Joe_Carrick

Scott, If you want to do a workshop........ Let's see if we can set up a convenient time. The next week is pretty jammed but the following week I can make some time - let me know.

Scott, Show me your Layerset for a case where the Layerset is scale specific. What Layers do not use the Defaults? Are your Annosets all scale specific? IOW, do you have your Annosets using the correct Default Settings per scale for: Dimensions Rich Text Text Callouts Markers Arrows and do your Layersets stick with the Defaults for Text Style?

Scott, You are in fact missing something. The Annoset is responsible for the Text size because it uses a Defaults. IOW: For 1"=10' you have one set of Defaults that control the sizes of Text, Dimensions, etc. For 1"=20' you have another set of Defauts that control the sizes of Text, Dimensions, etc. For 1"=20' you have one set of Defaults that control the sizes of Text, Dimensions, etc. For 1"=60' you have another set of Defauts that control the sizes of Text, Dimensions, etc. In the Site Plan Layerset everything is set to use Defaults. Do not customize the Text in the Layerset. So for Site Plans you need 4 Annosets and only 1 Layerset Same thing for Floor Plans. You only need one Architectural Floor Plan Layerset, one for Structural, etc. I only use 3 different scales for Floor Plans (1/8", 1/4" & 1/2") but I have Architectural, Structural, Electrical, etc. For Architectural Plans I need 3 Annosets and 1 Layerset For Structural Plans I need 3 Annosets and 1 Layerset For Electrical Plans I need 3 Annosets and 1 Layerset Annosets specify the Defaults that control the size of Annotations Layersets specify what's displayed - and anything that you don't want to adhere to Defaults.

Another note for Scott: I do have (like you) an Annoset for almost every Layerset. But there are a some Layersets for which I do not have a specific Annoset. All_On, All_Off, Perspective Camera Views, etc. Perhaps you should take another look at the Layersets to see if you really need that many. I try not to have separate Layersets for different scales, so I have more Annosets, but fewer Layersets. IAE, I agree with you that it's going to be a different set of needs for different users. My document was - as I said - something I did for myself to clarify my understanding of how it currently works and what works for me. It has allowed me to simplify my own system but there is still quite a bit of complexity. One thing that I have done sometimes is use different Layersets when sending the same CAD Window to Layout. For example, I send Kitchen Interiors to Layout showing Cabinets, Appliances, etc and then use another Layerset to send just the MEP connections which are dimesioned so the trades know where the connections need to be on the walls.

Scott, To address your comment on which should be in control: 1. Annosets should have just one purpose - control annotation per scale (Text, Dimensions. Callouts, Markers, Arrows) so that sizes are consistent 2. Layersets OTOH have the job of fine tuning the Display according to the Type of Drawing. If "Current CAD Layer" were moved to the "Layerset Definition" then the two systems could be used independently from one another. OTOH, I don't think it would do that much good to make Layersets trigger Annosets because it would simply result in more Layersets because you would need a duplicate Layerset for each scale. ie: 1/8" Arch Plan Layerset -> 1/8" Scale Plan Annoset 1/4" Arch Plan Layerset -> 1/4" Scale Plan Annoset 1/2" Arch Plan Layerset -> 1/2" Scale Plan Annoset vs the current system which is just the opposite. The key element that makes this still complex is that of Dimension Defaults. The items to be dimensioned vary from Drawing Type so we still need separate Annosets for not only each scale, but also for each Drawing Type. The only way I can see to avoid this conundrum would be to make the dimensionable object settings be controlled via the Layerset - perhaps another column like "Text Style"

FWIW, Color can be used in Layouts and used to make the printed drawings clearer to the contractors and sub-contractors. I don't print in color very often because the printing can get to be very expensive. OTOH, I send the color to Layout and then print in Grayscale or Color depending on the need..

I created the attached PDF mostly for myself to document my understanding of how these things work and how I want them set up. The exact setup for any particular user would be dependent on the type of work. I can see that some users might have little or no need for Annosets if their work is limited to just one scale and discipline. But for most users that's not the case. IAE, I thought it would be helpful to post this for those who might be confused or overwelmed by the complexity which seems to be involved. It isn't really that complex but understanding the relationships and how they can be best utilized is important. Enjoy! And go ahead and let me know if you think I missed something that should be included. Annosets_Defaults_Layersets.pdf

W Wow, that's cool Andy. Are you going to post it for Harry?

