DavidJPotter

You need to open the symbol using the "Open Symbol" dialog, go to the 2D Block tab where you can then control the fill of the block. Push comes to shove you can use the "Insert block" command found under "CAD Block Management", explode and redraw or edit the block and then replace the existing 2D block with your edited one. DJP PS: your file that you offered for download is zero KB and as such is unusable

You are possessed by demons, get them exercised ASAP. Such questions are usually expectant of "what is the origin or cause of such things", frankly I haven't a clue, I know you can fix the appearance with the placement of soffits, material regions, the relatively new custom backsplash tool and poly-line solid placement, none of which explain the phenomena. You require a technical explanation then call Tech Support and or share the file so others can look and see what is what. DJP

The most common error is not knowing on what basis the software is programmed versus, as Joe pointed out, what you might think the basis is. I think all you are seeing is the apparent difference in "opinion" as to how the software should be programmed as opposed to how it is programmed. Try to see how the software works devoid of your own preconceptions and just observe what it does do, when you make changes (confront and understand the changes to better understand how and why it is doing what it IS doing. This is part of the learning process, sorting out how it actually works versus your own preconceptions and biases. DJP

Here is a You Tube video of me inspecting and repairing your file: http://youtu.be/IyHfgsVDD54 DJP

Turn OFF "Auto Rebuild Framing" if it is found to be "ON" , that would explain why stuff is disappearing. DJP

I do not recall having to design a central vacuum system but if I did, I would first look (search) at 3D Warehouse. DJP

Part of my business is serving those who have not upgraded (I have versions 7-X7 on my PC on two hard drives), so you can leave it in place or remove it depending upon what you want to do. DJP

Go to the "A" (Attic or second floor), locate the auto-generated attic walls that you are complaining of and mark them "invisible" DJP

I have not observed this in X7, I have seen it in X6 and like everyone else, I just rebooted Chief and drove on. I shut down my PC every night. Running a PC just to leave it on is wasting it. I have observed that rebooting Windows and or Chief is the FIRST thing I do when confronted with a behavior problem of any kind. DJP

I came up with a work-round for this in that you make the shower pony-walls, lower wall have whatever material you wish exposed, setting it as that wall types' "Structural Layer" (it is merely a 3D appearance and plays hob with your materials list, if you care about that). I commonly set the structural layer to the same tile material I have on the shower interior walls, so you see tile instead of a fur wood pattern. The upper wall can be centered or placed where you wish via the pony wall - wall type dialog. A secondary method is to cap the transition point of the pony wall with a custom slab, counter top or poly-line solid, both methods are workable and get visual results. DJP

I have read the complaints about X7 like everyone else. I have observed that on my PC X7 is a little slower (a little slower). I realize that "slowness" is a subjective and personal matter based on experience. I would just also point out that a Windows PC's performance is not identical, machine to machine due to the variability of hardware and the variability of maintenance and use of that hardware by the end user. Only instances of behavior that will be found on all Windows PC's can be directly confronted and handled by Chief Architect Tech Support (if they can see the same results you are getting, then they can then AND ONLY THEN, do something useful for us all. The main slowness I have observed is when I open the Library Browser, it takes a moment for the library images to parse or appear on screen. On my PC this takes about five seconds from the time I open the Library Browser and select a visual category to view. The visual display of the Library Browser is much appreciated but does seem to tax my PC's video card more than X6 does BUT the X6 Library Browser is still harder to use, if "faster" . This is something that should be relatively easy to duplicate and observe. DJP

Nothing should BE wrong but it is, so I wonder you said " I imported them as calibz files...". I wonder what, exactly did you do? When you have the proper files downloaded for YOUR VERSION they should then install without a hitch but if you downloaded calibz files intended for X7 then they would NOT install no matter what you did. Make sure you download the library files intended for X6 and then import them and see if that makes the difference please. DJP

Contact Charles Volz Mobile: (210Mobile: (210) 744-7489 Work: (210) 494-7488 Fax: (210) 494-7415 Skype: CharlesVolz Email: CVRE@sbcglobal.net Web: CastlerockDesignerHomes.com DJP I am in Austin, Charles is in SA if that makes a significant difference other than 70 miles

I learned from Dan Baumann to add invisible walls beyond the railing walls which thus extends the deck (invisible walls) but allows you to place the railing where you wish. Essentially you are creating two decks, one with railing and one with invisible walls, the invisible walls define the outer extent of the deck. DJP

In your Roof Specification Dialog you turn on (check) "Boxed Eaves" and in the wall dialog box you turn off the returns. DJP

Here is me stumbling around with your plan on You Tube: http://youtu.be/9ro4NiQucK8 DJP

Scott, X6 and X7's terrain tools are identical. I haven't had a real problem with terrain since Version 7 where it was introduced. DJP

The entire point of Layers, layer sets and annotation sets is to provide one the ability to organize one's data and break that data down into various groups of displays that communicate the plan. Even for a single story home, I might have several different displays of that floor plan that communicate different groups of information (Plan View Structural, Plan View Electric, Plan View HVAC layout, and on and on, as many individual displays that together communicate all necessary data. Chief provides plenty of opportunities to do this in whatever style you might choose. DJP

I use Chief for screen time measuring and do my billing and accounting using Quicken for Home and Business, works for me. DJP

Windows 7 x64 I have used since it was first released. I believe Windows 8.1 is another good choice (Windows 8 is not, coming from XP as you are). Windows 10 is a free upgrade when it is released for current users of Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. DJP

Place invisible walls that line up with the walls below and that space can then be "Open Below" the other two slivers defined by the invisible walls and visible walls will merely be second floor space. DJP

It is easy, if you've got the money, Honey, they have the time..." DJP

I think what you are seeing is merely Chief Architect being itself to the degree that it has some basic functions in terms of creating automaticly generated walls often whether they might or might be wanted in plan view or not. These walls are always to be identified by opening their dialog box-General Tab and they will be checked "No Room Define, No Locate and Attic Wall", that is how they can be identified for sure. They reside automatically on a layer called "Walls, Attic" and so can be turned on or off in plan or camera views. Deleting such walls merely prompts Chief to instantly replace them. This function can be turned off in "3D Preferences" but you will then have holes and missing rake walls in your elevation and camera views. Like Joe said, we are not clairvoyant or psychic so also posting images and or a copy of your problem plan helps those who would want to help you. DJP

Greg, Chief Inc also makes a consumer version of Chief Premier called "Home Designer" which has several titles in each version. Currently they are "Home Designer Pro, Home Designer Architectural , Home Designer Suite and Home Designer Interiors. The Home Designer Line of software is sold at COSTCO and other big box stores, Amazon.com and via the Home Designer Website. DJP

Chief Architect rewrites how layers are handled and added annotation sets more recently, so older plans written as they were then get kinda "lost in translation". To me, the amazing thing is that they can be brought forward as well as they currently do. The older the file, the more doctoring it must have when brought forward. You will have to ask that question directly to one or more of the egg heads who create the code on which Chief runs to get a more lucid answer. DJP