BenPalmer

Completely understand the need to upgrade and I'm all for it. However, just as was done with legacy library file formats, an import legacy .pl1 file utility should be implemented within Chief to convert those forward the same way I would open the file in X8 and then X9 to bring it forward. Please reconsider completely dropping support for this file and instead implement a way to import legacy plans.

Seeing this issue as well.

Appreciate everyone's input. I understand the need to move on or improve the program, but it is very disappointing to leave long time loyal users in the dust without providing a tool to bring these projects forward. I've been with Chief since version '97 (version 5 i think?), and therefore have many of these files. The .pl1 files are still very useful thanks to importing capabilities of annotation sets, defaults, wall definitions, etc. It takes about 20 minutes to clean up various layers, window and door settings and various other items and i'm ready to go. This saves days of having to recreate the file with all the detailing that is already done. I guess i'll have to keep X8 loaded as well as keep the keys so that I can install it when I upgrade computers in the future. I suppose I can live with that as long as chief doesn't start revoking my ability to have X8 in the long future via the software lock. Thanks again for everyone's input.

I'm having the same issue with crashes and the archive not being there. Reported the crashes with no repeatable steps to tech support last week. They basically put it back into my court and told me to try to narrow it down. Not much help. But, I understand it's hard to narrow it down without steps to repeat. Lots more info on this thread that will hopefully help them track it down. Just posting to reinforce that I'm having the issue as well. Appreciate everyone's effort to figure this out to benefit all of us.

The .pl1 extension has been removed from the open dialogue in X9. Besides opening in X8 first, has a way been provided to open these Chief 9 and earlier files within X9 via import or other method? I have 100s if not 1000s of designs that I sell or use to base plans off of for customers that were created in 9 or earlier and need access to them via X9 and future releases. I really don't want to keep X8 loaded on my computer forever to bring these files forward each time I need them. Nor do I want to spend the time converting these numerous files. However, a batch conversion tool would be acceptable. Thanks.

Edit>Edit area All floors and rotate 180 degrees either with rotate handle or Transform/Rotate dialogue. There may be some clean up depending on if you prefer having text oriented a different way, elevation labels, etc. Hope that helps.

Reversing is typically pretty smooth. But usually some cleanup in the elevations saved cameras: i.e. left to right, or east to west, and some labeling gets off. Also some 3d work such as solids can occasionally be a problem. Pretty good, but not perfect.

Tom, Great to see other Phoenix area users of Chief Architect. I don't have the bandwidth to help with other projects besides my own right now, but might know someone who could, that also uses Chief Architect. Let me know if interested and I'll send their info to you.

OK, so i'm trying to see the benefit of using Adobe for managing the process. If you are just going to combine files into one binder...how is that any different then just having all those files in one folder on your PC? I guess I don't see the value of an extra step of combining them if you already have them in different formats and open them up individually? Please let me know what i'm missing. Can you update the files? Or are they linked to the original source file and update in both places? Or they become static once they are combined? Maybe we are thinking of different uses. I currently use OneNote which will collect and organize things easily including colloboration. But not the best for managing the process of a project or projects. I too have been looking into process management systems similar to those linked by Joey (thanks for the links) and find them useful for both managing a project including my team and where each project is at and what needs done and which is the priority. OneNote and Adobe won't really do that job well, but could be tweaked to make do. Again, thanks for the dialogue and any additional insights.

Agree with above, creating a second floor to control the parapet is the best way to go.

Anna, they do need to explode it even if they claim they don't. Have them try it as a trial to see if it works, then you will know going forward. I deal with those files all the time and they come in great when saved as exploded. Sometimes they forget and send it blocked, and then I remind them I need it exploded and they make the adjustments and resend, and it works great. They tell me there are other clients they do the same thing with that use other software. Hope that helps.

