DavidJPotter

DJP

DJP

I specialize in Helping Home Designer users with their projects, let's please talk. DJP

Unlike most users of Chief, I specialize in helping users (probably like you) who for one reason or another decided not to upgrade every time a new version is offered. I have versions X1-X13 and even old version 7, 9 and 10 that predate old X1, so I can help such people. Version 7 still works perfectly well after all these years but version 9-23 work even progressively better and better. There is no "greater wisdom" of which you cannot tap, really there is only what you need, like and want. THAT should be your only guide to what you need and want. DJP

CAD to walls tool is "layer specific" and so if your CAD blocks are on a layer other than "Walls exterior" or "Walls Interior" then they will be overlooked. Software is pre-programmed to work the way it was written to work and that often times does not work the way one might want to have it. In other words, it does what it does and perhaps not what YOU would have it work. It is not "worthless" but by the same token, I, like Shane and Lewis, do not commonly use it due to its limitations. DJP

Each camera type has its own default settings (called "Edit Active View") and each camera type can or not have a backdrop. By the same token, adding a backdrop to one camera type does not add a backdrop to ALL camera types, they each have their own settings and dialogs. In earlier versions this was not so but IS SO now. DJP

Rather than carp (noting wrong with complaining) about the fact that Chief is not pre-programmed to do exactly as you wish when and as you wish, I would simply fix the elevation view with 2D CAD overlays so it "LOOKS" like you wish it to look (no one is ever going to "Live" in the virtual model contained in a " chief.plan or .layout file", those are used to emulate or graphically communicate ones desires to other building professionals. So you cover up the fact that Chief models a certain way using 2D CAD fill boxes so it "LOOKS" right when printed. It is unlikely that Chief will be rewriting its software to suit you and hundreds of other end users who are used to how some other software operates/ is programmed to work or how you think it should work-- it DOES work quite well and is able to, sometimes requiring some creative thinking, very well. DJP

Completely fine here, no problems. DJP

Robert's suggestion may work as long as your interior ceilings are all flat (not common-rafter-vaulted where the material setting comes from Roof Defaults). Push comes to shove you can add custom ceiling planes for interior vaults and they are programmed to accept material assignments separate from roof planes alone. The fact is that Materials assignment questions are not nice and neat with a single "answer" because there are multiple "answers" to such questions due to the multiple ways one can arrive at an "answer", without your plan file to inspect, no one can be singly sure of a single answer. DJP

In 25 years of use, 'NO ONE" . DJP

Not acting in a negative way on my computer, sorry in any version. DJP

Link to help articles on the Chief Website DJP

It is still in your Project Browser, take a look please. DJP

A new layout page for each different size required. Similar to AutoCAD you create a "white out box" to fill in the missing mass of the terrain plane in Cross Sections Pay attention of the settings when under File -Print - Drawing Sheet Set up, those settings tend to control the size of views sent to layout. You also have secondary control in the "Send to Layout" dialog as to scaling and other settings, take a look please. DJP

Imagine, if you will that you are a software Architect and you are tasked with creating the "perfect software" app for building professionals. The app must fit all possible geometric problems, no matter the skill of the end user and it must NEVER be wrong or incorrect, ever-never. I mean really confront doing such a thing and ask yourself, can I do any part of that particular job? I think the guys at Chief Architect Software have done very well to date, not perfect, yes but very applicable. In twenty years of constant use, I have been able to solve all problems I have been handed by clients, so I am "OK" with having to manually step in at do what must be done and I am thankful for all the stuff I do NOT have to do that the software's programming took care of. I think a person needs to decide who is responsible for one's produce, the tool or the artisan, confront that and accept the results and I think one who has will then live a happier life. DJP

I have never, in twenty years of using Chief seen this one, so my first thought was may be you raised the ceiling AFTER building the roof planes, shoving the ceiling up through the roof planes a bit. Otherwise,k I agree with rgardner above. DJP

I have what I have in my "signature" (about fifteen versions), I do not have all Home Designer titles but I keep trial versions of the current Home Designer titles and a large part of my business model is assisting Home Designer users with their projects and problems. DJP

This guy makes excellent 3D symbols. He has a right to promote that fact and that they are for sale. Whoever gave him a "down vote" is a despicable coward with antisocial characteristics. Please think before you attack someone without cause please. DJP

NO, please post a copy of your problem plan and a more detailed explanation of what you are doing please. DJP

I can help you and your wife, I do this sort of helping all the time. Contact me to get started please. DJP

I can, sorry you cannot. DJP

D'oh! DJP

You use a "Pony Wall" (two wall types stacked), in this case interior 4 on bottom and glass shower on top, easy! DJP

While on layout, select the errant view, then in the "Edit Toolbar" click on "Display Options" there in the Edit Toolbar. That will then show you which layer set is currently selected for that layout view. If the displayed layer set is wrong, you can use the "Drop Down Menu of Layer Display Options dialog" to select the correct layer set for the layout view on layout. DJP

In the main toolbar, go to "Library - Download Core Content", when X13 is fully open after installation. DJP