DavidJPotter

Current versions of Home Designer Software can import .dwg files (not true in the past) I assumed they wanted a fully 3D version of the 2D AutoCAD file for use in Home Designer Software. DJP

DWG files are natively 2D only. One imports the 2D file and then traces over its lines with 3D tools for walls, windows, doors etc.. It is not "click of a button" fast, the fully 3D model or .plan file takes time to recreate. One would have to see the complexity of the existing design in order to offer you a bid or estimate. DJP

Using railing walls set to "Post to Beam" you enclose the Patio space. Then you program the walls of the patio for the type of roof you wish over it (see the "Roof Styles Tab" of the "Build Roof Dialog" for specific instructions or learn how to manually create roof systems (that takes a while to become competent) DJP

"Automatic" (Presets in Default Settings" are limited to the existing programming of the software but you can manually do anything you can dream up since you are not a pre-programmed device. Just do what you wish when you desire something is my advice. DJP

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 765M video card is rather antique for X12. Check to make sure your video software drivers are up to date (that is free and easy to do). Otherwise I suggest you consider upgrading with an up to date PC or laptop. DJP

David - I appreciate your helping out a fellow Chief user who DID make a legitimate purchase, but could you now delete the download link for our content? Your heart is in the right place, but I'm sure you can understand our concerns. Thanks very much, Jay Done DJP

By way of the light sources dialog box. DJP

3D - Lighting - Add Lights then adjust the location of the added lights DJP

I also have X10 and I commonly help other users to advance their skills. Contact me to get started please. DJP

Try this, please DJP

You can import .alb files within X12 using "Library - Convert Legacy (.alb) files" command, easy-peasey! DJP

http://chiefsymbols.com/c07.html Partial Solution DJP

It is mastery and competence with the software and NOT just one of its tools. That Material List tool just measures how accurate the virtual model is and NOTHING more. It measures how well YOU understand how the software works and nothing else. If I have a client who wishes an accurate materials list from a plan file, I tell them up front that it takes three to five times longer to do that over and above what is required just for Construction Documents. It only measures what you did and nothing else. DJP

The easiest recourse is to upgrade (duh!?) But that choice is the most expensive. You can see about purchasing a newer version (Beware of software Pirates!) You can buy Home Designer Professional for $495.00 but all of your Chief Architect V8 files must then be converted for use in Home Designer Software by a Chief User. You might offer Chief Inc some money to convert your V8 seat from a hardware lock to a password seat, costs nothing to ask. DJP

https://www.chiefarchitect.com/search/?default_tab=all&q=This+file+does+not+have+a+valid+header+record PLEASE READ THESE HELP ARTICLES ON THE CHIEF WEBSITE, HOPE IT HELPS Otherwise contact Chief Tech support for help, in 25 years of use, I have not seen this one before. DP

Send me a copy of your .plan file, then we can fix it together online. Read my "Tutoring" page on my website for complete information. DJP t

Your best source for this type of help is from Tech Support Monday-Friday, call them and see what they say please. DJP

Only three D plants emulate real plants. Image based plants are just 2D images that cover each other up as you have seen. DJP

The difference is that Eric placed the edge of this stair object precisely at the corners, you did not. Stair objects are preprogrammed to snap together at their corners provided you place them there with precision. DJP

In "My Documents - Chief Architect Premier X12 Data - Toolbars_MigrateBackup", you copy-paste any toolbar files that you have customized and replace those default files with your customized files, one PC to another. DJP

Your best friend will be found to be the "Foundation Tab" of the "Wall Specification Dialog" when manually drawing foundation walls whether they are part of or just adjacent to living space on the basement level. DJP

I have never done what you describe either but I am the one with "No Problem" and you are, perhaps you have been, in the past just lucky. I have never used the eyedropper to blend materials using the "Paint Roller" icon because it was very hit and miss as to results. You are welcome to disagree and do as you wish. DJP

I can help you, contact me via email, please. DJP

Sounds like to me you are replacing the material, one with another instead of using a color to "Blend with Material" on the "Texture Tab" of the "Define Material Dialog", you must be doing something else. DJP