Evolution

Joe, I know how to do that, the problem is, changing to the "ceiling cloud" then changes all the other rooms (essentially creating another ceiling below the drip ceiling I have already modeled for those particular rooms). I had previously set my default ceiling to 10' (which is actually the height of the fire rated hard ceiling nailed to the bottom of the floor "I"-joist above. Unless I misread something, once you set the default ceiling for the plan, you can change the individual room ceiling heights without affecting the others?

Correct Eric. In this case it's a rectangle equally spaced off all four walls. Allows the FR ceiling etc., to be exposed above (why she wants it I don't have a clue) and all exposed above to be painted flat black.

I read several posts that seemed might have the answer I need, however; the results I am getting aren't what I need. I finally got the last changes from the Client for the non-profit I've been working on and preparing Code Submittal drawings. The clients ID has suggested three different ceiling arrangements, in different rooms. When I set up the original ceiling height, default, I set the basic CH as 120". In an earlier post regarding modeling the lay-in ceiling Mark Mc and Steve Nestor helped me a lot. I did my dropped ceiling and have everything looking pretty good, but, the ID wants a ceiling cloud in the large office space at +/- 16" lower than the (fire rated) ceiling above it. Also wants a lowered ceiling in a couple of spaces ( I know how to do those by editing the ceiling structure height etc). My issue is when I changed the ceiling in the larger office, to a ceiling cloud, (using a room poly line, did a concentric move to bring it in, converted the Poly line to the ceiling grid T-mold. Check flat ceiling over this room. Did the ceiling material as the 2X2 tile). When I Did a full camera it almost looked perfect. However; when I did a full camera in some of the other rooms, the ceiling had changed in each of the rooms, not just the large office. I can do an undo and fix it, but I can't figure out how to do different ceilings in specific rooms without this happening again. Do I need to create a layer (for each room) and set different ceiling heights using those layers?

DJP I did what you suggested and that was the trick. However; I learned that the "Hover app" while it does a great job at mapping out the as built, when the .DWG file is imported into CA, it was quite skewed. I decided to import it as an SKP and that worked much better (although being a 3D symbol) it doesn't give me much to manipulate. I didn't have a surveyor's dwg file to import the plot plan so I used the PDF the client sent and traced over it. I input all the lengths and bearing information after resizing the PDF, then did a replicate, rotate so I can draw the project in on true 90-180 degree angles. I drew the basic foot print of the addition with cad lines. So I think I'm going in the right direction. Thanks for your help! PRELIM SITE PLAN.pdf

Trying to download a DWG file sent to me of a Hover 3D model. It defaults to X10. I went to windows>setting>default app settings> went down the list of apps to open files, found the .dwg file type, but the only available app to open it is X10. I have no option or choice to set the default app to X11. Any ideas?

I thought it was resolved but I need to download DWG file, and it keeps saving it as X10 file. I did go to Windows, apps, default apps to see if I could set the DWG file association with X11 but to my surprise X11 is not available as a default app for this file type? Any body know why?

I am about to start a new project that will be an (supposed to be detached) attached addition to an existing residence. I don't need the as built to be perfect in this case as the addition was supposed to be a stand alone (except the local ordinances limit the sq ft of a stand alone addition). However, if it is connected (via a breezeway or etc) then the sq ft is only limited by the lot size. The existing home is about 6K sq ft (two story) and I know it will take an act of congress for me to get the as built dims. So; out of curiosity I downloaded the "Hover App" to see if it would save some as built time. The app actually did a very good job of doing the 3D image. Has anyone attempted to use this app and if so how did you go about importing it into Chief? The Hover tech says with a membership I can down load the 3D model as a .dwg file. There are some details missing, like a few windows on the front elevation. But the add the windows I'd have to be able to open a floor plan view an add them. Would it be better to import a dxf. file

There are no canned cad details (as such) that you can use for most of the details for your particular plan. Using the "Cad from View tool" really works well. I save my CTV cad details in a blank plan so when I can reuse one of them I have them available. For what you are needing I'd think you could do them pretty quickly. P:S it would be helpful for others on the forum, if you would fill out your signature, include your software vs and computer / system for future instances which will help the pro's on the forum to jump in and help. Posting a plan file when you need specific answers for a specific plan also helps. Check this post out.

Thanks Graham! That did it.

Since upgrading to X11 months ago, every bonus catalogue I have down loaded defaults to X10 and I haven't found the key to changing that default apparently? I open X11, go to libraries, additional content on line, select the files, then select the X11 version but no matter my selection after the down load completes the message shows opening in X10. Where is the default setting to change these down loads to save in X11? If I select save as, go to program files select X11 the error messages states I don't have permission to save in this location. I definitely am tech-dumb, if someone would share the formula to fix this? I just attempted to down load the Bonus Materials Fabric / Wallpaper and selected open the file and it opens in X10 even though I selected X11. Do I need to delete X10 from my machine?

