ericepv

Sounds like a material properties issue (too much reflection) but hard to tell w/o seeing your settings.If you really want someone to help, post your plan.

Left click on your 'User Catalog' and from the drop-down that appears, new/3D symbol.

Here's a couple from my library that I found on 3DWarehouse...Gooseneck sign light fixture.skp Sconce-Barn Sconce 01.skp

Constant practice and experimentation is the key Jeffery. Keep learning about lighting and materials and you'll soon be producing terrific renderings. - Eric

I always try to keep the ambient light as low as possible (it tends to make a scene look flat) and use quality material images which have been 'massaged' to provide the best look (take some time to learn about material maps) and add plenty of strategically placed lighting. Also, keep your camera at eye level and don't tilt it downward. Take a look online for tips from professional photographers on how to properly compose a scene. There's no simple answer here, it's just a matter of learning how to manage lighting, material properties, camera placement, composition and 'dressing the scene'. There are several good videos on the knowledge base (which you may have already seen) which will educate you in the basics but beyond that, it's a matter of practice and experimentation to help you learn how each setting influences the look of your image.

Use the 'Adjust Material Definition' tool (Rainbow tool) to adjust the material properties for the ceiling.

Just from looking at the images I can think of a few issues I'd check: Light source is too intense, decrease the lumens Try adjusting the absolute elevation of the light source You're getting too much reflection from the ceiling, is is set to matte or general material?

Look here: Bonus Catalogs/Country Chic No 4/Lighting/Barn lights Also, here's a model I downloaded from 3D WarehouseSconce-Barn Sconce 01.skp

Here's a couple more... Drapes-Pleated on rod.skp curtain-15.3DS

I think applying a material region may be your best bet.

Sounds like you need to customize your toolbars. Here a a couple of Knowledge Base articles that should help: https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-00467/troubleshooting-missing-toolbars.html https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-00811/customizing-toolbars.html

Benny: Rather than using a Back Clipped Cross Section, have you considered trying a Cross Section/Elevation or a Wall Elevation instead? Both of these options will provide more detail. Eric

PM & email sent.

I'm a bit of a distance from Savannah (Rochester, NY), but I do work with clients all over North America. Give me a call if you'd like to review your project. - Eric

In the 'General' tab of DBX for your door, specify 'Percent Open" in the 'General' section.

I did one once using a railing.

Build / Cabinet / Shelf

If all you need to do is show a shelf, try using a soffit or a closed box shape sized to your needs.

I've done ray tracing for years but since X13, just PBR RT.

PM & email sent.

I have an RTX3060, works great.

Yes - Chief Bonus Catalogs / 3D Plants-Vases & Pots 2 / String of Pearls-Large

Ditto to what both David and Rene said. Importing your project to render in other software just adds one more layer of complexity which hardly seems worth it given the level of quality available from X13. Here's a kitchen I modeled and rendered n X13:

Ditto to that!

Very simple to do with the 'Reflect About' function https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-00284/using-the-reflect-about-object-tool.html