I'm not sure anyone here can help. We are all (or at least almost all of us) using vX6 so finding any Library items for v10 would be extremely difficult.

See Tools > Project Information > Client Information and Tools > Project Information > Designer Information BTW, I alread have a set of files and macros for Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and T24 Consultants similar to what you suggest. It's totally do-able but it would be nice if Chief would just incorporate the extras into Tools > Project Information.

It could be a problem when you print the PDF. If your printer has borders, it may have to do with a setting of the printer you are using.

It's probably a Page Setup Issue. But even that's a guess. You need to have the "Paper Size" and the Chief Page Size match. This would be true with any printer. What "Sheet Size" are you using in Chief? What "Paper Size" do you have set in the PDF Printer?

Get a PDF Printer such as PDF995, Adobe PDF, Nuance PDF Pro, etc. When installed on your computer they can be selected as a Printer when you print your Layout.

OK, so zoom way out in plan view with all layers on and marquee select the areas outside your building. Delete anything that's found. Do this on all floors 0,1,2,3,4,A There's something out there someplace.

Barton, I think the difference may be that the OP is using a MAC. That particular video may not be able to be maximized on the MAC.

In Plan View, you can grab the Focal Point of the Camera and move it wherever is convenient. I a perspective view, you can just select the "Center on Point Icon and pic the location the you want to rotate about. You probably need to then select the "Center Building Tool" on the right toolbar.

I don't think so. This is just one of those that you have to get used to. ps: The Autobad method is WRONG ;)

The reason I asked was to get a better understanding of your knowledge, experience, & capabilities. I started with CAD before AutoCAD existed, migrated to it about 1990 and subsequently to Chief Architect. Obviously Chief is quite different and like any very competent CAD Software has a fairly steep learning curve. I never went to ArchiCad or Revit as I considered them too complicated and too expensive. That said, I have investigated both products and studied several videos/demos of both. There are things that AutoCAD had which I miss in Chief - most notably the "Comand Line" but 2D CAD lends itself to that much more than a full 3D Modeling Program such as Chief. The bottom line is that it takes time to become an expert - and even when you get to the point where you think you might be there will always be more to learn. When I come up with a special requirement that has be stumped, I just start looking in the Help Files, Videos, etc. But probably the most helpful of all is this Forum.

What is your background? What sort of business do you have?

I agree with Gerry. The key is that Chief is basically a 3D Design Tool, not a 2D CAD Tool. Most of the CAD needed is: 1. Automatically created from the model using "Orthographic Camera Views" 2. Small bits of 2D CAD to enhance the Orthographic Views. I had only used 2D CAD before I started with Chief. It took a while to realize that I didn't need 95% of the 2D CAD that was provided by AutoCAD and that I was much better off making sure that I got the 3D the way it need to be and then let Chief handle almost all of the 2D Drafting. I tried SoftPlan but found it overly restrictive in many regards. It's taken me several years to get to the level of expertise that I have with Chief but it would have taken me the same amount of time to master SoftPlan - and I wouldn't have nearly as good 3D Renderings and Ray Traces.

The other thing you should do is pay attention to the "Spray Can Modes" on the Edit Toolbar. This will allow you to control what is painted. If you have existing messes to clean up, select the room and edit the Wall Material to "Use Default". That will eliminate any "Paint".

Gene, That would require a definition in a ".pat" file. It would be a bit difficult to do with fill, particularly with circles. BTW, what scale would you be using this with? Maybe you could just use a CAD Block and replicate it - perhaps with a Distributed Region.

Some settings will update automatically when you change the defaults - but only if the symbols are set to use the defaults. In some cases this is done by having (D) in the field. In other cases there is a choice in the drop down box Use Default. For some settings, For Casings, it's a checkbox and that can only be set globally as DJP indicated.

Mark, The Callout Below the Line Automatic Label is the same as the Layout Page Label. The problem is that you put "Interior Elevations" in that field instead of a Sheet Number. See the attached Pic.

Mark, Check your defaults for what gets displayed below the line in the callouts. It appears that you have a macro assigned to that.