para-CAD

I'm liking the Notes with schedule look (option B).  Not sure I will ever include such items since most of my AHJs are black and white 2D only in their preferred plan styles.

If I specify a detail as in, See 2/A14, I can further define it as

    See 2/A14, Note 4

or

    See Note (4),  2/A14

I asked chatGPT about X15......it is a bit late

As an AI language model, I don't have access to the most recent updates of Chief Architect X15. However, the latest version of Chief Architect software as of my knowledge cutoff date (September 2021) is Chief Architect X13. So, I can provide you with an overview of the features that were added to the software in the X13 release.

Chief Architect X13 introduced several new features and improvements, including:

1. Live View for floor plan updates: This new feature allows users to see real-time updates to their floor plans as they make changes, which can be useful for assessing the impact of changes on the overall design.
2. Improved rendering capabilities: Chief Architect X13 includes enhanced rendering capabilities that allow for more realistic and detailed visualizations of designs. This includes the ability to add custom materials and textures, as well as improved lighting and shadow effects.
3. Advanced cabinet design tools: X13 includes a new cabinet design feature that allows users to create custom cabinet configurations with greater precision and flexibility. This includes the ability to add custom hardware and moldings, as well as advanced placement and alignment tools.
4. Improved 3D modeling capabilities: X13 includes enhancements to the 3D modeling tools, including new modeling tools, improved terrain modeling, and more flexible object placement.
5. New catalog content: The latest version of Chief Architect includes a range of new catalog content, including new fixtures, appliances, and furniture options.
6. Improved workflow and productivity features: X13 also includes several improvements to the software's workflow and productivity features, including better integration with SketchUp, more streamlined editing tools, and faster performance overall.

These are just a few of the many new features and improvements that were introduced in Chief Architect X13. As for X15, I don't have access to any information on what new features it might include as it's a future release.

Stable on M1 Max

CMU Block one with mortar

IRC diagram for notching joists

CMU 8x8x16.calibz CMU 8x8x16 with mud.calibz IRC R502.8 Notching Joists.calibz

So here's an odd thing.  I created a 2D framing square but when I convert it into a 3D solid with 3/16" thickness, all of the numbers and lines disappear.  If I'm not doing something right, I'm all ears.  If this is just how it goes when converting 2D to 3D, I would really support the software design team finding a way to apply format-able text on 3D surfaces that skew the same as the surface.

2D Framing Square.calibz

I'm trying a grouped set of blocks....I hope they work.

FOX BLOCKS BASIC SHAPES.calibz

I used photoshop to create a 20" x 20" Texture Source png of the FOX BLOCK label.  

Not sure if it has to be 20" x 20" but it worked so I won't mess with that.

So is it worth creating 3 sets of Texture Sources for the 3 axis' of framed wood, so that I can have all the wood grain oriented correctly when multiples are displayed.

I built a simple purlin but the wood grains are not correct.

3D - ROOF PURLIN (TYP).calibz

Same block.

Removed the interlocking "nubs"

Removed rebar.

Added concrete.

Only 36 faces!!!

I will be working on the corner blocks and the taper top blocks.  Once I get a few done, I'll compare them to Build Blocks and some of the other ICF vendors. 

Once I get "smart" on these simple symbols maybe I'll try more cool/complex ones.

FOX BLOCK - 8 INCH TYP (125) 36 FACE.calibz

I appreciate any input.  

As I get more drawn, I'll put them here.  

I have quite a few 2D CAD details I've made over the years, but almost zero 3D items.  

This is way more fun and "productive" in the evening than watching TV or whatever.

From the most humble of beginnings........it begins here with this.

FOX BLOCKS - 8 Straight Form (125).calibz 4227-125.pdf

I thought export library would export the ENTIRE library.  So I'm assuming I should have a totally blank plan with only one item in the library.......ahhhhh. making sense now.

I'm a total rookie at the 3D symbol skill.  I've been plans for permit since X7.  I don't really have a need but I have free evenings and this gets me smarter with chief.

How do I export one single item to a sharable file?  I see them all the time, as a recipient, but I've never created one to share.

Any links to an appropriate thread or video would be great.

Thanks.

I'm taking the 2D CAD details from an ICF block vendor and learning to make the blocks for 3D use.  

I followed the 2D details pretty closely and now the 3D symbol has 1404 faces for ONE block.

I think adding the actual interlocking 2" extrusions didn't help and are probably not necessary.....but I was aiming for true realism.

Should I just make the symbol a pair of 16" x 48" x 2 ⅝" rigid foam blocks set at the appropriate distance apart?

The face count would definitely be much less.

So the cool part is I can get an exact block count if I overlay the symbol in a row, following the exterior walls.

Am I causing issues by having a custom wall and also several rows of ICF block symbols existing in the same space?

When I learn how to create a shared symbol, I'll post it here.

At times your Chief journey will be amazing and then frustrating.  And then amazing and frustrating.  Over time you will have more good times than bad.  Chief Architect is really quite amazing.

• CA has a huge library of videos that are very well organized by topic.
• People on this site are often pretty helpful but it helps them to see your computer specs and CA s/w version (in your signature block) so that they have more background info to go on when they jump in to help.
• There are huge PDF user manuals available if you like to academically search for answers.  Most people are more social creatures so they ask their questions on this site.
• Some of the Chief veterans try hard to keep this site more aligned with being a useful and searchable reference, so asking one specific question per thread is useful (after you have searched the site to reduce the chance of duplicate threads)
• Once you get a handle on how you like to use Chief, maybe check out some of the people who have templates or macros for sale.  There are many productivity tools that people have developed to make you faster and more efficient.

I'm excited for you.  

Your adventure has begun!

I think there is a detailed thread on energy heel trusses somewhere.  That might explain it better for you.

Not sure if this is relevant, but it does expand ones understanding in this area.

I experience the exact same thing.  I created a bunch of 3D solids and when using Point-to-Point move, it's as if it is trying to decide what to grab....to closest corner point or one farther away (z axis as viewed from the screen).

I also found that zooming WAY in and then trying to select a P2P move point becomes easier.

I have put up with the behavior because I thought it just is what it is.

Leica probably has a solution

https://leica-geosystems.com/en-us/products/laser-scanners

If everyone just used help files, then this site would die....no one would interact.  

Where's the fun in that?

I would leave your question as it might be useful in the future to someone.  I always like to see the problem and solution in anything.  Watching an expert make a mistake and then HOW they solve it.....is the best way for me to learn.

I’ve never tried importing DWG to the layout file.
I typically import it to a blank plan file and try to work with it there.
Now you have me curious if I’ve been doing it wrong all these years 

You all are great.  Thanks much.

Hey everyone,

I am working with someone who is looking to purchase home designer to review / edit the model that I create in premiere (X14).

Is there a bulleted list of sequential steps for me to take, on the premiere export side, so that I can create a file that the home designer user can interact with?

I won't be importing anything from back from the edited home designer file....just using redlined PDFs to update my premiere original file(s).

I would like to share an exported model so he can view / edit the plans and show the model (3D) to his team.

My site search didn't turn up anything relevant.

I must have not used correct search terms because the return is bad.

Yeah.....they went back and forth (Builder - County) 2x8 plate, cost, ¾" void, 2x10 ripped.  I just let them hash it out.  

In the end, the builder actually added a knee wall under the joists to the top of footer to ensure a solid system.  

All this to minimize the number of steps from garage into home.

I share dwgs using Dropbox all the time without issue.  I will check around and see if my recipients have had issues or not.

Typically they just download the file and work on it in some 2D app that uses DWG/DXF

This works in my area