Alaskan_Son

FWIW, here are 2 methods that I find to be helpful for converting DWG files like this one. Option #1: Use the 2D version and trace. Import the 2D version of the DWG into Chief, group select all CAD blocks (usually using the Match Properties tool and explode them. Sometimes this needs to be done multiple times. Once I have the blocks all exploded, I usually group select all the linework, change the color to something like a light gray, and then I put all the linework onto a locked layer. I then figure out the wall definitions and set the Resize About setting in my General Wall Defaults to the appropriate setting so that I can simply trace the CAD work with my new walls. Then trace other elements in a similar manner. Option #2: Use the 3D version and trace. Import the 3D version of the DWG into Chief and rotate the resulting symbol onto its side. Take an elevation view that cuts through your walls, windows, doors, etc. Create a CAD Detail From View of that elevation view, Select All, Copy, and then Paste Hold Position that linework back into your plan view. You can do this multiple times using multiple cut planes. Once you get the linework you need, simply trace it using the same steps outlines in Option #1. NOTE: You may find it helpful to slide the symbol off to the side along the X axis so that your Paste Hold Position operation doesn't place the new linework right on top of your symbol.

You can always Display Grid Lines and add the headers manually, OR, there are a whole slew of other options as well that could bring in the headers more automatically. For example, Export Material List as HTML, open that file, Select All (Control+A) and then paste that into Chief (either as Rich Text or into a standard text box). The PDF is a decent option, but I personally don't like using PDFs or images when there's an option for actual text. For what it's worth, its also not difficult at all to get the multicolor rows by using a box with a semi transparent fill along with the multiple copy tool.

Group select cells, copy, and paste.

I do a lot of one room stuff myself, and I've just modified my habits over the years to draw adjacent rooms right from the get go most of the time. It typically only takes a matter of minutes and it adds quite a bit, not only to the realism, but also to the accuracy of the scene. With the adjacent areas drawn in, you're much less likely to miss some of those extra dynamics that come into play with regard to those neighboring areas.

That’s what I mean. You don’t have to delete them at all if you simply repurpose them instead right?

Silly question perhaps, but why not just rename/redefine the old layer instead of creating the new one?

Looks like a bug to me. Your problem is that your walls are aligning at the Inner Surface when you really need them to align at either your Main Layer Inside, Main Layer Outside, or Outer Surface. If you try to change that setting though, it keeps reverting.

I can create custom hatch patterns. The cost varies a bit according to complexity, but is pretty reasonable. Just shoot me an email if you would like to discuss further. Include an example of the pattern you're looking to mimic along with sizing parameters.

Try to go into File>Print>Drawing Sheet Setup and change the drawing scale to 1/4" = 1ft. Not sure if there's a reason it was changed to 8ft. or not, but I suspect that's what caused the problem.

The material thing can be handled by utilizing a custom macro along with a more sophisticated material naming scheme. Shoot me an email if you’re interested in discussing further and we can take it from there.

What program are you using to assign those materials before importing into Chief? It sounds to me like you may need to be using a different export option in your other program. Also, note that not all 3D symbol file types carry materials over with them, and some will allow several different materials but they all import as porcelain. This is true of DXF and DWG. In order to change the individual materials from porcelain you need to do so using the material tab or by using the material painter in component mode. STL files on the other hand will only import with a single material component.

Okay, if you’re talking about a reflected ceiling plan than I would follow up with a quest-gestion (or a sug-question). What do you have in your plan that would display in a 3D camera view but not in a 2D plan view? I think the answer to your problem may lie in the answer to that question.

You'll probably need to clarify what exactly your client wants to show their framer. If the client is looking to show the general shape then I should think a simple cross section and/or a 3D view should do the trick. If your client is looking for specific framing details though, then I think you'll need to actually add some elements to the model or at least draw them up in a CAD detail.

This is totally possible and its actually how Chief already works...sort of. Chief will already sort a schedule alphabetically and semi numerically according to the first variable column in the schedule. You can reset the order by moving the desired column to the left, cut/paste hold position to get the schedule to re-order, and then move the column back to wherever you wanted it. Numbers are a little tricky though in that they actually sort alphabetically (I won't get into that right now). In order to get a truly numerical hierarchy, you need to use a custom macro in a custom column and then either have that macro report differently in different layer sets, or mask the extra column, or change the macro after the fact. Maybe you can figure it out from there. If not, shoot me an email and we can discuss my providing yo with a little paid assistance.

You can also just select your roof plane, click Polyline Intersection, and then select that polyline you already have drawn. P.S. You might need to convert any arcs to polylines to get your fascia to properly generate.

Sorry, this is simply not true. Cabinet Door/Drawer symbols will not, Door symbols will not, Geometric Shapes will not, Hardware symbols will not, Millwork symbols will not, Molding symbols will not, and Sprinkler symbols will not. Note that a few of the above will report to a schedule when included as accessory parts of a parent object, but for all intents and purposes, less than half of the symbol types will report to a schedule like what you're looking for.

That's only true if your sole purpose for creating a symbol is to add it to a schedule. There are plenty of other reason to use symbols though.

There is no Geometric Shape schedule so you need to use a different schedule type. This means you have to either use a different Symbol Category (one that has a schedule) or you need to block your symbol after you create it, open the block, check Treat as One Object, and select the desired object type under Include In Schedule.

This is a tough question to answer because it really just comes down to an accurate model. Model all the correct parts and you should get what you need. It might help if you were to expand upon exactly where you're having trouble. It looks to me like all you really need is a floor or ceiling definition with no ceiling finish and some properly sized and painted joists (done by creating a new material definition via 3D>Materials>Plan Materials--set as a Framing material type with the appropriate sizing and spacing). Throw in a few floor or ceiling beams and you should be good to go.

Your item isn't a fixture and so it won't report to your schedule. You need to either: A: Block the objects one at a time, open the block, check Treat as One Object, and select Fixture under Include In Schedule B: Convert your objects to actual Fixture Symbols by taking a 3D view of the object, and using Tools>Symbol>Convert To Symbol. During that process, make sure to select Fixture (either Interior or Exterior) as your Symbol Category.

One of us probably should. How bout you start. Seriously though...your description is exceedingly vague and could use a lot of clarification. Maybe attach some screenshots showing what you're trying to accomplish.

Yes

As Chopsaw rightly surmised, you have 3 overlapping roof planes when you only need one. Group select the roof planes and use the polyline union tool...

Post the plan and you'll get a better answer.

Select 3B, click View Draw Order Edit Tools, and either Send Backward, or Send To Back. Or, you can alternatively open the Layer tab and change the Drawing Group there.