jcaffee

DPI is used for media output regardless of platform. PPI is specific to pixel based display systems. Generally, CA output is meant for print. The enduser should understand the specifications required for image use, or at least what their print shop tells them what is needed for various jobs. High density DPI, say 1200, is common where the viewer will see the image close in. Lower density, 150 DPI, is used for output that will be viewed from a distance greater than 6'. 72 DPI is used where the enduser doesn't have a clue, or where the output is designed for TV/Video. Most print shops will upscale low res images to 300 DPI unless directed otherwise. If printing to greyscale, then halftone dots are applied either at designtime (automagically) or when the print shop prepares the job. Anywho... Talk to the people who print your stuff and ask what output best suits their needs for a particular job type. Dennis, the closer you get to actual size in what you call lxw, the closer your printed output will match what you see on the screen. So, if you give a print shop a 3x5" image at 300 DPI and your output is expected at 7x12, the printer will upscale to the correct size @300 DPI, but you will lose detail in the process. jon

stack the cabs and use "same as front" on the open shelves. jon

There are wood materials in the Minwax lib. Apply the wood as the surface, the paint (the roller tool, not the spray can tool) the stain. jon

They're in a bonus catalog now... http://3dlibrary.chiefarchitect.com/index.php?r=site/detail/702 jon

Download the new update for X7. SKP is now supported on Mac. jon

Created in Sketchup. Numbers are uniquely textured so you can apply your own in any manner you wish. Font is Berlin Sans FB Demi. Size is 12"x4". jon Sign_690.zip

Use Sketchup. 3D text all day long; whatever font, whatever attitude, whatever extrusion depth. jon

Joe, I think you underestimate the purpose of the Feedback Panel (or I wildly overestimate). It's my belief that they don't so much fly, as plummet from tree to tree... oops, wrong opinion. My view on the Feedback Panel is that it is a means to help staff set priorities going forward. At least, in my experience as a product manager, this is one role of such focus groups. As CA staff has hinted here, there is internal discussion regarding the modernization issue, but to date the status quo side is winning the battle. Perhaps if the rabble can be roused; when at the end of your session, the question is asked, "Is there anything else?" That, in unison, the Panel exclaims, "Modernize the codebase!" Perhaps then the status quo guys can be shamed out of their lazy ways and agree to open the CA universe to some superhappyfuntime innovation-tastic priorities. jon

I was reading an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette a year or so ago. The article was describing a solprop architect who was in the process of going "digital". It was a very funny article as, at least from my perspective, it seemed to be more germane to 1995 rather than 2015. However, one of the tidbits presented by the author was an anecdotal "statistic" from the county zoning and code department that approximately 60% of the residential plans they review are HAND. DRAWN. ON. PAPER. So, while the CMA (and that's what this is, a Cooperative Marketing Agreement) between Nemetschek and Trimble is interesting from the 60,000' view, it has little meaning in the narrower view of residential design and construction. For real? How are you going to get technical interop for collision detection with trades/architects/designers who still take pen to paper? Are your customers really going to choke down the costs associated with fully detailed MEP plans when the local residential code authority doesn't require them? The more power to Trimble and Nemetschek in their pursuit of market share, but I doubt the technical trickle-down will have much effect on residential design. For my own selfishness, I'd love to see clean IO with DAE, IFC, FBX with application specific export to... But hey, that would require CA to modernize the codebase. Feedback panel, are you getting this? Modernize the codebase. jon

Core Cat>Fences and Rails>Retaining Walls Select the block height of the "panel" you want. jon

Use Full Camera jon

Four ports total, one unsecure... Image, PID, Local Port, Remote Address, Remote Port Chief Architect Premier X7.exe, 3724, 51320, 54.245.110.192, 443 Chief Architect Premier X7.exe, 3724, 51313, 54.244.88.174, 443 Chief Architect Premier X7.exe, 3724, 51312, 54.244.113.254, 80 Chief Architect Premier X7.exe, 3724, 51311, 54.244.113.254, 443 jon

Perry, there's "other" stuff happening in the background that effects performance. I'm not aware of everything going on, but one item would be to explicitly kill the four open TCP connections that CA insists on using. (X6 only had one persistent connection.)(one of which is port 80...really? An unsecure HTTP connection? Dudes...) There is no reason to keep these running once license check has run. jon everything is connected

After the terrain data is imported and your perimeter is set, play with the Building Pad>Pad Elevation value get the structure where it needs to be. jon

CA does a direct conversion. So, if you enter 33m in the dbx, then CA will automagically convert to 1299 3/16". jon

Creating "Rope" lights is tricky. Bump the emissive property and set transparency to zero. See the red safety light in the attached... jon

Make sure Flat Back is checked in the appropriate places. jon

Post the plan, but also try ray tracing with the siding bump mapped. jon

What Larry said. I have noticed more anomalies in X7 whilst Chrome is playing movies (usually Netflix, sometimes Hulu) or Spotify--oh brother, CA and Spotify web payer in IE don't mix. So much for that App sandbox out of web browsers, eh? jon

Glenn, When this happens, (not very often) I do use "Build Terrain" until it annoys me, then I "reboot" CA and all is right with the world. jon

I get the fail to redraw every now and then. It's resolved by a save/close/open. jon

post your hardware specs jon

64 all the way jon

Try... http://www.dafont.com/theme.php?cat=503 jon

Many of the "designers" I've encountered have an extensive background in and working knowledge of residential construction processes; if not the education of an architect. Perhaps, finding a Design/Build company in your area that uses Chief Architect to produce their CDs and offering your service as an intern or entry-level designer is a way to gain the experience necessary to enter the business. As mentioned above, there can be serious consequences (criminal in certain localities) for providing the functional services of an architect and/or interior designer without proper education or credentials. Do your research. jon