Planstech

I guess I could download the latest trial version, but I figured there is probably a full list out there.

I think it's X1 I know... I'm way back there. I started back in 9.0 . Is there a complete list of all of Chief's current layer names, colors, line type and weight?

This is the most recent thread I could find on layer naming. . I was curious if the newer versions of chief changed their layer naming again. . It's very frustrating opening my older X-Version .plans with later versions because they totally revamped their layer naming conventions. When I export to AutoCAD, I now end up with two wall layers. One named something like Walls_Normal and one named Normal_Walls. I think the same is with many layers where we end up with duplicates. I actually think their renaming to have Walls_ first makes more sense than having Normal_ first. And I'm currently using their layer naming in my AutoCad drawings for simplicity and consistency. . I'm thinking before I open an older project with a newer version of Chief that I'll first rename the layers to be the currently used. . Anyway.... I'm trying to find a master list of all of Chiefs current X-Version layer naming.

I will stop using Master Bedroom just because.... https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/master In some cultures, a Master/Slave relationship was an Employer/Employee relationship. Some who have researched it concluded the Master Bedroom didn't start getting called the Master Bedroom until around 1926.

Wait! What about the term 'Chief'?

Will Chief make a change in X16?

This has become a topic where I work. I think it's more of a term like a master set of drawings. But I guess when naming a bedroom it may have some unfavorable connotation. . This article I thought was balanced: https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/fun-at-home/a1087/master-bedroom-politically-incorrect/

That last post is a good point. Along with the fact that it may be very small as far as zoom locations in AutoCad. I go into layers in AutoCad and sort by color and change all the dark colors (I think 18) to yellow so it pops out at me. Something I've tried for awhile is to use a while background in AutoCad. That way all the chief layers colors show up the same.

Thanks All, I'll probably run the trial for X15 and see how it feels. I pretty much prepare nothing but architectural drawings for single family homes - no landscaping or virtual walkthroughs. I'd be interested to see how much X15 will speed up or simplify the work I have been happily doing in X2/X4. I should mention that I'm getting older and learning new things is more difficult than when I first got into designing. That's why I think I have already answered my own question regarding Revit. I mean, $65 per month for Revit Lt seems like a huge savings, but I'm guessing it'll easily take hours upon hours to get proficient in Revit. From my just playing with the trial I see it as complex. Chief may have restraints compared to Revit, but with Chief you can literally open it up and it's pretty obvious how to get going without even watching the training videos. I could see if I was looking to get hired at a firm to use the industy standard, but for producing an architectural plan set, Chief gets you there with little effort.

Not presently. But I may need to get back in the industry. Just trying to figure out if I should stay with my Chief X4, or upgrade to X15, or move to Revit. I'm leaning towards staying with X4.

That actually helps a lot. I'm too old to go get a job with a firm. Framer for 15 years. Then designed for 15 years. 100% Acad until around the time 9.0 came out. I upgraded every time and ended up stopping at X4 when I got hired as a Plans Examiner. I'm just preparing for supplementing my retirement. . I'm trying Revit LT now, and first thing I notice is it's going to take some learning. Chief is pretty much open and start using it and you can figure out things along the way.. . I guess my better question now is; How much is paying $200 a month for the latest CA going to do for someone just designing typical residential projects? And for sending out for engineering I just export to AutoCad. I've tried reading the new features for each progressive release, but I don't see how it'll make that big of a difference for me. . I guess after my trial for Revit LT expires I'll download a trial of the latest Chief and see if it'll be worth it. . I did find this thread interesting. In that it's in an Autodesk forum and they're saying about the same thing. Saying good things about Chief. https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-architecture-forum/revit-vs-chief-architect/td-p/2431801#:~:text=Cheif Architect is capable of,great platforms for home design.

You being primarily a Revit and Acad user, what's your take on Chief? I'm still on Acad 2002 and Chief X4. Just trying to figure out which route to move forward with.

I very well may be asking this from many chief users. How long did you spend with Revit? I'm still back at Chief X4, but now I'm at a crossroad. Should I push forward by going to the CA $200 a month subscription, or go with Revit LT for $65 a month?