robdyck

Hi Becky, could you select one of the front bay walls and post a screenshot with the dialog box showing (structure tab)?

Is there any way to lock a layout page or a layout box (any and all view types) so that it never changes or updates? This type of lock would really speed up the completion of plans. It would especially come in handy when revising a completed plan as it would help with the speed of a revision as well as the management of revisions and pages.

I know how in real and I know how in Chief Architect! If you can, please post a screenshot your showing your issue. It'll make it easier to point out a solution.

Nor can I. I can copy the rich text either inside or out of the dbx, and no issues with pasting.

Libray - Post And Pier Systems

@kwhitt I'm glad you brought this up. In my experience Chief's roof returns and eaves are only reliable on the most basic of square or rectangle plans. And since it's not 1974, they just don't work reliably enough for me to use. I always try Chief's options first before I resort to making my own (using a variety of methods) but it sure sucks when those auto choices seemingly randomly alter their appearance just when you think you're plan is finalized and ready to print! Glad to see you've added this to suggestions!

A workaround is required. There are a few options, all manual as far as I know. -Cad detail from view, then edit lines manually -Cad lines over the foundation in the elevation camera view -a polyline with an angle hatch pattern of white lines to dash out the foundation below grade.

The simplest way to do close to what you want is to use a prefix that references the floor number. No macros, still very logical, and it matches the method of communication that you're aiming for. Include a legend that shows how the labeling works. It will also simplify your schedule numbering if you need to make a change after completion. It'd be a PITA to try to get , let's say, a new window #23 from the first floor to the second. Referencing each floor only can be logical and practical.

No crashes, but generally much slower. You can tell when your habitual mouse clicks out pace the program. Takes me about 3-4 seconds just to open a door dbx and about the same to close it, even with no editing. EDIT: 10-20 seconds to open a door dbx on a fairly small model. Although, how would I know if its related to the update...

Off topic? At least with a bit of an outlet here, my wife should be off the hook for listening to me vent tonight! I was never in the corporate world. I spent the last 10 years framing alone plus drafting, and then finally made the switch to just drafting. But @nVisionTEKBIM is right. It's worth it to be your own boss!

To find ZERO on the x/y axis in PLAN VIEW use the 'input point' tool and place a point at absolute 0. That should show you where 'things' are in your plan. Above zero is positive y, below zero is negative y. Right of zero is positive x, left of zero is negative x. Top of main floor subfloor should be zero Z axis. above that is positive, below that is negative. No to N,E,S,W.

It was absolute. That's all that's available in the dbx.

x = left - right y = front - back z = up - down bottom right hand corner of your screen, watch the coordinates update as your move your cursor. And yes, I didn't really 'draw' the molding in its location, I 'specified' it's location using the dbx. A 3d molding p-line can be tricky to learn. I'd suggest stopping the 3d molding in elevation view here: Then in plan view, draw a molding p-line to be your baseboard. They can overlap and it'll look seamless.

I made the breaks I needed in elevation view. Then, it doesn't really matter which view you use to adjust it, as long as you know your x,y,z coordinates!

2nd option: Tell each line where to go (and how to get there) using the dbx

Nope. 2 options. stop the 3d molding casing before the corner and add a separate molding p-line for the baseboard.

You could also select the offensive line and specify its coordinates. Tell it to be at the correct z elevation at the start and the end.

For a baseboard molding it'd be best to do it on plan view, unless you want it to extrude in the z-axis.

Personally, I prefer to see if I can make it through the whole day without any human contact or interaction of any kind...gross. One of the drawbacks of being a sole operator working out of my home office. Sarcasm...I'm lonely.

I was expecting your reply on this topic! I'll send you a pm explaining.

Does anyone know of a quick and decent way to share a plan file with someone, while removing / locking all the proprietary information (other than saving a backup, then deleting almost everything)?

Could you post some screenshots of your import process?

You can either send to layout, or use the 'save camera' tool. See screenshot for the icon image.

@BoiseDesignsChief's tech support has been very helpful when I've had any display issues. They'll be able to guide you to give them the info they need for the best shot at resolving that issue.

Good catch!