Minimum requirements for X11: https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-02761/chief-architect-minimum-system-requirements.html#X11

Dermot to the Rescue. Walls main layer turned off fixed it! +10 (but the forum won't allow it!) Thanks Dermot!

Not sure when it happened, I thought I had finished the prelim drawings for the Client to sign off on, and getting ready to send to layout noticed the wall def (showing the veneer layer) is missing? I went back several archived drawings and the def went missing several archives back. I've cleaned out the older ones, so I have nothing to go back further. What settings am I missing? Tools>edit> walls> Exterior Walls, opened the DBX and my ext walls are defined. Set to resize about main layer (would that make a difference in what shows in plan)?

The reason is the "Client" has spent time in Europe and fell in love with the French Country Look. The remodel it self is for the interior of the 2nd floor to move his offices to the second floor. No offense taken. I just try to accommodate the Client, give them what they ask for.

I haven't been working on this project the entire time (since my first post asking for help modeling the existing building). As time has permitted, and the Owner finally realizing if he wants the job done, he has to stop making so many changes! And, he has to meet with his board Sunday to get approval, so he finally gave me His last changes and request to add an ADA Chair lift to the rear exterior stair, which by the way I modeled on my own without asking for help. I've posted a photo of the existing rear elevation to compare with my final model. Going for a French Country make over on the exterior, without a lot of demolition. One thing I haven't figured out is changing the back drop, although I've read the Help file and thought I was doing it correctly, I went tools>edit>Camera> Full and Perspective over-view, I set it for a city scape (for now) and set it for 360 panorama, clicked done, then did the Full camera, and Perspective full over-view but the back drop didn't change?

I haven't updated yet, though I keep getting the message asking if I want to.

He took his sketch to a couple of LS / Nursery's here in the local area, and they gave him some "painful" pricing, and I think he realized he might save money to let them give him some design ideas. Take the pressure off me.

He wanted to develop it with some 3D views, so when he talks to the LS / Nursery, they can visualize areas that will require more top soil hauled in, etc. Plus the option of stepping stone paths etc. Yes a 2D plan would def be easier for me (since I'm inept and CA software, illiterate). For that purpose he cold just take his sketch and talk them through it, but I think he wants to see his idea too, before they do. I told him I'm still trying to finish one project (the client keeps changing) and starting to set up a plan template for another) and still do my day-time-full-time not enough hours in the day-job; so I need to keep it simple, but I hate to say no besides we've been friends a LLLLLOOOOON NNNNNGGGGG time!

Helping a friend plan a landscape (yard crashing) surprise for his parents 50th anniversary. The terrain around here is flat, and he wants to build four or five raised areas in their back yard, of elevations varying from 1' above existing grade to 2.5' or so (somewhat undulating) across 1 to 1 1/4 acre area. Pretty elaborate idea with trees, plants, shrubs, (herb garden for her) some sail shades etc. (The area is a nicely developed sub-division with larger homes). My task is to take his sketch and convert it to a landscape plan with the various (raised) planting beds. He wants to get a couple of local landscape / nursery's to price it. On my Orphanos project I attempted using Psolids, terrain walls, and a building exterior wall type. I won't go into all the issues I've had with all three of the options. Any of the poster's on the forum that have done a few LS's with raised beds of varying heights could you share your ideas of the best approach. I'll have a couple of areas with serpentine walls, but mostly the tops of the beds are for the most part level (at least that is the plan). They are going out of the country and he wants to get it done while they're away and surprise them!

Got the notice yesterday when I opened X11 for the first time, but didn't not update until we hear that it has been fixed

They appear to be X10.

Ben, the update is not automatic correct? We should get a message telling us we aren't using the most up-to-date version of CA, and not just auto install correct? That's the way past updates have been issued.

Sorry, Perry, I just saw this. It was an issue with missing texture files. During the process of waiting for the camera view to develop before the PDF printer and the error message wasn't showing up until I happened to notice the little blinking (literally) icon in the lower task bar. The textures went missing somewhere between the first crash and the last one? Since going back and fixing as much of the plan as I could, (redrawing what was missing) the print to PDF doesn't take but a few seconds now. I'll remember the suggestion if it happens again. I have no idea what caused X11 to crash my computer like it did, but it lock the machine up. I had to take it to a Comp shop near by and it seems to be fine now. Thanks

Good info!