Chopsaw

My specific problem was with "Chief Architect Save as PDF" but slightly different than the transparent fill issue which I am sure is still very much related to the problem I had which was a workaround for another problem and I ended up using a series of PNG files within my plan which caused a blurry washed out effect behind all the clear transparent areas of the imported PNG's.

I have been working with a couple of other users on this issue recently and preliminary testing with Chief Architect suggest that CPU clock speed is the most critical factor when working with large plan files in plan view and a good strong GPU will assist with this. However there is no speed gain with multi core Xenon setups unless you are raytracing which they absolutely excel at. This question comes up quite a bit so if anyone would like to participate in a standardized test with X9 please let me know.

Yes, I did that as well but then when I put out the big money for 24 x 36" it got messed up and the printer did not see it and also did not offer a refund saying it was my problem. That is when I made sure CA was aware of the problem.

Just be careful when printing because there are unresolved issues with transparencies depending on the printing process that do not show on the electronic PDF file. I recently had a very expensive colour print job ruined by this problem.

You have some sort of transparent overlay there possibly just a polyline with fill. Have you used any PNG or PDF files in the plan? Can you zip the plan file and make it 25 or less? I will take a quick look at the old plan file I have in case it is there.

I believe this is the correct link to the video that you were referring to : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkD-flpiT6M&list=PL7J4ch5cuz98Ojm8puit9VqTk_W39avaa&index=35

If you are working with elevation lines you can just select the line and make a copy of it and edit the copy for the new grade and then select the original one and convert it to a plain polyline and as Bob suggested change the style and colour and maybe even the layer to represent the original grade. If you still need a 3D representation of the original grades save a copy of the plan file first.

Rob, that looks to be the correct file. I believe there was a general setting in Windows 7 that displays file extensions in explorer similar to Win 10 so that you will be absolutely sure or it may display with properties, not sure. Just be aware that file contains all libraries and toolbars etc.. etc.. but will be rebuilt from X8.

Rob, I am not sure where you are at but this might be helpful. "If you would like to test the migration process again you would need to manually delete your X9 preferences file. To do this browse to C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Chief Architect Inc Then delete the file called Chief Architect Premier X9.ini. Now when you relaunch Chief X9 you will be prompted to migrate again."

Scott, For your deck room try deleting the Ceiling and select "Use Soffit Surface for Ceiling". As for the overhang above the stairs, open the Roof Plane Specifications > Options > Deselect "Default to Overhang" and set length to same as extended overhang. And one question you did not ask is your cantilevered joists with the little joiner blocks? Is that the way they build on the beach? Select your outer stringers and make them non bearing. It is a little counter intuitive but framing will make more sense and possibly weather the next storm.

Tim, there are only a handful of people here that use Home Designer. You would be better to post on the Home Designer Forum :https://hometalk.chiefarchitect.com There are likely to be lots of differences for what you need.

Here is my X9 version of the Icon that I provided for the Beta testers. This should load the same as Michael's icons and if you want to save the hassle of having to reassign with each update, I have found that by changing the name of the shortcut chief is unable to locate and delete it but still creates a new icon which you have the option to easily delete. CA X9 .ico

I will try to record for you Sherry and everyone else, if my connection holds.

Just a matter of finding the sweet spot and allowing the stairs to determine comfortable gap. Try using the middle stair set and "Lock Number of Treads" then set to 2 and select winders, or you may have more control by using two landings depending on the situation. However I could not get a connection between the two landings and I am not really sure if this is possible. We may need a stair expert to weigh in here. Your idea of two stair sections with enlarged treads may be the best.

Delete the landing and replace with stairs set to winders. Tool icon is not a realistic representation of what it does. X9 U Winders test.plan

You just need to re save your template plan file and that will go away. But if you think you may still want to use it in X8 I think you would do a Save as and name it your X9 template plan.

If you mean layout box, they can only be square, rectangular, or filleted corners, or filleted corners to form a circle. Anything irregular can be done using a mask.

Joe, I checked this a couple of weeks ago and it was up to date. There must be something wrong if you are sure you checked your version.

If the colors are plan specific, I have often just created a color pallet off to the side of my plan view and work form there of transfer back to selection tool for next session.

I have more recently learned that the "CTRL + SHIFT Zoom" is even more powerful. Enjoy

Scott, Please count me in for a ringside seat at the meeting. I think the most useful new features for me will be the Railing and Stair Railing improvements. Also the various new rendering improvements and features including the unadvertised fix that allows walkthroughs to ascend and descend the same set of stairs to give complete coverage of the house in one take.

That is one of the new features of X9. It gives the option when loading to auto migrate for you. They are listening. Watch the video.

Please post or send your issue in to tech support as the software has been quite stable so far. It will benefit all.

It just has to be a cad block so cad block it by marque selecting or ctrl selecting and give it a name and it is included automatically into Cad Block Management.

It does take time to learn but start with a structure or set of plans that you are intimately familiar with such as your own house or something someone else drew well and you built. Reproduce it so you have a complete set of working drawings. Watch as many CA training videos as you can absorb and start drawing then hit the help files when you get stuck or post a specific question here with screen shots of where you are at and where you need to be and someone will usually be able to help. CA provides one on one training and there are also several experienced users on this forum that do as well but a self directed jump right in program usually works best. Welcome and Good Luck