BenPalmer

This is more of an FYI to help anyone that brings old plans forward, to help save some frustration. I bring forward lots of old plans...been using Chief Architect since 1999 and have a huge library of plans that I routinely bring forward and modify. I have version 9.5x still on my computer and keep X8 for conversion of these old plans. One really helpful tool is 'reset names' within the 'active layer display options' window. In X12, that option is no longer in that window, which is sad...but, using the help file, realized it has been moved to the 'Default Sets' (formerly 'Annotation Sets'), under 'Layers' -> Define... I don't understand why it got removed from the window and I miss the quick button that used to be there, and don't like the extra steps, but at least the option is still there. Hope that helps someone. Or if someone has a better tip/way, I'm all ears.

Based on the lack of comments, I'm either in the minority or not many are using X12 yet...?. As a follow up, I noticed in X11 and X12 LAYOUTS, the "Drawing Sheets..." is the default setting, which makes sense based on how printing is done in Layouts. However, the change is in the plan file. X12 change to 'drawing sheet', and X11 is set to 'current view' which I think should be the default for plan files vs layout files. Curious how others feel about this or if it is even noticed. I print easily 10+ pdf files per day for different customer drafts to review, so I come across this a lot.

Print Source in X12 now defaults to "Drawing Sheet:..." vs X11 that defaulted to "Current View". Most of my printing uses "Current View" and now have to click to change that every time I print...pain in the arse.. (sending drafts to clients). Is there a way to change it back, set defaults somewhere, or best of both worlds would be to have Chief remember the last use and that will set it to what most people use...assuming it was changed intentionally? Thanks.

Great thread! Appreciate everyone's input.

Fantastic, you guys rock! Great timing, needed to jump back on a project to get it done before the weekend. Thanks!!

Good call, i think the bug is bad enough that they should pull the update completely until it is fixed.

To clarify, there is not an updated patch yet, I should have worded that as 'thanks for informing us that you are aware and working on it'. When the update does come out, the fastest way to get it is to go to the help menu and follow the links and download and install (not automatically installed). The software will eventually notify us of an update, but it isn't always right away, so the help menu gets you there faster. Hopefully they notify us on this thread when it is out so that we get an email notification of such and install it before we are notified. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the quick update!

Yeah, I have a copy of the previous installer and daily backups of all Chief files...but reinstall still makes me nervous, previous state seems like a good option as well...hopefully there is a quick fix soon and I can just work on projects that I don't need edit area on until then...thanks for everyone's input.

Just did, thanks.

Thanks Mick, that sounds a bit risky and messy...have you tried that before?

Just installed latest patch and just did an 'edit area all floors' and it has a HUGE bug...when it is creating copies of all the openings on the walls it's intersecting. Can others verify? Verified this on multiple plans...easily reproducible on my 2 computers. How do I uninstall the patch to get this working? Need a fix ASAP...use this tool like crazy when designing.

Slower for me...zooming on floor plan is slower, dbx slower to open, 3d longer to generate initially...not happy. I'll have to play around with it more and on multiple plans to see if it is the plan. Bummer, this thread got me excited until I tried it for myself.

I have lots of .pl1 files and have kept X8 installed to bring these forward (all of my .pl1 files are 9.54 versions, so X8 works). I use these a lot and I am disappointed that Chief doesn't have a built in legacy converter to bring these forward. However, I've seen Chief chime in on this topic and encourage people to contact support for help. Perhaps they have a solution, convert for you, or provide a download of a previous viewer that will do the trick. Might be worth contacting them. Otherwise, you will need to email someone like David to bring the files forward for you. Hope that helps.

Thanks for suggesting another 3rd party pdf option. Always looking for the perfect one. I tried bullzip really quick in hopes that it was the cure...but...the same pixelation occurs. So, unfortunately, not an option for me. So far, only the built in printer cures this problem...for me. It is due to the use of transparent fills I use in my walls, if I eliminate that, then all 3rd party printers work. I much prefer 3rd party printers and all their features, but I really like the way I have my walls set up, so I'm fine working with Chief's printer in hopes it will get resolved one day. It's been reported and well documented in previous posts that Chief was part of and commented on. Really glad it's working out great for you guys. All the best.

No problem with integrated making larger file sizes for me.

Are you using Chief's built in PDF printer, or a 3rd party printer? If 3rd party, try Chief's integrated one. If you are using Chief's, then need more info. There are a few threads on this topic, and some have found (myself included) that using transparent or gradient fill causes this problem when using 3rd party printer and using Chief's PDF creator corrects the output. A search may result additional fixes.

This topic brings up the mulled window issue...wish we could group select even if windows are mulled, and make universal changes. PITA to work around these mulled windows. I do Like Jay and tab through the selections, but still a PITA...need to be able to change universally. I realize that may be difficult if changing sizes, but some attributes should be available for change.

If you post the chief file, then people can test it on their machines, printers and settings to see if they get the same results and troubleshoot it as needed. We are all just making our best guesses based on info, pdf file and our own experiences. I only get that when i'm dealing with transparencies (knowingly or not), but perhaps it's caused by something else. Hard to know without the actual Chief file. Sounds like you are getting their though.

Refer to previous discussions on this topic (linked below)...in short, it is likely a result of you using transparencies and using a 3rd party printer. You either need to eliminate the transparencies or use chief's built in PDF printer for it to go away:

29 pages in Arizona

It's fun to see how the different geographies and business models play out around the nation and world. Naturally there is a place for large format printers as demonstrated by many of the previous posts...I've had one for 20 years prior to selling mine. Many of our municipalities require PDF digital submittals and no longer take paper copies, so PDFs are a requirement and not an option for us. It's just a matter of time before all the ones around us all require them. Most subs are also moving to digital only. Naturally, we lock down the PDF, but we all know digital and hard copies can be hacked if the thief is determined enough...I've had people bring in my plans with a different title block trying to pass it off as there...that was a printed copy, and not a pdf one. Additionally, the client gets there plans instantly after online payment vs making a trip to us to or a print shop for the final copy. They can be submitted to the city digitally within minutes of us putting the final touches on the plans in CA (which is often the case). Our clients are all over the metro area and are often hours drive from us, so PDF is certainly preferred in those cases. Also, our local print shop is just down the street from us, but certainly understand being a disservice if further away. So IF they want hard copies, they are close by. But again, for my area, it is rarely requested anymore...hence the reason for me getting rid of my printer. Pretty slick advances in our business the last couple decades, wonder whats next. Just thought I would share my experience in my specific area if it helps anyone...not meant to be disagreeable or the right or wrong way, nearly meant to be informational....love reading everyone's take on the issue, thanks to all who have and will share.

I had the T120, great printer, small footprint. However, sold it on Craigslist due to more digital usage and hated printing for clients. I would charge $5 per 24x36 sheet (all I ever printed), because of my time to put together and assemble and keeping paper and ink supplies in stock...local shop charged $1/sheet. Basically, I hated printing for people, took way to much of my time, so I encouraged everyone to go to the local repro print shop. I love not having the printer anymore...more office space and no more clients asking for prints, etc. My opinion anyway. Good luck.

It's great to see design/builders using Chief Architect in the Phoenix area.

We just use cad lines and draw it up in a cad detail window with labels and send it to layout from there. Many examples on the web: https://goo.gl/Sxr6zX