Mintplanner

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Everything posted by Mintplanner

  1. Mintplanner
    Thanks Robert, but I think Eric may be right. I don't see the Panel option in the dialog box anywhere. It's hard to believe Chief would have released this ability on a deck, but not the stairs (not to be mean). I just wonder what Chief users did to represent the stair railings to match...?
  2. Mintplanner
    I can't seem to achieve cable railings on an exterior stair. I used walls to draw the porch, and a panel from the library on the wall dialog and I need to match the same on the stairs. I'm using VX7.
  3. Mintplanner
    Oh, also: I save my files very close to the hard drive, not in the Chief directory. I have a folder labeled Plans at C:Plans. Once you edit your preferences about where to look for and save files, you never need to think about this again. I have a shortcut to "Plans" in My Documents and on the Desktop.
  4. Mintplanner
    Yes, I have a parent folder that would be Smith Residence, and inside I would start with only one folder called Smith Current. I'd save my template inside that folder and start working. On day two, I create a folder dated yesterday and proceed working in Current. Back when Chief was young, I found myself taking these steps to preserve the layout links. I honestly don't know if you still need to, but I've never had an issue!
  5. Mintplanner
    Before I begin any changes to a plan, I copy the contents of the entire folder and save it with the date it was last modified. I ALWAYS only work in a folder labeled Current. Example: Smith Residence 9-02-19 Smith Residence 9-12-19 Smith Residence 9-13-19 Smith Residence Current It might be excessive, but it works. And I've been in the same position, having to abandon hours of changes and revert back to a prior version. Good Luck!
  6. Mintplanner
    Thanks for the comments. I had to abandon it, and I plan to draw this massive project from scratch. I don't believe it's all Chief's fault. The architect has a lot of unconnected lines, and misaligned walls (more lines), and don't think Chief knows what to do with it.
  7. Mintplanner
    Hi Tommy, Thanks for the suggestion. There is a lot of clean up, indeed. What do I need to be mindful of when using AltQ?
  8. Mintplanner
    I've imported a duplex townhouse CAD .dwg file from an architect. I created some walls that match the two wall thicknesses the architect used (8" and 3-1/2"). I then turned off all but walls, door, and window layers and then converted Cad to Walls. I attached a photo of the result. This is all one floor (plan view, without mirroring other floors). Any idea how I can get more walls to be recognized by Chief? I see Chief only allows for two wall types in this type of conversion. I have a bunch of these to do...just want to maximize use of the software.
  9. Mintplanner
    Thanks! Why is CAD Detail From View greyed out when in this camera view?
  10. Mintplanner
    Greetings Everyone! I'm a former 9.5 user returning to my design desk and now using X7 and I'm wondering where the orthographic roof overview (looking straight down from the sky) went? Is that available in X7? I don't want perspective output, I want the output to be scalable.
  11. Mintplanner
    That's the ticket! I didn't let the video play long enough when I tried to save the file previously. Thanks! I do appreciate the access to these videos, for sure. I'm hoping to be up-to-snuff soon!
  12. Mintplanner
    The upgrade from 9.5 to X7 has my head spinning! I don't recognize anything! I was hoping to download the Tutorials from Chief's site so I can watch them offline while I'm away from my broadband connection. Does anyone have a workaround for this? $1,995 to upgrade, and I can't even get a CD Tutorial! Grrrr... Tim
  13. Mintplanner
    I probably should add, I need Arch C and D "to scale" capabilities with the .pdf software. My wish list would include being able to Add and Move pages around from within the .pdf writing software... Tim
  14. Mintplanner
    Good Afternoon, I am wondering if there is any FREE .pdf writer that keeps all sheet sizes "to scale"...? Today, I graduated from Chief 9.5 to X7 (cha-ching!), and from Windows XP to 7, and I'd rather not pay to upgrade Adobe Writer 6.0 - I didn't care for it much anyway. I don't want any edge banners promoting the free .pdf writer, either. Yes, I want it all! Any suggestions? Tim
  15. Mintplanner
    Thanks for the tips...Writing that down right now! Does it matter if my new system operating system is equipped with 32 or 64 bit?
  16. Mintplanner
    I wish I could download the latest trial version, but it won't run on this ole XP machine.
  17. Mintplanner
    I hear that. I've been concerned about needed to update Windows 7 soon, but people really seem to like it....
  18. Mintplanner
    I'm upgrading from XP so I can update Chief (from 9.54), and wondering if Windows 7 is sufficient? Is 8.1 Better? Are there Chief glitches with one version of Windows vs. the other? Any suggestions, or links to a similar thread welcome...I poked around, but didn't see this topic. Thanks in Advance, Tim
  19. Mintplanner
    Thank you all! I'm mainly residential, but a client of mine is going commercial and he wants me to handle his marketing in house moving forward. I never spent much time rendering in the past...wasn't impressed with what came in the "box" so I farmed it out. I was just wondering if Chief's latest version relieves the need to outsource renderings. The quality I am seeking was comparable to the multi-story rendering I posted. I need to handle condo building facades. After reading your comments it seems it might be a matter of learning the "tweaks". Simultaneously, I'm planning to replace a desktop, so getting the right equipment to perform said renderings is part II of my querry. Much Obliged
  20. Mintplanner
    Any particular model I should consider there?
  21. Mintplanner
    I'm currently running 9.54 and POV Ray 3.5. I realize I am waaaaay behind the curve here, but I'm upgrading in March to Chief's Latest version Xwhaterver. Is the "stock" rendering tool good enough to impress your high dollar clients? Or do I need to utilize third-party software for this? I need to achieve results comparable to the attached image (because I'm currently paying to outsource this). I'm also building a new machine, so feel free to make recommendations for hardware that will enable me to achieve this. If third-party software is the answer, I'm open minded...nothing against Chief (I love you, man). TIA
  22. Mintplanner
    If I build one, would you change any of these specs? Win 8.1 64 bit 2.8 Ghz 8 GB Ram quad-core i7 processor 4 GB integrated gaming card w/multiple monitor support
  23. Mintplanner
    I'm looking forward to Ferrari Architect! lol Is Windows 6 or 7 optimal for Chief or do I need 7 Ultimate? I'd build my own desktop, but where to begin? I still gotta buy all the pieces, right? How do I ensure compatibility of all these components, and then get the appropriate drivers? Ugh, i've suffered through a few hard drive replacements...
  24. Mintplanner
    So, after using Chief (currently 9.54) for over 14 years, I'm upgrading. But XP is no longer supported, and the latest Chief X6 won't run on XP (so I'm told). I'm accustomed to using a desktop, plus a laptop to meet clients. But I'm considering ordering a laptop only, with multiple monitor capability. Is anyone currently set-up this way? And is there a reliable laptop that will get the job done? I generate full working drawings, and I will be expanding the rendering side of my business as well.