I would love to see a way to change the overhang length universally without auto rebuilding. I work on complicated roofs that auto only goes so far and then there is lots of manual work, so auto rebuild isn't an option if we decide to change to a different overhang length.

I prefer other pdf software as well. HOWEVER, be aware that if you use transparencies in your drawings, 3rd party pdf printers will pixelate (raster) those areas of the drawings vs a clear vector output that Chief's built in pdf printer does. You can search previous threads for more information on this.

Daryl, I'm in Maricopa County (Gilbert), but I'm a couple months out right now, so if you need it sooner, Jared may be your guy. Maricopa is pretty straight forward to get through, at least compared to other local municipalities. Should be able to do the structure prescriptavely (no engineering) based on the drawing you submitted with a 10' plate and minimal wall openings, but depending on your lot location, you may need civil engineering (if you are in flood zone or on a lot with washes, slope, etc). Here is their check-lists for you and whoever does the project (make sure to follow the check list perfectly, or they won't even take the plan at the counter). http://www.maricopa.gov/planning/buildingservices/docs/pdf/Site%20and%20Building%20Plan%20Checklist.pdf http://www.maricopa.gov/planning/buildingservices/docs/pdf/Forms/SingleFamilyResidential.pdf Good luck.

I haven't seen it as much lately, but I can fix it the same way Richard does...just need to open and close. Having to check boxes might be a different issue?? Not sure.

See if this thread relates to you: https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/index.php?/topic/10714-bad-printing/

While you may save money for the production of the prints, don't forget the time you will need to spend to assemble and manage it. For me, my time is more valuable spent on drawing then printing and assembling. Therefore I push the print shop and digital files whenever I can. So make sure to figure your hourly time into that price and you may find the print shop price is pretty good. However, if you have a lower waged employee managing that without sacrificing production, then it may work out. Best of luck.

I used to have that issue, but an update along the way fixed that for me. No more large files on my end. However, i would still rather use my own pdf software as I like the options I have better. The integrated one is limited, especially when needing to print multiple views, cameras, floors, etc into one pdf.

I suspect you may have transparent fills?? in which case, you must use Chiefs integrated PDF creator to clean it up. More info here: https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/index.php?/topic/3893-x7-poor-print-quality-using-transparent-fills-in-walls/

Basic spread sheet functionality needs to be added to Chief without going outside the program. This has been requested before, but good to bring it up again.

I contacted Del offline since he was a fellow Arizonan and wanted to share some information specific to Arizona in addition to helping him with his file. 'out of the kindness of my heart'. Didn't see it necessary for that conversation happening publicly on the forum. Now I have helped with a couple others on this forum over the years and you run across those who you know want to take advantage of the situation and I quickly cut them off or discuss pricing. But generally I'm pretty willing to help out (if it isn't a direct competitor

Sent you an email.

Found the same thing. In fact, after invisible wall is aligned, you can then unalign it again and it will still build fine. Or just delete that invisible wall...don't see that it is doing anything for you.

Yeah, ditto. And I expect problems on older plans. It usually takes about 30 minutes or so to import annotation sets, defaults, changes some settings, layers, update windows, doors and other things to integrate into X8, and I'm fine with that as things have changed (for the better), so I get it and each time I bring a plan forward, it is now ready to go for the future. And it's worth it because the new tools are more refined, quicker and produce a better visual plan. But this foundation thing on some plans has taken me half a day to finally get it fixed. There have been a few that I can't figure out at all and just use polyline solids or cad to 'band aid' it.

...and my situation isn't a problem with templates, but a problem with bringing an old plan forward. So new templates wouldn't solve some of those issues. BTW, I bring plans forward a lot. That is part of my business model. I have done thousands of plans over the years and I will give a client a discount if they use one of my old plans 'as is', or use it as a starting point. So Chief needs to continue to support legacy plans. I understand that as a plan get's too old there may be problems, but the issues I'm having aren't special things. They are just foundations and defaults and pretty straight forward things that should just work.