Joe_Carrick

It seems to me that there used to be a way to have the background of a callout be a solid fill. I don't seem to be able to do that in X9 for Doors, Windows, or Cameras. If this is something that was lost then it needs to be put back. If it wasn't there at all then it needs to be added.

You have to hatch a rectangle and then Block it. The rectangle has the hatch, not the block itself. Try this to see how CA does it. Place an ADA Toilet Symbol Go to CAD Block Management and Insert the CAD Block Explode that Block and examine the individual objects to see what has a fill. Of course, you have to have the "Fill Boxes Checked" in CAD Preferences.

I use Dropbox for my projects. I have a shared Folder that other users have access to. The main problem is that only one user can be using the file at any given time in order to avoid over-writing another users work. As long as there's a check-out procedure used to enforce single user access it works seamlessly. Unfortunately, Chief doesn't have any file locking mechanism built-in so the procedure has to be manual. IOW, notify all other users that you will be using the file at x:xx for n hours - then notify them when you are finished. It might be possible to create a macro that would display "File in use by ______, Please wait until done". I'm not sure if that would work. It might require some really creative code. It would probably be easier for CA to include a "Lock Code" in the file header.

This is only true for Electrical Symbols. If you check the "Duplex (Split Wired)" CAD Block you will find that even CA had to use lines for the fill. I created my own Electrical Panel Symbol with a XHatch to simulate the fill so it would look better in a wall. OTOH, CAD Blocks for other symbol types can have a Solid Fill and work fine. I think the difference is that the CAD Block for Electrical Symbols are symbolic rather than a 2D representation of the 3D Object.

Dimension Text size is controlled by the Text Style. This should be set up in your Layer Set for those Layer(s). Annosets which can change the "Active Defaults" quickly as you work, effect the dimension defaults - but only for new dimensions being created. Make sure when you send to Layout that you are using a Layer Set that is set up for the correct scale. Text in Chief is at real world size, so at 1/4"=1' scale, 6" text will be 1/8" when printed. If you want to use a 1/2" scale, the text size would need to be 3" to get it printed at 1/8". These really need to be set up in the Layer Sets. IOW, you need different Layer Sets for 1/4" and 1/2" scales. Chief doesn't come with Layer Sets for different scale drawings. You need to create any additional Layer Sets (and as you get more experienced) Annosets.

Check the Layer Set for Line Styles that are dashed. That's the only thing I can think of that might cause that.

Maybe this will help: My Data Folder: D:\Dropbox\Chief Architect Premier X9 Data\ My Temporary Folder: C:\Users\MyName\AppData\Local\Temp\ My Undo Folder: C:\Users\MyName\AppData\Local\Temp\ This puts the Archives, Backdrops, Database Libraries, Hotkeys, Images, Lex, Patterns, Scripts, Textures and Toolbars all on my D Drive. I also have my Current Projects on the D Drive: D:\Dropbox\Chief Architect Projects\X9\

I don't even need to do that. It's not too difficult to parse (the .partition() method handles it fairly well)

I can do a couple of macros that will work in the Default Room Label. What Metric units should be used (m or mm)? Cost for the macro would be $50.

Thanks Robert, I will take a look and verify if the elevation data exists. That's probably all I need.

It could be done - but not easily - and not in the room dimensions supplied by Chief. The macro would have to be in a text box placed in the room. In addition, it would be fairly complicated because Chief only supplies the room dimensions attribute to Ruby as a text string, not 2 numerical values. Consequently the macro would have to divine the values by parsing the text, character by character. That wouldn't be too hard if the plan is metric but if the plan is imperial it would be much more difficult

I would do that using Wall Material Regions.

I am working on a fairly large piece of property. I have a DWG that contains all the contours but when imported to Chief they are only splines without the elevation data. In addition, these splines are not continuous across the site (disconnected at text indicating the elevations). Does anyone know an easy way to convert this to terrain elevation data other than manually selecting each spline segment and converting them to elevation lines?

You could also use different Reference Layer Sets to display the additional items.

You have 2 Window Schedules. One is probably in a CAD Detail Window and the 2nd one is probably on a Floor Plan. The second possibility is that you have one on the 1st floor and one on the 2nd Floor and both are showing all the windows (All Floors) Find the second schedule and delete it.

I use Vents from the Library - copied to my User Library so I can find them easier (as well as edit their properties). I don't use louvered windows as Vents. I do have a separate Schedule for Vents and I identify them as Foundation, Garage & Attic as needed by putting a code (F), (G) or (A) in the OIP.

I think you can make the retaining wall "No Room Definition" and then move another Railing Wall to the same location (center on the retaining wall). I'm not sure what other ramification that will create but you will probably have to play with the railing height and the bottom rail above floor height.

Here's one possibility: Use a Molding Polyline for the railing. You can apply 2D Molding Profiles and 3D Molding Symbols to make up almost any conceivable railing.

It really depends on where the ledger is relative to the top and bottom plates of each floor. Sheathing has to be continuous from the bottom of the wall to the top of the wall (plates). If the ledger is not at a floor platform then the ledger would be applied over the sheathing.

Does anyone have a symbol for a "Smart Panel"? In case you don't know what this is, it's similar to an Electrical Panel but just for installing CAT5, & Coax Distribution. (TV, Ethernet, Security Systems & Phones). Usually it also has a built-in 110V outlet for plugging in routers, etc. There are LowVoltage connector blocks that can be snapped into the Smart Panel. I could just create one, but maybe someone already has so I'm just asking. Thanks

This is simple. Unlock the Roofs, Gutters layer Select the edge you want to suppress the Gutter Click the Remove Molding from Selected Edge tool. OOB, Chief has that layer locked - but unlocking it allows you to make edits just like any other Molding Polyline.

Yes, but for the purpose of dimensions (Framing Objects for the OP) it's not going to do the job.

OK, I wasn't aware of that but is there really any way to get them to be reported as anything usable in the Materials List? They don't have a "Components" dbx. Only by creating a Symbol out of the solid can you get "Components" to assign data to for comprehensive Materials Listing.

Doug, Solids and/or CAD are not included in Material Lists. Only Architectural Objects (Walls, Doors, Windows, Cabinets, Floors, Roofs, etc) and Symbols are in included in the Materials Lists. For your Pool Structure you should use Wall and Roof Framing (steel framing) to get those items included in the Materials List. Just take the time to set the framing defaults, wall types, roof structure, etc and then "Build Framing" for those items. Also note that only layers marked as "M" in the Layer Sets will be in the Materials List.

Ctrl-Click the stair section you want to edit/delete to select just that section. I'm not sure if deleting a single section will cause everything else to automatically adjust - you might need to do some judicious editing in the dbx.