Rpadge

In a situation like this, I don't use the dormer tool. Just build it using the regular wall and roof tools

I'm in Marietta Charles, let me know if you would like to chat about your project.

I started with Datacad in the 90s (Version 3.6e), its a great program for 2d work, and I liked having the ability to get the final output to look exactly the way I wanted, but a few years ago I began feeling more and more pressure to adopt a BIM type program with full 3D capabilities, estimating, etc. I tried a few different software programs (Archicad, Softplan, Revit) but ended up with CA, it just seemed to work the way my brain could understand. The conversion process was one of my concerns, previously I had tried taking a gradual approach, but found that if I got frustrated, it was too easy to just go back and draw the plan up in DataCad, so I picked a date (Jan 1, 2018) and never looked back. I watched all the training videos I could find, and did a few practice plans ahead of time, but I was pleased with how the transition went.

While it is possible to learn it that way, it would not be a bad idea to invest in some training, CA has some classes (they also offer one-on-one training). Initially, I took a class form CA when they came to Atlanta, I think it was 2 days of training. There are also several private individuals that offer training. Later on I took a class with Dan Bauman which offered a little different perspective, and was very helpful. And of course there is an annual Users Group Meeting which is at the end of August. Its a great way to get training, meet other users, and network.

As far as information that you can put on the plans, it would be far easier to detail out a set of construction documents than with DataCad. I can produce a set of plans in far less time, that is more accurate, and offers more features, in half the time. There are a couple of users that have taken it to the next level, I would suggest looking at some of the plans from Joey Martin ( I believe he won the best construction documents category in one of the AIBD conferences), also CA user Rene Rabbit has a lot of tools he markets that may be of interest to you.

DataCad is a good program and has its niche, but if you want 3D capabilities, smart building tools, etc, I think CA is a great option, and I think you will be pleased with the results.

Heres one way to do what you want. 

You just had a couple of areas with polylines that didnt close. Try this.

bracket.plan

bracket.plan

Pretty sure you can stack mouldings. Place your trim profiles in a cad detail, group select them, and then there is an option to save in the library as a stacked moulding (in the toolbar)

In your case, it looks like you may want to use a crown moulding instead. You can create your own to match the shape shown. A shadow board would actually be up on the fascia (which does not appear to me to be what you want).

You can find laptops under $1,000 with a 3070 graphics card, which will handle PBRT. Probably can find desktops for even less. Personally, I figure on a new computer every 3 years or so, its a cost of doing business.

Did you make the cove trim as part of the sill (in the dbx?) or just dd it as a moulding using the build trim tool?

I think for it to work as the default you need to use the sill option in the dbx. As an alternative, I think you could add the window to your library with all the trim on it like you are doing.

Hi Vicki, hope you are doing well. If you are comfortable opening up your computer, you can try removing the card, dusting it off and reinstalling it. Sometimes, the card isn't seated well in the slot, I had a similar issue several years ago and this helped. It could also be an underpowered power supply? Its certainly worth a try.

Hi Debra, I think I have seen this before. Have you tried adjusting the ceiling height of the porch? Maybe lower it a couple of inches?

I dont think you should have the concrete foundation walls marked as furred. Change those and your rooms should come back. For the lines, theres a layer called "Walls, through wall lines" that you can turn off.

Posting your plan would eliminate a lot of guesswork, but you might check that the walls are at the default bottom and height. Not sure about your version, but with X14 you select the wall, open its dialog box and then click the structure tab. At the top are the boxes for default height.

Also, I believe some fonts scale slightly differently, it will probably take some trial and error to get it the way you want

nice

I don't develop super accurate 3d models for my business, the models are reasonably accurate for my purposes (creating working drawings), but I do offer the material takeoff to my builders with a disclaimer, that they understand it is not 100%. They use it as a double check for their own (and their subs) takeoffs. So I do offer it as another benefit of my services, but I do not support it, or charge for it. I don't offer it to the homeowner clients, I think its just asking for a problem.

There's some good info on the CA website. I believe you can look at the material list in a couple of different ways, one of these may give you what you want, 

https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/category/59/materials-list.html

Also, there is a good chance Apple will be releasing a 16” IPad in the next year or so. That would be a perfect platform, (imho).

I’m using an IPad with an app called Morpholio Trace. It has been a game changer for me. I’ll attach some examples.

I never use them

@solver Can you post your version of the plan so we can see how you fixed it?

hmm I tried that, but it doesnt work, it looks like you need a finish layer to cut.

I think you could use a wall material region and have it cut the surface?

It was cheaper for me to get a new laptop with a 3070 graphics card. Handles the X13 features just fine, and it allows me to take my computer to client meetings, job measure visits, etc. 

the latest Nvidia drivers fixed my issue