robdyck

For 'vector display' option I'm referring to display choices, not much different than fill for CAD objects and p-lines. Essentially it would require some additional options in the Define Material DBX: -PATTERN TAB: a separate material color choice, with a transparency option. -TEXTURE TAB: unlink the material color choice for textures that blend with colors

Thanks for the reply. That's what I thought. Shouldn't there be a 'vector display' option in a material's dbx? This should be available for all materials. Here's another example: I do almost all of my plans in color, and black aluminum trim or other dark materials display way too dark in vector view. The 'apply shading contrast' is an on-off choice, but it would be great if it was a sliding contrast selector. I currently lighten my dark material colors, then decrease the 'diffuse' slider so they'll appear correctly in the renderings.

Is there still no material that will allow transparency in Vector View? I use a lot of glass for deck railings and its completely insane what needs to be done to make an exterior elevation drawing look decent. Currently, I need to build my railings without any glass, then build the glass manually, place on a separate layer so I can have it on in renderings, but off in elevation views (vector). Then, in elevation view, I need (choose) to manually draw p-lines with transparent fill to show the glass without blocking visibility of the structure beyond. I don't like fighting Chief's defaults and auto features, but I also want my drawings to have a certain appearance. Anyone have any thoughts or tips for transparent glass (not windows) in vector views?

You can also make this really simple if you want. Don't model the building, just the interior. The metal building supplier should include all the metal framing necessary to support the interior finish of choice ( I assume drywall). All you'd need to do is draw your exterior wall as a 3 layer wall: exterior cladding, structural layer as a solid material, and drywall. Turn the outer 2 layers to dashed lines with no fill. If the metal supplier can't give you an exact thickness, then estimate and make a note that adjustments may be required on site. As far as connecting wood frame studs to metal girts, self-tapping metal screws are all that should be necessary, and that should take a note only. Note on your plan the exterior dimensions only and refer to supplier's shop drawings for structural plans and details. Others here are referring to pole barns, but you mentioned a metal building so as far as the structure goes, there should be nothing for you to do.

Then add the drywall layer to the roof structure.

Room Specification dbx, Structure Tab, Ceiling Finish.

I run into the same problem on every plan! Joking of course!

Yup. The entry field doesn't 'support' a full or identical rich text copy. Would you consider this to be an issue that needs to be addressed by Chief? It seems to me that all text features within the program would need to be amalgamated into only one type of text box/field. I'm sure that's no big deal for Chief's programmers!

Along these lines, I tried to 'check spelling' of a door schedule where I purposely entered some incorrect spelling into the 'comment' field of 1 door. The spell checker will find it, but even though I click 'replace', and it moves to the next selection, there is no change to the schedule.

This would appear to be one of the issues of having at least 2 different types of text inherent in the program. Kind of like how spell check isn't available within the custom object fields dbx. And kinda like grids aren't available in rich text. There's probably quite a few other text pet peeves or inconsistencies ( or whatever you want to call them) that other uses woul have examples of.

I just did a quick trial: the reason (I think) it can't find that text selection is due to format of the original rich text. It is from my library, and has been typed over 2 lines as opposed to having it's textbox resized to make it display over 2 lines. The 'find/replace' tool doesn't like that.

Not a silly question! With that first example I clicked and tried everything until I was out of breath! I tried that particular rich text box because I know exactly where the 2 instances are located. I tried 2 forms initially: -right clicked the text box, control-c, then control-v into 'find/replace tool'. Didn't work. -opened the rich text box, highlighted the entire text selection, control-c, exit text dbx, then control-v into 'find/replace tool'. Didn't work.

Alrighty then! So it's true... you don't know what you don't know!

And the next logical try provided the desired results! I limited the text choice to text that is 'within' the desired text. Bingo! I can't believe that in 20 years I've never used this tool!

I thought I'd give the find/replace text tool a try and it doesn't appear to work (in this case). According to the Help page, I'm doing it correctly, yet it can't find the rich text shown on the screen. In the find/replace tool, I used a copy of the text in question so there's no typing errors. Hmm...I'll try a few more. Any tips from other users would be appreciated!

Have you saved the archived file to replace the file that is referenced in the layout?

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.