JKEdmo

Thanks DBC for quick input. Seems weird that you cannot get at a non-library symbol in order to re-use within a drawing. Do you think this feature would be a reasonable suggestion request? If so, I'll post. Good workaround. I'll try that. Jim

Good morning, A while ago, I created a railing type for a front porch that included a custom post symbol, called "COLUMN 1 - GUGGENHEIM", as part of the railing definition. I cannot find this post symbol in my library. Pretty sure when I built the symbol I did not add to my library and just kept it part of my PLAN file. I now want to place these columns separately / manually on the porch, so I just need the column itself... Question: How do I "insert (this) symbol?" Where is it? I assume it lives somewhere in the file and there should be a way to get at it. Hope I am explaining my predicament well. Thanks again, Jim

Yes, I seem to stay logged in on the forum. It's only happened for me exporting the model to the cloud viewer. Jim

Over the last month I've had to (re-) log in to my account several times when I go to export my model to the Chief 3D Viewer Cloud. I don't think I log out on purpose... Does anyone know how to stay permanently logged in, or has anyone had this same issue? Thanks again, Jim

That looks great! Just curious, but how long does it take to create something like this in Sketchup? For the split face modeling, did you add spheres to the block body? Jim

Debra, I think you could model one yourself using Chief tools: polylines / convert to 3D solid / boolean subtraction. Regular smooth face block is pretty easy. Just a 3D extrusion: To get a realistic split face requires a bit more work. Here is same extrusion but with outer block face jagged: It occurred to me you might want more true detail for the split face. I took the extrusion above then subtracted a similar copy from it that was rotated 90 degrees and placed right at the jagged face. The result shows a more complex surface. This example is crude, but I suppose the more time you spent on it the better it'd look. Jim

Great tip! Thanks, Jim

Thanks!

Thanks Tea Time for your input. Seems like there is room for improvement. Interesting tool though. Jim

Using space planning tool for 1st time and have a few questions: Can the "Room Box" objects be scheduled? For example to sum the areas? I notice the labeled dimensions of the room box don't accurately show the box polyline size. See below snapshot. It appears it's backing out a 4" wide wall.| Is this something that can be controlled or is it hard coded? Thanks again, Jim

Jon, if you have Autocad, you can use Express Tools "Arc Aligned" tool to create this kind of text. Or if you want, I can probably modify my stamp to match yours and send you the DWG, which you can import into Chief. Let me know. Jim

I'd like to thank everyone for the super helpful input! Happy new year to all. Jim

Scott, Thanks for the input. I appreciate it and signed up for the online course too. Jim

Thanks. I'll take a look at this tool. Jim

Thanks. Do you mean overlapping or stacked topo lines? Jim

Sure thing! See attached. KELLY - PROPOSED.zip

Good morning, I've been using the terrain tools more and more and enjoying them, but still run up against terrain blips / squiggles at abrupt grade changes. I suppose Chief is calculating grade and is freaking out a bit... Couple of questions: I understand Chief terrain is modeled realistically as a curved "drape" (for lack of a better term). But, is there a setting that simplifies the terrain model and treats it more as "folded planes" with sharp creases rather than complex curves? For my purposes, not having a complex curved terrain would be perfectly okay. If not, does anyone just skip the terrain tools and use 3D solids? I'd be interested if this is a passable technique. Thanks again, Jim

Done!

Interesting coincidence -- My PC "broke" a few weeks ago. It was still under warranty, so I sent it into the shop (NZXT). It was also the power supply. I hope to get the PC back next week. Fingers crossed. One thing I need to commend Chief on based on this experience: I found getting a fresh copy of Chief up and running on my temporary PC to be super easy and painless. Including switching the single user license to this PC. My other work is using Autocad Architecture, and reinstalling that is a royal PITA and to be avoided! Jim

I'm curious if we have any control of the arrow style of opening indicators. I searched but could not find. Would like the arrow to match my solid arrow leader style. Thanks once more. Jim

Thanks. Super helpful. I watched how escape cycles through different tools, and thought it was tripping out! Jim

Thanks! Very helpful. Jim

I feel like I should know this by now, but I don't. What's the difference between space bar and escape keys in Chief, if any? I find myself wanting to use the escape key a lot to "leave" a tool mode. Likely a habit from other programs... Thanks again, Jim

Brilliant! I had mulled sub-units which I did not de-mull. Time for a glass of mulled wine. Thanks again and taking the time. Jim

Thanks to everyone for the very responsive and detailed help. I will work through all this! P.S. I went to the grocery store and came back 1 hour later to all this good input. Really a helpful community. Jim