brinkbart

I have created three new sets of icons for Chief Architect's .PLAN, .LAYOUT, .CALIB, and .CALIBZ file formats. I think these will look especially good with Windows 8. (I don't have Win8). To change file-type icons in Windows7 and Windows8 you will need a third-party application (I recommend the free program FileTypesMan). The attached thumbnail shows what the icons look like in the various Windows 7 views. My favorite is the Full Color Hoizontal ones. Chief Icons 2014.zip

Are you saying CA uses a standard hatch pattern file format??? I think you may have pointed me in the right direction; many, many thanks!

I have posted a thread here: https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/index.php?/topic/86-new-ganged-switches-symbol/ where I suggested a new way of handling ganged swithces. Please visit the thread and voice your support! Thanks!

The program is trying to "gang" the switches. It doesn't do a great job of it, but I'm almost certain that's what's going on. I've actually gotten my own 2, 3, and 4 gang swtiches from the Sketchup Warehouse. The circuit connector tool doesn't exactly work with this approach, but I've always drawn my own connection arcs anyway. It's the only way I've found to get acceptable 2D and 3D results from the same switch object.

I've read before that the pattern files are just text files with coordinates. And that someone could, in theory, create custom patterns if they just knew the format to type in all the coordinates. Has CA ever released that information? A guide? A tutorial? Anything? I want a brick pattern like the one attached. I want it so badly that I'm willing to try this myself, but I have no idea where to start. Any help would be appreciated! Wouldn't it be great if Chief (or someone) could release a custom pattern maker??? Sometimes I wish I were a programmer. Sometimes.

As you know, the file icons for .layout and .plan files are annoyingly similar. I think in later versions (X4?) they may have tried to make it easier to distinguish between them, but you have to admit the icons are not great. For my use, I have made new icons for .layout, .plan, .calib, and .calibz files. it is VERY conspicuous which is which. It's easy to change file-type icons in WindowsXP, but to set them in Windows7, you will need a third-party application (I recommend the free program FileTypesMan). The attached thumbnail shows what the icons look like in the various Windows 7 views. Although I haven't tested it, these should absolutely work with Windows 8. ca_filetype_icons.zip

These doors are based roughly on the on the door manufacturer "Masonite". Each door in the library has two versions: simple and complex. The simple versions draw better in layout elevations, which I appreciate. The complex versions have more curves and details, which is great for renders and ray tracings. I just swap them in and out as needed. Each door also has "interior" and "exterior" materials. I did not set up stretch planes, but that would be easy enough if you needed sizes other than the ones I've provided. See thumbnails for more info. Enjoy! Entry_Doors.zip

In my travels I have come across (and made) several exterior shutters. They are listed below (and attached). I do not know how they will do in X6. Maybe if I ever upgrade, I can optimize them to be used from within the Window dialog box. Wood Shutter: I had seen a freebie a long time ago, but it didn't stretch well for me, and I found the lateral braces to be too big for my taste. So I made this one myself, and added stretch planes so that it stretches vertically without distorting the lats, and horizontally without distorting the spacing. Library size is 18"x48", but I typically stretch it to 18"x72" for my needs. Full-Height 2-Panel Shutter: I did not make this one (came from 3D Warehouse, I think), but I did convert it and set the stretch planes properly. Library size is 18"x80", and sometimes I shrink it down to 18"x72" for windows. You will have to change the stretch planes to get it work well at something smaller like 60"H or 48"H. Top-Hinge (Hurricane Shutter): This can be popular in Acadian or French Creole style homes, so I whipped one up myself in Sketchup. This one will probably only fit a 36"x72" window. Never had a need for a smaller one. It is an architectural block that will insert with a top height of about 90" to suit my standard window placement. Tinker as you wish. Louvered Shutter: Unfortunately this one will not stretch very well vertically due to a finite number of louvers. It can be used for a 48"H window, but I typically use it for louvered surrounds on back porches (see photo). It stretches horizontally just fine. Hope you can use these. Enjoy! shutters.zip

I have compiled a very large (though not complete) library of IKEA furniture and accessories. I have mostly converted them from 3D Warehouse. I did not create them, only compiled them. Link to .calibz: http://www.mediafire.com/?c20t1rtgl72kk67

I have taken some textures (mostly just the ones that I thought I would use on a regular basis), and converted them to CA materials complete with bump maps, colors and patterns. I spent a lot of time on it, actually, making sure the bump maps were the right intensity, the materials looked correct in Ray Trace view, etc. Wish I could have done more, but there really are just too many! I figured this is a good place to start. This is the link to the .CALIB file: http://www.mediafire.com/?1jgmxzod9t8e2yv Bricks • There are a combination of brick colors and textures from the Sketchup Textures website, as well as some of the more popular Acme bricks I created a while back. • Each brick material has a corresponding course for sills/lintels. Stucco • There are a few stucco textures both plain and with faux finishes; they "paint" nicely for endless color options. • The stucco materials have a slight dotted pattern in vector/elevation view. • Each stucco material also has a version without a pattern for curved moldings and arches. Roofing • I haven't come across many perfect roofing textures in my career, but the ones I've included are pretty true to life. • The roofing materials have a slight bump map applied to it, but you won't see much of a difference in Ray Trace views. • Each roofing material has a corresponding ridge cap material (it's the same texture, just a little squished and with a strip pattern for elevation views). Tiles • Great for floors, walls and back splashes, but they are not divided as such. • I matched the color/pattern of the tiles as best as I could for better elevation views. • Almost all of the tile materials have bump maps, some are shiny and some are matte. Carpet • CA already comes with great carpet options, so these are limited mostly to patterns/textures. My favorite is the "Geometric Tan" Flooring • Again, not much here because I haven't come across many super great ones. I really only use one repeatedly ("Brown Slim Plank"). See attached preview for examples of the exterior materials in Ray Trace view.

This is a white ceiling-mounted 20x30 return air grille. Of course, you could change the 3D Symbol settings to get it wall-mounted. Hope you like it! Note: I have posted the attic stair that also appears in the photo below, in a previous thread. return_air_20x30.zip

I have decided to post a few of my previous contributions from the old forum. Think it might add value to the new forum. This attic stair is 24x54, but has a molding around it that I could not seem to remove from the 2D block. It is painted in the color I typically use (however the door, molding, string, and pull-ball can be painted separately). Hope you like it! Note: I will also be uploading the return air grille shown in the photo. attic_access_24x54.zip