HumbleChief

+1

Here's an interesting thing I just learned about this technique. If you create a plot plan in a CAD detail you cannot convert it to a terrain perimeter as the video shows. If you want to create a terrain perimeter from your plot plan you must create everything in a plan file which goes a bit counter to Chief's advice of using a CAD detail for plot plans. Easy enough to do but it does switch up the techniques if you are used to using a CAD detail for your plot plan. I will probably just stick with the CAD detail method and create a pseudo Terrain region for 3D purposes.

Thanks Michael, That does control some aspects like decimal feet etc. but I couldn't where it controlled size.

I've been experimenting with a Chief facebook tutorial to create a site plan and can't seem to get the dims large enough to read. Where is the size controlled? See pic below?

I would actually prefer an experienced builder over an 'architect' on staff. I never liked building from an 'Architects' set of drawings. I'm putting 'quotes' around the word 'architect' because I've met many who have never driven a nail or cut a 2 x 4 and draw details that can't be built, or can't be built efficiently, and draw plans that don't match any real world construction. I would want them no where near the plans I want to actually build from. Builders like to build from my plans because I actually 'built' and I can draw a detail that really works in the field. Now all you 'Architects' out there don't get your panties in a bunch. I imagine there are a few good ones that actually know how a building goes together - maybe Chief could hire one of those.

Maybe this?

EDIT: I was actually confirming your theory Johhny and it was true in my early days of using Chief. When I first started using Chief I didn't understand ANY part of the paradigm or process that Chief employs. Nothing. I wanted to free hand shapes and get my designs from my head to paper as fast as possible and Chief literally made that impossible, with the way I was approaching it, versus the way Chief actually worked. So, so frustrating and I think if there were 3D tools that would have allowed those ideas to be created easier and more intuitively I would have been all over them and singing their praises. After learning Chief over many years I can now model ideas pretty quickly, using Chief's tools but it was a really painful learning curve because my brain wants to work much more free style than Chief allows. Like I posted above I don't use 3D stuff that much within Chief but I hope future versions help with your needs Johnny (and please keep requesting same) and maybe open up some possibilities I hadn't thought of.

Agreed there is lots to fix but the priority of those fixes will vary from person to person and that balancing act within Chief to change features is not an easy one. I've given up trying to change their list with my suggestions but instead of feeling defeated I feel pretty confident that they will improve the program in ways that will help my business. No doubt others will be very disappointed no matter which direction they choose to go.

Yes they are awful but I find I really need them very little in my work flow. I can clearly understand why you would want them improved (and so would I), coming from your background with Vectorworks but I just don't need them much in my day to day work with Chief. I'll need an occasional corbel, molding,bracket or symbol and I can use Chief to create those fast and easy using the tools as is. Took a while to figure them out (because of the awful mentioned above) and that's a huge downside in my book, but once understood - not so bad. I wonder how many people really need the tools to be improved, versus those who merely want them to be improved like myself?

Post the plan my brother

https://www.facebook.com/ChiefArchitect/?fref=nf

That's some power user creed right there - Nice!

That looks really good Graham and understand the challenges of creating that in Chief and yeah IMO a couple of changes in the way 3D objects are modified would go miles in making changes easier. I wonder if the issue remains where users are used to the tools in 'other software' and Chief, therefore, should be more like tools in that other software?

I'm curious Shane, Do you find a need for better 3D tools?

I think that's a great point Alan that directly addresses the OP's concerns. I just went to the 3D warehouse and got some killer furniture that I imported into SU then into Chief. If I did furniture design for a living I sure as heck wouldn't even consider Chief as the other tools out there are designed for and serve the purpose so much better.. There's an old saying, "The Master of life never recognizes he is the Master" Maybe there's a corollary, "The Power User never recognizes he is a Power User?"

I go back forth with the need for 3D modeling tools. On a very few occasions I want to model something and Chief's tools just barely cut it, if they can get it done at all and it's very frustrating. Most of the time I simply don't need them, which doesn't negate your request Kevin, nor the requests of others but I think Graham makes a good point. I think it also depends a little bit on what our background in CAD is. There is a Chief user who is very vocal about such 3D tools because the software he uses is based on 3D vector drawing and that's his go to method. Trying to get Chief to work in a way it doesn't can be frustrating. I use Chief with the methods it offers and find very little need for 3D drawing but like I said on those few occasions I need it I would like some more competent tools. Is 3D modeling tools the next new feature set for Chief? Is it on the top of their priority list? Impossible to say and part of me wants that new feature and another part of me wants them focus on improving existing Chief tools instead of adding new ones.

Lew, I'll let you have the last word and continue this argument with your self but there's nothing to reconcile. My post #52 simply calls you out on your post #42 that was completely uncalled for and used derogatory terms that are simply not true. It seems like you think you've been victimized, in your own mind, by the 'browbeaters' or some other unknown and unseen foe who places you at the end of their pointy stick. You don't have to feel that way but you choose to and your next comment will reflect that same attitude and I for one am tired of it. Why do you think there are 'browbeaters' on the forum? Where does that even come from? I get it and I think I understand but you can have this argument because I don't think you will change your attitude, as your next post will surely prove.

Lew, It's far from a gotcha game. It's simply asking you to show that your statements are true, which you can't because the examples you site simply don't exist. You may think they do, or you may think the tenor of some replies justifies your position but it's simply not the way this forum or its members operate. Your opinion is valuable but not when it's based on an interpretation that just doesn't match the reality of this forum. I suggest you give your responses a little more thought before hitting the send button. The OP has a point, but that's all. It's not a given that what they are suggesting is true but I am actually curious about the effect power users have on Chief's decision making, that's all, just curious. No need to accuse any users on this forum of "browbeating" or "insisting" that no changes be made. No need, and I think you should refrain.

Really?

Not sure exactly what you're asking for. Are you asking that changes be made to the program? Like the thousands (literally thousands) of requests for new features currently in their data base? Or like the hundreds of requests on the suggestions forum as if yours is the single, lone voice asking for new features? Are you asking that others try different software to see what's out there? Ignoring the hundreds of threads referring to same? Do you think some users are 'ingrained in the way things are done in Chief" and don't want to see improvements and new features added? Have you logged your requests and discussed them on the suggestion forum? Have you searched the forums to become better informed about the nature of Chief and the many topics covered over many years on these forums? We all want to see new features added. We all want to see Chief improved and that includes the programmers and the many hard working people at Chief. It will never happen at the pace we each want and it will never happen in the form we each want but it will happen. In the meantime the question remains the same. "Is Chief the best software for my business?" If so I suggest you do your best, like the rest of us, to let Chief know how you want it to change for the future. The suggestions forum is the best place for that.

+1

Agreed, and a very well thought out post. I've been using Chief for about 15 years and every year the software gets worse, the money they charge has always been unfair, and I am moving out of my house in to a tent because Chief has taken all my money and that's all I can afford. By the time Chief X10 comes along Chief will probably cause me to die of a heart attack, if I can afford it. Dam those Dollars, those Dollar Bills.

I'm curious about the 'Virtual Reality' part of the tool. Does it meet the common criteria?

Of course Dermot - Thanks

Thanks VERY much for the hands on review Stephen, gives me a great context for real world usefulness for the app. It does seem like a large format mobile device is an integral part of the tool but sounds like you put it to very good and valuable use.