chief and this time I didn't get the error message.

This sounds like a post you need to move over to Seeking Services.

So, Joe: I have a potential client (not made their mind up) but I'm not drawing yet until they decide if they are going one story w/basement or two-story w/basement. But either way, when I do start the drawing, I should start the ground level (their 1st floor) on level 2 of the drawing? Basement would then be level 1, and level 0 is foundation, correct?

CA X11 premier should work just fine for your needs. CA has a lot of very useful tools for that.

Brian, did you set up your ceiling height for the first floor of 108" by "Edit>Default Settings>Floor 1 Defaults" or did you do it room by room.

Michael, I'm a long ways from being an expert or knowing exactly what to do, but what I did do was change the width of your fascia board to 7 1/4". It seem to fix the gap ok, and I didn't see any negative reaction. See if that is what you are looking for. I was trying to save the plan and send it back to you but not sure why I can't?

Justin, you will need to do a Poly line solid after you build the parapet condition you want. The help video is for building a parapet using poly solid, and although it doesn't address your particular need it does give great info on how to use the tools, so you should be able to apply the principal to achieve what you're after. I used Poly line solids to build a special size parapet on three walls of a single sloped roof I had on a project. Worked ok. There might be other ways, I don't know. www.chiefarchitect.com/videos/watch/1531/creating-parapet-walls-using-polyline-solids.html Give it a try and see if this works for you.

Eric, only if anyone encounters the error message while attempting to open a poster's attached file. This is what Tech support's final response was, and it did work. I used google chrome (which is not my native browser) to open Steve's (the OP of the roof fix question on the forum) after attempting to open his file, with my web browser I've always used; and it did work. But, I've only had this issue on a hand full of plan.files I was trying to open to see If I could offer assistance to a poster.

If you attempt to open a plan file by any user on the Chief Talk forum, and get an error message like the one in my attached screen shot, try opening it with a different web browser. While I haven't had this issue every time, it has happened to me on different occasions. Tech support advised to open the plan in a different web browser and so far it has worked every time.

Steve, tech support worked on the issue I had with opening your original plan file and Greg's fix plan file (you couldn't open it either) and they couldn't duplicate the same error. They advised me to attempt to open the plan file with a different browser, which I did, and it opened fine with no error message. I assume you were finally able to open Greg's plan file?

Do a search on ray trace. Take a look at this thread: Keep in mind Ray Tracing requires patience. Going back a forth, adjusting Sunlight, Backdrop, materials and light sources, Standard PBR requires a lot less work.

So, did the powers that be; give you (others) a clue as to why they're ditching CA and opting for Sofplan? As with any similar (to Chief) software, (based on looking at previous demos and reading their user comments on SP forums) some user interface have the appearance of possibly being more user friendly (they offer that the SP 2020 has a shorter - simpler) learning curve? I looked for ( their SP vs other software) comparisons. http://softplan.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2262-softplan-vs-chief-architect-comparison/ One of the SP users stated what sold him was "the material list" of course he does mostly take off and estimating for a retailer. Another said "The main difference to me is that while CA produces awesome 3D renderings the plan portion of the software is lacking. SoftPlan is getting much better in the 3D rendering game but I am able to produce much better looking working set of drawings. This statement of course could have to do more with user proficiency vs. software capabilities? But: I don't make my living (at least at the moment) with CA, so I've really have no desire to change and learn (ever so simple a learning curve as it might be) a new software (and of course ) keeping in mind the cost differences. I'm planning on staying with Chief Architect.

Michael I'm running the latest update of X11. When I open X11 each time (if I receive the notification of an update) I stop and immediately load the update. When I open X11 down in the menu I see I'm currently running 21.1.1.2 as well. I've had the error message appear in a few cases (not all) opening plans from various forum users, and didn't know if it was somehow related to the version of the software they were using or I was? I sent it as a ticket over to support. When I checked the KB it basically stated there is no information on what caused it?

Greg, did you use X10 to work on Steve's roof plan? I attempted to open it (I have X11 loaded) and got the error message I posted. I was going to send it in but thought it might just be because he's using X10 (?) Usually, when I attempt to open an older file I don't get an error message like this. I may send it to tech support anyway, since I've gotten the same message when trying to open some other plans on the forum.

Did you get this error message? I tried to open the file and get this. Doesn't happen in every case, but your file and wolfrem68's?

Is this what you want? https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-00009 https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-00285/restoring-the-living-area-label.html

Renting CA X11 will be a great way to move forward and also learn the software at the same time, I rented until I had paid for it and SSA and am so glad I did. Also, check into David Michaels "ChiefTutor.com" he has a lot of great stuff and help videos that are free to view. He also offers the option to become a subscriber. Another excellent source is https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=chief+architect+on+you+tube&qpvt=chief+architect+on+you+tube&FORM=VDRE these offer CA tutorials via you tube. And last but definitely not least if you have access to X11 then you have access to the User Manual. In addition is the Knowledge Base and Training videos by CA, you can use while you are using the software. The basic costs there will be investing the time to learn.

Go to your profile and select it, in the drop down that appears select account settings, then another menu will open (most likely on the lower left of your screen, go down to signature and select-fill it out there, then be sure to select make public.

Nice video Mark...… and you made it look easy! I'm definitely saving this one!

Great Video Mark...…. and you made it look easy. I'm saving this one, for sure!