Joe_Carrick

Joe, you always know how to put it so elegantly. Did Scott really tie you in Golf?

Yes, he did.  He's getting better and I've been too busy to play as much as I should.  He's still the master of the ***** when something doesn't go quite right - just like in his videos.

Perhaps a solution to this would be a tighter relationship between Plan and Layout.

My policy is to open the Layout and to use it as a navigation tool to the Plan(s).  I understand that opening a Layout "automatically" opens the Plan file(s) ....... but those Plan files don't appear in the Project Browser unless you specifically open them.  Consequently I do open them specifically.

Opening a Plan File without opening the Layout File obviously can result in changes not getting updated to the Layout.  Perhaps a solution would be to have an Open Project function that would open the Layout File and all associated Plan Files, adding them to the Project Browser.  It would also be nice if there was a New Project function that would create a file structure (folder & sub-folders) utilizing Layout and Plan Templates and guiding the user thru the Project Data, etc.

The current file access system is IMO too loose and results in the kind of problems being reported here.

Also, as Perry indicated - the "Save As" of a Plan File doesn't create a new Layout File so there will be a disconnect.  This function really need to ask if the Layout File should be copied to the new name as well - with an explanation of the ramifications.

In the long term, having a "Project Structure" that includes the Layout File, Plan File, Project Data, Images, Correspondence, etc would be a better solution.  Chief has a video showing some of this organization (can't remember where off-hand) that was the basis for how I have my projects organized.  A more automatic method of doing this would be appreciated.

I also had a problem yesterday.  Got it now. Thanks!

(what WAS that location???)

X7 Beta Forum

This sounds like you don't have a GL capable Graphics Card in your system.

I'm trying to download this file and it tells me to sign in... I am already signed in and it still won't let me to download. I exit out, cleaned out cookies and re-logged in again and its the same thing. Id the a problem with this page or something?

Try it now.  I uploaded from a different location.  This should work.

OK, here are 3 Symbols:

1.  Infinity Edge Pool

2.  Spa

3.  Pool Cover

All are designed to insert into the Terrain and can be stretched as needed.  The Pool and Spa are set to be 2" above grade but that can be adjusted in the symbol dbx options panel.

The Pool Cover is set at -3" so that it works as a "hidden" cover.  It can be "opened or closed" simply by stretching it.

I will leave it up to the Terrain & Landscape Experts to create a great yard using these symbols.  Other Terrain Features, Slabs, Decks, etc can of course be used along with other symbols.

-My Pools & Spas.calibz

Alan,

Have you reported this to CA?

I've had similar problems in the past with X6 but couldn't figure out what was happening so I didn't contact support.  If you can send this to Brian maybe CA can figure it out.

Is that Moscow, Idaho, USA or Moscow, Russia?

It makes total sense when you realize that Elevation Views are 2D dwgs using an x/y coordinate system.  the "y" axis corresponding to the "z" axis of the model.  The Elevation Views are created starting at y=0.

Robert,

Before we put it to bed ----- your statement is incorrect.

I've attached a revised version without Stretch Zones - but with a Stretch Plane at x=0 and one at z=48.  These Stretch Planes are appropriate for your Door Symbol, resulting in only the areas of the Door with Glass being adjusted.

Commercial Steel Door - JPC.calibz

It depends on the object type.  Materials can be pasted in 3D Views but Images and Pictures can only be pasted in Plan or Orthographic Views  I haven't tried a Backdrop yet but I think that only works in a Perspective view.

You'll just have to experiment a bit.

Really, Paste works with anything that's in the Windows Clipboard.  If it's text then it can only be pasted in a Plan or Section/Elevation or CAD Detail as Text.  Snippit creates a bitmap in the Clipboard so Chief handles those as graphics and allows you to specify which object type you want.

I use both.  I wouldn't upgrade an older computer to Windows 8 simply because most older computers would choke on it.  There are some things to get used to with Windows 8 in that it has larger icons for the most commonly used Apps.  One of those icons switches to the Desktop - which is what you're familiar with in Windows 7.

I understand MS's next OS is going to be Windows 10 and will be more "user friendly" than Windows 8.  Also, the scuttlebutt is that it will be "Free".

C:/Windows/System32/Snipping Tool

It's been around for many years.

Make walls "No Room Definition"

 

Use Wall Material Region if the floor changes material.

I think you mean Floor Material Region. 

Dennis,

I think you need to make it a part of the "Floor Structure" of the Deck.  Something like:

1   Decking material

2.  Floor Joists

3.  Air Gap

4.  Ceiling Joists

5.  Ceiling Finish (Drywall, etc.)

Robert,

I don't think I would ever define a Stretch Zone for a Door.  That said, it might be appropriate in certain cases.  Can you show me the values you have entered (ie: the Sizing Panel of the Symbol dbx).

That way I might be able to figure provide more support.

BTW, I tried to import your symbol into X6 but I can't find it in my Library.  What's the Symbol Name?

When you use the Windows "Snippit" Tool, a copy is automatically added to the Windows Clipboard.  That means it can be pasted into Chief as one of 4 objects:

Backdrop

Image

Material

Picture

This can be a very nice way of adding this type of content since it transfers between Applications.  There's no need to save the "Snip" in most cases.  You can even use it to add an image to your Forum posts.

Joe, I understand the difference. What I think is interesting is that door symbols, when created, don't require either zone or plane to be defined. Doesn't this seem strange?

No, that's true for any Symbol Category.  It's up to the user to determine where to specify them if at all. 

Fortunately, you can actually edit them in the Library after they've been created.  IOW, fine tune the Library Symbol to make it perform the way you need it to.

Robert,

The key is understanding the terms:

  Stretch Plane - Stretch/Resize is limited to the location of the Stretch Plane(s)

  Stretch Zone - Stretch/Resize only occurs between the 2 Stretch Planes.

It's a very fine distinction but once you understand how each works you can get the results you need.  There are some cases where Stretch Zones are useful but in most cases they are not needed and can in fact produce undesired results.

X7 will be released soon.  If you buy X6 you will get the upgrade to X7 at no additional cost.

You can manually place Floor Beams & Posts.  It's part of the "Build Framing Tools".

I use Transform/Replicate to copy walls at a specified distance.  This is 100% accurate and a lot less hassle.

Maybe you should ask for one of his Chief Files for a similar sized house

Trade like for like?  I would bet he'd say "no way!"

Yep, Stretch Planes at x=0 and at z=48" would be appropriate.  No Stretch Zones.

Tell your Father-in-Law that the builder is just trying to get a free design to add to his own library of designs.  If your Father-in-Law wants to have this builder "redraw" the plan then just say "bye" to the project.  This builder doesn't want to bid competitively and is trying to get an exclusive deal.  That's not in the homeowner's best interest either.

Oh, Perry might be right about the "In-Law" thing.  You should talk to your wife about it - but if she's not going to back you up...............