madcowscarnival

I'm sure by now OPs problem is solved, and thread is "dead", but for future lookups... I'll add a program to DJPs list, "IrfanView" for converting between image types. It is not an editor per se, it will trim, clip, etc images but no markup tools. It is a very lightweight program that starts as freeware or an inexpensive license for commercial license. It is more effective than MS Paint, less demanding costly than the Adobe products and very speedy. It will also convert PDF to other image formats (which I just discovered and successfully explored in posting this). It has been my favorite for quick screen capture->clip->save for a variety of projects (generally GIS mapping systems and their clunky export/virtual print processes).

I posted a plan with 3-d hollow text I imported from AutoCad at this link after trying to create lettering for a store front, will work for the glass at least. What I do not know if if the text could be rotated to fit "flat" to your awning. On the logo, in the same post, I believe AlaskanSon had also mentioned using Google Sketchup to create the text. I'm not at all familiar with sketchup, but if it can create text, maybe you could use it to create your logo then import to Chief from an imported jpeg..

Very succinct video. Thanks BrownTiger. I was unaware of the term gull-wing roof and hadn't thought to use the options in the wall dialog.

Solver, I can't find an option in the roof dialog that will allow me to specify a secondary pitch over the soffit only. I do know I could manually create roof planes on the perimeter. I have already had to start manually modifying roof (per your instructional video) so the option may be gone now. Temp00002.PDF

Does CA autobuild a roof with 12:12 pitch, but outside of the wall line it drops to 8:12 to the fascia? Attempting to recreate an architectural plan in CA to show two room additions and how they will tie in over all. It is not crucial, but more of a curiosity.

I've had some strange things happen due to the font used. In both AutoCAD to Chief and even other CAD to AutoCAD programs. We once had a PDF come in, could read the text on screen perfectly. When printed it turned into all emotes (maybe wingdings). Never solved that last one, made the clients bring in hard copies.

Another screen sizing trick for folks who use keyboard more than mouse (I'm from command line AutoCad). This is valid in Windows 7, I would assume it translates in Windows 10. Hold the Windows Key and press arrow up for maximizing screen where it is currently located. Right/Left will shift to half-screen or the next monitor in multi setup. Down will return to original size, then minimize on second press. I find this easier/more intuitive than the drag and hold/snaps from the mouse, especially on laptops.

When I first started using Chief, I modified the default layout title block to look roughly similar to mine. I've thought about it for a while, but would like to finally make them "match" as I still readily mix and match pages from CAD and Chief in a plan set. I took my default title block, set all lines to default width, same layer, same color and saved to a blank file. Imported that file into Chief on a drawing page, then cut/pasted into the layout view. Whoa. Not a good look, not sure what happened, lines have huge widths, some disappeared. Is there a guide I could go through, or has someone else done such a thing, short of fully recreating natively in Chief?

And now I'm already done due to file size. If you want to PM me your email, I can send the larger ones that way: "copper ridge", "cottage beach", "riverstone" Or some here: https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/samples.html#sample-plans

Well, Kbird responded while I was typing. I'll go ahead and post, mods please reprimand as necessary. albertson.zip

I have a couple of the sample plans I downloaded in 2015 after we purchased X6. If its copacetic with CA I could attach a couple here. Range in size from 20 - 40 MB.

I can't even begin to comprehend how a thing would be designed at all. However, all boiled down, the code addresses all those areas with established variables for the various scenarios. I just bring up that entity specifically because their building official, IIRC, was a contributor to the 2012 IRC and I'm unaware of any 3rd party software that accomplishes the analysis so specifically.

Joe and OP, Johnson County, Kansas has an excel spreadsheet that they created in-house which addresses the various requirements of BWP and adjustments for the 2012 IRC. It is very comprehensive and might incorporate well into your project. I can't post it as it was directly sent to me at request, but they seem to readily share it if you get in contact with them. Their building official has a genuine interest in making sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to code standards.

Dshall, you are very likely influencing the path she will take in the future, even if its just playing around for her. My Grandmother's father was an Engineer. As a young kid my Dad loved playing at his house, and took a great interest in what he was doing. That led my Father to Engineering, which I then followed, and hopefully my children as well. All because a grandfather humored a curious young child at work.

