DavidJPotter

Please do a "Search" here as there have been several "threads" (discussions) already about this matter. The first thing is making sure that just the minimum "light sources" are turned "on" per ray trace (each unneeded light sources adds time to the overall time necessary to get a good image). Then adjusting light sources in location and intensity and adjusting how materials in the view reflect and react to light. It is an ART that one learns through applied study followed by lots of practice, failures and successes. Have at it. DJP

There is an extensive thread of posts about Thea and its use with Chief in the old forum, look that useful thread up for yourself. DJP

Scott, In my own defence, I now have several software programs to prevent and remove malware and viruses. It seems there are enough antisocial personalities who have nothing better to do but to make internet life miserable for others. I consider the money well spent (I currently use: Spyhunter, Reghunter, Advanced System Care Ultimate and Hit Man Pro). Since I started using these software applications I never for long have this kind of annoyance. Only through constant vigilance is Freedom obtained. DJP

Dave, "Speed" in ray tracing depends upon the complexity of your 3D model, your lighting, material settings and then lastly your hardware. In order to actually have tests that might be useful, you must have a single plan file, set exactly the same by all testers, otherwise it is then just useless opinion an not "Scientific", base line results. DJP

Whether and if your Library Browser shows or how it shows is controlled in "Edit - Preferences - Appearance - Library Browser", take a look. DJP

The posted image would need to have it's background removed and then converted to a .png image to show that transparency. If you do not require a transparent background, the existing image should work as it is. My advice is to find another texture and use that, doing what you need done to that image would be a lot of detailed editing for dubious results. I have attached several similar trellis textures I use DJP

Here are some basic tutorials for manual roofs: http://djpdesigns.net/html/roof_dialog.htm http://djpdesigns.net/html/join_roofs.htm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR8vwRQ1L2g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix5Y4OAfQQQ DJP

Send me your files, all of them and see if you can find out exactly what version they were created in or at least the year they were created would help. When I get them, I will then tell you whether or not I will require any exchange from you for the service. DJP

There are several videos about X7 on Chief's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ChiefArchitect as well as other information. DJP

Actually you don't, I mean not really, rather you make them look like they fit angled walls by using filler strips (tiny cabinet objects to fill in fronts or the automatic filler option) and custom counter tops for the tops. This is actually how a cabinet person would do the actual project in the field and so it is a similar task in Chief. DJP

If you mean in plan view, you make a copy of the wall type and give that wall type a different fill for plan view. If you mean in terms of camera views and materials lists, Glenn and Andy have concisely answered that question already. DJP

What video card do you currently have? How is it set relative to dual monitors? What OS are you using? What Glenn suggested should work , I wonder what you actually did as opposed to what Glenn suggested? This should not be difficult to do whatever you have. DJP

Thank you! DJP

Once you complete that action, you will not have to do it again but contacting Tech Support is free (with an SSA) and always a good idea. DJP

I agree with Ray, you have errant roof planes that need straightening out, nothing more. How it is done is usually one roof plane at a time, properly configured and edited per roof plane. DJP

If I were to make an off-hand list of such persons, I would include DS Hall, Ben Palmer, Joe Carrick, Drawzilla, Glenn Woodward, EB Design, Dennis Gavin, Kilgore Trout, Gerry T, Bryce Engstrom, Cheryl Crane, Rod Cole, Terry Munson and please do not be offended if I left your name out, you know who you are. DJP

My PC is far from new but has six cores in its CPU. Chief Architect Software Engineers and Architects have several times stated that "the more cores, the better". Chief Architect is not, I believe "hyper-threaded" but does benefit from the presents of multiple core CPU's, SSD.s and a well made, up to date Video card and RAM. The only usual limiting factor is one's budget, the more expensive machines give greater and greater performance but as it increases, the difference is measurable only by sicentific testing devices. Get the best you can afford and then be happy. DJP

I posted this thread because I thought an "action definition" of Power User would benefit others. If you aren't currently considering yourself a Power User then how can you attain that for yourself. It takes a decision to attain the ability followed by applied study and practice in most cases. In some instances help can be obtained from here and other training orientated sources (Chief Tutor.com, Chief Experts.com and several other sources). For basic understanding, the video series created and offered via Chief Architect Inc is unbeatable. My point is that please do not wait until you are working on a project and get stumped as your only impetus to study and practice, rather set aside some time, every day for learning (study followed by practice of what was studied) until you attain the level of Power you desire. DJP

If you actually created a custom layer it is not possible for it not to be listed, selectively in any Display Options, that is not happening, look again please. DJP

I agree with Glenn, say what your software title and version is, tell us a little about your PC-OS as well, then state sustinctly what you specific problem is, then also post some screen capture images to help illustrate your problem or a copy of your problem plan. To do otherwise is merely a waste of time for one and all. DJP

There is, for Cabinets material settings in "Edit - Default Settings - Cabinets - Cabinet types (3)", just to be thorough there are also settings in "Edit - Default Settings - Materials" for cabinets though the senior area is "Edit Default Settings - Cabinets - Cabinet types - Materials", you miss one Default setting, it comes back to haunt you later. DJP

Sounds like a remodeling project and as such I usually have an "as-built" plan and then a copy of that saved-as and then edited to represent the proposed project. Things like headers and beams can most easily be represented using 2D CAD items on custom layers to show such Engineering details whether in plan or detail views. You can even draw the CAD objects in your "AS Built" plan and then copy-paste-hold position them into the remodeling plan if you like, There is usually more than one way to get portrayed what you need and want. DJP

Commonly I use mainly floor plan views with different layer sets on and off to organize that material. Cross Sections I usuallly do using a crosss section camera that again potentially is dynamic in nature and allows for easier future changes. Where I use fixed CAD details is for those views that are repetitive or "bloiler plate"in nature, those I customize and save to my library for reuse as my Engineer dictates. CAD detalls usually are merely 2D snapshots of parts of the plan file with text and 2D lines, and overlays that communicate the detail. DJP

What you would need to do is to make a 3D molding poly-line as a path along which your molding profile then extrudes along. I am not saying this is necessarily "easy" but does let you define, exactly the path and appearence of the resulting custom hand rail. 3D molding poly lines can be edited in both camera and plan views to adjust the custom object to exactly what you might need and want. DJP

You can always use ""Control-Tab" to switch between the render view, ray trace window and plan view but to make 3D changes in the plan file you would have to start the render or ray trace over again to include new changes. That is merely the way things are programmed to work. I often start, view-evauate the ray trace, stop the ray trace, make adjustments several times until I then am satisfied with the look of the ray trace allowing it to finish, it is a process of adjustments and then retry until you get the appearance you desire. DJP