robdyck

I'd try the opposite of whatever you tried...if you used the "choose files" tool and it didn't work, then try dragging the file instead. Or vice versa. I've experienced the same behavior once or twice.

So what your sayin' is one more suggestion will put it over the top, right?

Ah yes, I see what you mean. And with a mess like that, it might be worth deleting all or most of those. Eric, do you ever use Auto-interior dimensions? I make sure that particular tool is never available so I can never touch it!

Can you post a screenshot of your temporary dimension defaults? Here's mine:

Why not develop your model and then outsource the videos and / or imaging? It is a completely different skill set and if you've got other work to do...Outsource it and charge a markup for providing it. Otherwise, IMO, plug away at it and watch your hourly earnings plummet. Or invest the time and money to get some training because I've been there and it's not a fun process trying to learn these things by trial and error. Plus, to produce a professional looking walkthrough will also require post-production using different software...which you may or may not have the software / knowledge. I've given up trying to master everything...outsource that junk and spend more time at the beach!

Is it just me or can we not control the layer of a CAD block that is added to the library? I'll make a CAD block, then set its layer, then add it to the library. When I place it from the library, it is always on the 'default cad layer'. Why won't it retain the layer that I set? Does this need to be added to suggestions?

The shelf tool creates a rectangle only. If you want a clipped corner, or a shelf that runs into , say a 45 degree corner, then you have already alluded to the unfortunate fact that it will need to be created manually. If you need to do it often, as you say, then place examples of your manually created shelves in the library for quick access and easy editing. Just use a counter top, adjust its properties to match that of a shelf, group select it, block it, add it to library. Then all you need to do in the future is place it, unblock it, and adjust its shape.

I did....just gave a like to that post. That was a great tip!

Yup. The top of sub-floor will align. Existing subfloor is 5/8" plwood & 2x10's....The new subfloor will be 3/4" OSB & 2x10's The existing concrete foundation is showing to the underside of existing floor joists whereas the new ICF foundation for the addition is 1. 5/8" lower for a bolted on sill plate plus the thicker floor sheathing.

And Plan View: Chief's Automatic: Adjustment #1: Adjustment #4:

lettuce see what happens...these are auto connections after the foam has been moved out of the main layer.

Ha! Good one! I'll probably try that next. The reason they're part of the main layer...my foundation plan shows 'main layer only' so in plan view, I don't want to see stucco parging or drywall but I do want to see the ICF...and it's logical. ICF is unquestionably the "main layer' right? But I gotta play with the hand I'm dealt...I can turn my drywall line invisible so it doesn't show.

Take a look at this insane mess of a wall connection! Curses what a waste of time dealing with this crap! It's an ICF grade beam connecting to an existing concrete basement wall. I want the concrete layers to align at the exterior...no overlap of materials as the new foundation will simply butt up against the old foundation...but Chief has other plans apparently. Plan View: 3D (all other views): I can change things by messing around with the wall connection tool...I just can't change things to be correct. How can something so simple be made so hard?? I'm inlcuding the ICF wall type if anyone wants to attempt a connection fix that works for all views! ICF 8.calibz

The future will get here someday Alan.

I don't expect Chief to dimension anything the way I'd like. I use a combination of auto and manual dimensions and I edit them all to ensure they are picking up what I want. And I agree with Mick, if the printed paper on site is clear and to scale, any decent worker would notice the discrepancy and note a correction on their copy of the plan. I also understand dealing with people who are stuck in their ways and prefer to work harder instead of smarter. It may take several sales pitches to your boss or repeat client to show them how you could improve things for them and utilize the software you've chosen to avoid errors and save time.

You've got a heck of a lot of manually placed text that could be automated and cleaned up. It'd save you many, many, many hours on each plan. If you're interested in optimizing some of these things, you could reach out to one of the many experts on this forum to help you out. Did I mention it could save you a lot of time?! Certain dimension types, certain layer sets, and manually typed text all lead to increased probability of mistakes. Improved methods will not only save time, but lower the probability of errors occurring.

Original: reverse wall layers:

No offense of course, but the first mistake you are making is using that dimension type (Interior Dimension). They do have a tendency to snap to the default of a wall when things get moved or changed. In your case, the wall layers got reversed. Rather I'd suggest developing the habit of using the "Manual Dimension" tool. I ALWAYS and ONLY dimension to the front of interior walls and the left side of interior walls. Stairwells get dimensioned to the framing line of the actual opening. The next suggestion is to clean up and review your dimensions using a final layer set that has the wall layers turned off. Also, turn off all casings. Dimensioning will become much cleaner and easier to snap to the main layers. Just because those layers are on out-of-the-box, doesn't mean we should keep them on all the time!

@GeneDavis First thing I'd do is change the sunlight to 1500. That should pretty much take care of it.

It would appear as though you haven't told that room to have a roof over it. Does that make sense?

If that concrete foundation that you are highlighting is auto-built, that seems pretty good to me. All that would be required is a capped railing wall on the interior of the foundation in order to provide a framed, insulated, and finished wall that covers the foundation. While it's not 'pretty' it seems that's what's needed. I'd suggest that Chief could allow a few things: a 'pony' wall should be able to be made up vertically of more than just 2 wall types all moldings should come with offset capabilities (in this case allowing a capped railing wall to cover the foundation with the cap)

A detail drawing and specification or used in the model, for visuals? It's just a square...seems all you need to know is the dimension? There's lots of squares available for moldings, just type 'square' in the library browser and filter by type to moldings. Once you've made your selection, you can rename and resize.

Did you build any floor framing?

For sure. I used the OP's posted plan and I was simply showing that the elevations could be adjusted as requested. Dan didn't ask for anything regarding construction methods...(shrug)