SteveNovato

I have had this issue twice in one month. I believe both have occurred basically under the same circumstances, and both using X12. I have a layout and plan file open. As I try to print to pdf (in Chief) I get 20-ish notifications that the items in layout can not be located. After 'clicking' all of these I find that the layout is intact, except for all of the referenced views that have disappeared. The plan file still has the same name. Instead of the usual 12,000 kb file, it is 198 kb and is empty. I try all layers on, center plan, etc., Nothing. The second time was much easier to grab the last saved file and re-link all of the views to the layout. The first time it happened all I did was learn a few new @%$!! words. Has anyone had an issue similar to mine? As always, I figured it was user error. Now I do not think that is the case. I do check the recycle bin and the original file is not there. Is there a button or command that can make the file stay, but delete everything in the file? I have done this same scenario a hundred times and everything works as expected. I can't attach the empty file as I had to save the backup to the original name so all the views would still be tied to the layout. Thanks for any help...and listening to me vent! Steve

The first time I ran across this requirement I was stumped. I found an electrical load calculation worksheet online, and I believe I copied it to Excel so it would look a bit cleaner. I took a guess and listed circuit breakers (branch circuits) for each of the 110V legs entering the house. I always list a disclaimer to 'allow changes to fit actual job conditions'. This method has made even the pickiest plan checkers happy! As a residential contractor for 3 decades, I am already familiar with what a residential electrical system requires. I would never try this on a commercial job... It is quite a waste of time because 1) The building inspectors have never referred to this schedule on the job site, and 2) A knowledgeable electrician will plan his or her own layout, and also not refer to an arbitrary and unnecessary bit of info on the plans. It does satisfy a 'check box' in the plan check stage and everyone is happy! Page 5 2436.layout Page 5 Elec.pdf

Done! Thanks to all for the guidance. Cut Line.pdf Cut Line.pdf

Thank you for the great suggestions! I can picture the steps in my mind...I will work on implementing them on paper.

Thanks Chopsaw. I will start with your suggestions.

Does anyone know if Chief can replicate the 'cut line' in the attached elevation view...it shows that the railing is present, but removes a portion to see the details of the house. I am using X12. Thanks in advance, Steve

That is an excellent idea Joe. I thought a 27" monitor would be enough but sometimes I feel like it is a postage stamp!

Yes. That has worked for years. Just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing a feature in Chief. Maybe I can add 100% layout viewing to the CA wish list! It may be my inexperience, but it would be a real time-saver.

Is there a way to view a layout page in CA as it will be printed? I can zoom in or out, fill the screen, but I can't seem to view anything in layout at 100%. I would like to see an accurate view of the finished sheet to check print size, etc. to be sure everything on the sheet is readable and looks good before sending it to be printed. Currently I print the file to pdf, then view it at 100% in Adobe Reader. Though it is a few extra steps, I have done this for years. This method works, but I have found that Chief is much smarter than I am, so I thought there might be an easier way! I am currently using X12 beta but I have had the same issue since X9. I will kick myself if anyone has a simple solution that I have been missing for years. Thanks, Steve