Mods, feel free to move or delete, was not sure where to place this, or if its proper to post. I've seen several questions about graphics cards recently. Newegg currently has an email promo on an MSI 1080 card for $430 (after $20 promo code and $20 MIR). Apparently a promo code can be entered only once from their email. Here is mine if anyone wants it: EMCXPYRV2. If you use it, maybe just say so on thread and I can ask mods to delete it. I upgraded earlier this year to a 1080ti and don't need this one. MSI seems to make a quality piece. I've had several mobos of theirs over the years.

Along with Doug's information above, with the Microsoft OneDrive, you can map that as a native drive to your computer. Though I know dropbox has some neat integration features, the mapped drive is the easiest for me. SyncToy, despite the childish name, is an excellent feature too. FYI a microsoft office subscription is not required for onedrive, just a microsoft account which is free to sign up on.

Here's a possibility. Edit a new exterior wall, swap the outer layer for Chief Architect Core Catalogs -> Materials -> Siding & Paneling ->Log ->Log 1, 2, 3, or 4 and make it the thickness of your logs, I used 2.5". Use the "8-13 half" and "8-13 full" details for the corners. Paint material to match. I experimented with it and it quickly modified one of my plans with a good"ish" appearance. Would have to do something different on window trim.

Eric, In all sincerity you exemplify everything that someone could want in an online forum. Thank you. That was an extremely helpful video. I watched then worked through the steps on my own. I didn't realize how powerful the roof edge join tool was, I've only used it in basic situations.

Wow, Eric, thank you very much. How did you handle that process? Modifying an auto-build or drawing main planes manually then cutting in the small planes. Its so much cleaner than anything I could create. I'm going to try and deconstruct in the AM and figure out how to do that myself. I'll also shoot an ortho of the rear view to them. Taking out the patio roof really changed the look of it, don't know if they've "seen" that yet.

I had to give up and send this back to the designer to change the roof plan. I really wanted to demonstrate to the designer and builder how quickly this could be mocked up in CA. The builder wants the covered patio roof removed, and that little modification mucks up a bunch of the roof lines in the back. I created the outline of the house and changed ceiling heights on rooms as needed. It also has 9:12 side pitch, 7:12 front to back. My attempt is in the .plan file. Some of the roof planes, even on 9:12 spec'd walls, auto-build at 7:12. The roof is a mess compared to the original designers. I'm pretty sure the designer just uses some manner of 2-D drawing program for his designs. He and the builder have had me model a couple for a "what would the interior look like" type question, this would really show off the programs ability. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. elevs.pdf roof layout.plan Roof Print.pdf

I think the fact you posted on this forum indicates which way you're leaning. As an AutoCad user with "some" experience in CA, CA is definitely the program I would recommend.

You should sign up for email alerts from NewEgg (online retailer) and MicroCenter (box store with online presence). Both frequently offer smoking deals on video cards. And definitely after new-gen models are released. I want to say the 1070ti in my sig was around $400 after a mail in rebate. FYI, if you're doing this yourself, which I recommend, make sure your case has enough room. I have a component and had to rearrange the innards to fit that absurdly large card in, some might not work in a manufacturer case..

@chief58, the old versions on my locker are gone as well, X6 license. However, the old computer that I have it active on still functions appropriately and seems to be an active license. Guess I will make sure not to deactivate it ever (not that the computer ever gets used).. I was actually surprised when I upgraded that they told me I would be free to use both licenses. Seems like they are cleaning up their license process.

Situation: I created several linetypes for a drawing on my home computer (just plain dashed lines with labels). On my office computer, I want to duplicate the linetype and modify for a new linetype. Though I can see the linetype in the drawing, it does not automatically populate library. I thought there might be a simple "add to library" button but cannot find where that might be. Is there a solution short of copying the linetypes from machine to machine? I do access drawings from a server, but loaded libraries on separate machines. Is it possible to point a User library to a different location (i.e. server) separately from the mfg, bonus, and core libraries?

Excellent source that 3D warehouse, thank you.