Joe_Carrick

That's an interesting scale. It almost seems that the detail may have been created as 1-1/2" = 1'-0" and then either exported or imported as 1-1/2" = 1". IAE, determining the ratio is the key to resolving the problem. If the detail is in a CAD Detail Window you can simply change the scale instead of using Transform/Replicate to resize the detail.

Jason, Post the Plan - we can only guess at what you've done. With the Plan we can help.

You would need to create "Log Symbols" with the dovetails on each end - you will probably also need some with dovetail on only the left end, some with a dovetail on only the right end and some with no dovetails. Don't forget the half logs for use at the base and the top of the wall. Once you have them created you would place a stretch plane at x=0 and z=6 (1/2 log height) so that the dovetails don't get distorted when the logs are resized. Then you design your building with a wall thickness about 1/2" less than the log thickness (make the wall type a single layer of a gray material which will in the end be the chinking). You can insert doors and windows in those walls. After you have all the walls in place, start stacking the logs centered on the walls and adjust the lengths as needed. Use "Transform/Replicate" to stack the logs at the appropriate spacing. ie: If the logs are 8"x16" and you want a 2" chinked joint you would replicate at z=18". Basically you use Chief to create normal walls that appear to be solid chinking. Then you stack the logs just like you would if you were building the structure.

I think it would be possible to use "mklink" to redirect Chief to open the Library from a different location. I'll have to investigate further.

The Library file is: C:\Users\<your name>\Documents\Chief Architect Premier X8 Data\Database Libraries\User_Library.calib I regularly copy this file from one system to another using "LogMeIn". There's no real magic to it.

It's an interesting problem. My Library is currently about 350 MB but I have Plans that are over 150 MB. Only when I save a Plan does Dropbox sync to the web. The same is true with the Library - as long as it's open in Chief - Dropbox doesn't have access because Chief "Locks the Library". I think the real problem is in seeing if there's a way to change the location of the Library to the "Dropbox Folder" and still have Chief know where to find it.

Yep......

I also use Dropbox but it normally installs on the "C" Drive which really doesn't save any space on that drive. Consequently I have moved it to the "D" Drive on all my systems. Almost all my plans and layouts are located in the D:/Dropbox folder. I've not yet tried putting the Library in Dropbox but I'm strongly considering it so that the Library would be constantly updated on each system.

Michael is correct in how to do this. But based on your original post I would have made the same recommendation without seeing the plan. The key information you gave was that you tried to edit the wall heights. IAE, posting the plan is always a good idea.

1. Make the 1st stair run (36" wide?) 2. Copy in Place 3. Rotate 180 4. Move 37.5" 5. Click Landing location. Personally I like more distance between the Stairs - it makes it easier to trim, paint, etc. It's also easier to make handrail transitions.

File->Print-> select a "PDF Printer" - or - "Chief Save as PDF" You must be doing something different.

Welcome Sean, I don't recall seeing your posts before this but I see that you have 10 since the new forum began. IAE, I find it very useful to see what's being said regularly - the Symbol approach to individual buildings in a development has been discussed from time to time and seems like the best way of doing it. That said, it's generally best to strip out everything inside the buildings before creating the Symbols. This minimizes the number of surfaces.

You mean like this?

BTW, a complaint or suggestion to CA about this wouldn't hurt. I know there have been previous suggestions about fixing the "intersections" but the more the better.

Like one or more Molding Polylines.

Yusuf's method is a great example of how to create 3D Faces by snapping to another 3D object. This can also be done by using (2) 3D Boxes as the snap-to objects. That way you only need to add the trapezoidal Faces. You could even use a truncated pyramid and explode it to create those Faces and then edit them by snapping to the boxes. The key to this editing is to have "Object Snaps" ON.

In that dialog, select Edit, then highlight the joist size (change the size if needed). The Structure Type drop-down box will be activated. You can select the type of framing there.

Edit->Default Settings->Framing->Foundation Edit->Default Settings->Framing->1st Edit->Default Settings->Framing->2nd etc

Val, A Ruby is a red gemstone. But in Chief Ruby is a scripting language that CA put in without everything needed to make it shine like a gem.

It won't work. Steve wants a 50"x32" base and a 10"x10" cap. That means the sides are at different angles so the molding profile isn't going to work.

Steve, That's a different problem. I would use some PSolids drawn in elevations as a starting point. Then use the Solid Addition/Subtraction Tools in a perspective view.

Johnny, Open the Deck Room dbx and fix the Floor Finish and Floor Structure. Currently you have them set to "0". You have to have something there if you want a floor and framing.

Pyramid Tool - Truncated

I don't get any crashes - on either a new plan or a plan brought forward from a prior version. Maybe they fixed this in the latest update.

Rod, Never give your own post a "Best Answer". That should be reserved for the response that answered your question best. ie: give credit where it's due.