para-CAD

Sounds like a great feature that should be included in the s/w so custom macros don't have to be the "work around".

Didn't want to derail this thread

I wonder why CA doesn't make these things as included features in their software?

I use AutoCAD quite a bit side-by-side with chief. It looks like he has drawn all of his project layout pages in model space. If an AutoCAD drawing is just the structure/building in model space and then paper space is used to manage how the pages will appear, then the DWG file will only have the model space information when imported to chief. If I was given that plan, I would attempt to copy the relevant parts to a new blank chief plan so that I could reference the information that I needed. Since I have never run into that particular condition I don’t know if my advice will help you.

wow. Great post Jorge. I started with AutoCad R11 at Texas A&M (E.E.) so AutoCad has always been my default setting. I used SolidBuilder in a whole-house panelizing (and hand-cut roof) endeavor in TN for a while. We used MiTek WalPlus for wall panelizing as well. Then SoftPlan for a bit and finally CA. I don't frame any more so I am 85% CA and 15% AutoCad LT. I had difficulty with Softplan because I always tried to get it to work like AutoCad. Solidbuilder was awesome for framer-like accuracy. It even created accurate roof framing members, printed on cut sheets. But it is a bear if you need it to be a marketring tool. For shop drawings and production, it's great. Chief is well thought out but I still jump to AutoCad when I want granular control of details and roof cut sheets.

1. I operate my business files/folders inside Dropbox (integrated folder in Windows explorer and macOS Finder) 2. On windows I run Acronis to do scheduled system back ups to an external HD 3. On macOS I use TimeMachine (default) as well as CarbonCopy Cloner. 4. On both systems I also use Good Sync to create specific folder backups to additional external HDs and a high capacity USB thumb drive. All these backups can be scheduled so it stays current and provides redundancy. I look forward to hearing what you come up with. -Mike

Thank you! I’ll work that out as soon as I get in front of my computer.

1. Completely removed CA X11 to do a clean install. 2. Changed the default libraries from C:\ (Samsung 960 NVMe M.2) to my dedicated scratch disc D:\ (Samsung 850 Pro). 3. All my old files open and work but when I save and exit, I'm shown an error message (see attached). So, what have I done and can anyone direct me to a fix. The Check Knowledge base had nothing, so here I am. Thanks much. Mike

Done. Deleting always works. Kind of a pain that I can't just uncheck the displaying of text. Thanks to all those who provided input.

Unchecking roofs, labels did not work. I guess I will delete the roof and start over.

Thanks much for the help. Never seen it before. Don’t see a use for it.

So, I have a 12:12 roof in X11 that now displays the text "12 IN 12" along each exterior wall and "(VERT-G)" or "(VERT-V)" on gables or interior. Can't seem to locate what setting is selected to generate this. Super frustrating since this is something that has never appeared before (X10 or earlier). Any help in turning this off is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I started using ScreenFlow way back in v4 time frame. It's just really easy to do everything I need. I haven't tried Camtasia. With Screenflow I get maybe 70% of what I have with Adobe Premiere (I am NO power Premiere user) with a very easy learning curve. YouTube has all kinds of good videos. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=screenflow+

Screenflow is the best on a mac, imo. Same ability to edit in the same app. Can record from iPhone screen as well.

Here's my list. In addition to maintaining the SSA with CA and latest version I also: - subscribe to AutoCAD LT. Love it. Use it for details and such that I am not as good at creating in CA. License is platform agnostic so I can leave the desktop and take the MBP mobile and fire up AutoCAD LT for mac and keep on truckin. - 2TB Dropbox - fastest as sync-ing. Also use Box and 2TB iCloud - Cisco WebX - for screen sharing with people (up to 200 people at a time....but that will NEVER happen) - OBS - to do screen recordings if needed then handbrake to shrink their size - Adobe CC suite - it's only $$ and I already have experience with photoshop, indesign, premere, after effects, audition, muse - Spotify - gotta have good tunes - Office 365 - industry standard - Evernote - I finally figured out how to use this that actually benefits my workflow I used to use SolidBuilder for wall panel production, but I let that lapse since I'm not finding people who need that level of support much. I went to the intermediate CA training a while back and a guy from VA said he uses Bluebeam Revu Thanks for sharing. example section drawn in AutoCAD LT

Hey Elvin, Is (%WxH in Feet%) your own custom macro? I don't see it in the drop down list. Thanks.

I'm using (2) 27" Dell 4K monitors. They are great but sometimes the text is somewhat small to read (have to scale up web browsers sometimes).

Eric!! You nailed it! In more than one way too. I hadn't thought doorway but that might be the easiest. The client is looking to have grand arching faux stone archways dividing an open timber-framed space. Thanks for the help.

My issue in video format. Thanks for all y'all's help. Polyline_Solid_Subtraction_(HB).m4v

I sat next to a guy in the Seattle CA training a couple weeks ago who had an Asus Predator 17". It was huge, but was a true desktop replacement machine.

I use the Logitech MX Master but instead of connecting BT I use the USB "nub" in my wired apple keyboard port and seem to have no lag or mouse issues. I'm transitioning all my CAD work over to a new PC desktop and only use my mac when mobile. Good luck. ...and make more videos, please.

P-Line solid subtraction issue for me tonight. Suppose to make a timber beam that has an ellipse cut out of the bottom. I could ACTUALLY build it in reality as a framer but in CA I fail. I made a rectangular beam p-line solid. I then made an ellipse the same width. I laid the ellipse over the rectangle and checked the make hole box on the ellipse. Evidently holes can only be cut when completely contained in the other polyline solid. Autocad is much better at this kind of thing in my opinion.

Thanks for the kind words, Mark. I was a framer for a long time. I just want to make plans that can be useful on the job site. Some builder's don't care...some do. I have fun trying to make things go smoothly from the design onward.

Would having multiple different roof types in the same plan file wreck havoc with an accurate Material Take-Off List? I would be inclined to create a separate model for each style of similar home so that such things would more accurately represent the project. Best of luck with whichever way you take things.