DavidJPotter

With only an image to go on, no one can do anything except guess, please share a copy of your ".plan" file so helpers can then look and report. DJP

I also started with Version 4. I currently have Versions 7 through 22 functional on my Windows 10 Desktop and Laptop. The key to using dongles or "Hardware Locks" is having the correct software driver for that device. You can go to the Chief Architect Website and obtain information on software drivers there. In some cases you may need to go to the hardware lock makers website where they have drivers for their locks for XP, 7, 8 and 10 versions of windows, that is probably all that you need. Monday through Friday you should be able to gain some help by way of Tech Support, though if your SSA has run out, you may have to pay for the help. DJP

Not familiar with that Name "California Valley" perhaps some of the CA users can help. Without a good graphic definition for that term it is hard to offer real help. Is the image below what you are wanting, please confirm. If it is, then this sort of thing is easy to accomplish either "Automatically" or manually. DJP

A "Wall Covering" is for walls, and not doors. For a door you could use a custom back-splash carrying a custom .png based material. I think you need to communicate exactly what kind or sort of "Frosted" look that you are trying to achieve for others to offer a precise solution, how is it supposed to look, find an existing photo or example so those who would wish to help you then can. DJP

The only safe way to share files between Chief Users is by using the "File - Back up Entire Plan - All associated files" command. This eliminates missing material texture files (when you assign a material or custom material, it is written to the plan file exactly the name of the material and the physical location of the material texture file on your PC, so if you just share the ".plan" file it will "Complain" that it cannot find the associated material texture files. Using "Back Up Entire Plan - All associated files" command eliminates that as a problem. DJP

A large part of my yearly business is helping Home Designer users with their projects. I would be happy to help you as well. I have done projects in England just this year. DJP

Draw your deck and then set your stairs to "Winders", you may need to slightly adjust them to get just the right look but anything work showing and keeping is worth extra effort. DJP

venting Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia. vent 1 (vĕnt) n. 1. Forceful expression or release of pent-up thoughts or feelings: give vent to one's anger. 2. An opening permitting the escape of fumes, a liquid, a gas, or steam. 3. The small hole at the breech of a gun through which the charge is ignited. 4. Zoology The excretory opening of the digestive tract in animals such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. 5. Geology a. The opening of a volcano in the earth's crust. b. An opening on the ocean floor that emits hot water and dissolved minerals. v. vent·ed, vent·ing, vents v.tr. 1. To express (one's thoughts or feelings, for example), especially forcefully. See Synonyms at voice. 2. To release or discharge (steam, for example) through an opening. 3. To provide with a vent. v.intr. 1. To vent one's feelings or opinions: Sorry to go on like that, but I just had to vent. 2. To be released or discharged through an opening. 3. To rise to the surface of water to breathe. Used of a marine mammal. Which definition are you using, I wonder... DJP

I know there are some out there but in YOUR case you need a local Licensed in your State Structural Engineer. In my personal experience that spans over twenty years, most Engineers use AutoCAD, find out the version they use and then share your existing floor and elevation plans/views with them in their version of AutoCAD, that will get you the best job possible. Your Engineer needs to visit, physically your lot and find out what weather stresses it has and its geology, some long distance person is unacceptable. DJP

The attached library files were created by European Chief Users DJP EuroSockets-1.calibz NorwaySockets.calibz

Open the camera icon that appears in plan view and take a look at its dialog box which contains all possible controls for its uses. DJP

That should "heal itself", just ignore it for now and check it again later, I bet you will find that it has "magically" disappeared on its own. This software is good but never perfect unless some end users make it appear to be so. DJP

Please define what you mean by "Barker Texture" please? I am sorry but your post and images do not communicate an understandable problem. What do you mean by "Chief Library is blocking...". What is it doing or not doing that caused you to post here please? In order to help you, your questions must be clearly and graphically stated for anyone to then help with certainty. DJP

The font of the help files is set by Chief Inc. Other than Default Settings - Text you should call Chief Inc Tech Support for advice about why Chief is a particular way. DJP

No, sorry. Can you do a screen capture so you can show us what you are seeing please? DJP

Robert, In your just posted plan there is no bump-out as shown in your original image, what gives now? I did not see any visual anomalies in plan or camera views, perhaps it is a driver or video card short fall? DJP

The best possible teacher and tutor one can have is yourself. In fact, I have been teaching and tutoring people live in person and live online since 1999. I have observed that people who discipline them selves to on a regular basis, to study and practice on a daily basis for no other reason than to advance their knowledge, skill and competence level are the ones who most quickly become Chief Architect Savants. Those who just attend seminars and classes rarely ever become fully competent using/knowing the software. I am NOT panning Seminars whether physical or online, I am saying that regular sessions per day of self study followed by practice what one just studied is a more workable method of gaining competence and knowledge. The most fundamental-fundamental is making sure, while studying to NEVER pass a word or symbol used by a teacher or study material that you do not fully understand. Especially in English, words commonly have more than one definition. (The word "of" has thirty distinctly different definitions depending upon how the word is used in a sentence!) Words have different definitions in different environments or trades. When you encounter or hear/read/notice a word or symbol that you are unsure or unfamiliar with, "Google it" or look it up in a BIG dictionary and apprise yourself of its differing definitions before continuing your study session. If you do not fully understand what was written or spoken, you will NOT then get what was intended to be transferred as knowledge and the ability to create/cause things. DJP

We all have to cross our on "Rubicons" as they present themselves in Life, welcome to the club! DJP

Things out of one's control are a matter of "That's Life", no need to worry unnecessarily. Just do it and evaluate the results as above. DJP

Most tutoring is done live, via the internet. I do that almost every day since 1999. Chief Architect offers a "Personal Tutor" service as do some other Chief veteran users like me. You may find such a person near you for this purpose but it is rather unlikely. You are welcome to visit my website page on my "Tutoring Service" if you wish for more details> DJP

First you place the survey to the structure, you NEVER rotate the structure, rather you rotate the survey/site plan/ North Pointer to the structure! If the DWG has "x-Ref" adjoining files it is less useful than one that does have X-refs connected to it. Ideally, the .dwg is of a version that is equal or older than your version of Chief. By Default, I use the "Import - dwg" command found under the "File" menu and then follow the proceeding dialogs that are presented thereby. Since .dwg imports sometimes import in a rather scattered manner, I prefer to import them first into a CAD Detail window where I can evaluate and clean up the import before placing in in my plan view. DJP

What difficulties have you encountered so far? DJP

Just from what you posted above, no one but you might understand exactly what you are complaining about. If you are just venting, you succeeded but if you wish to have help, you utterly failed to communicate. Say more please if you wish to obtain actual help. DJP

Number one, create your own website, Facebook page, Houzz Page and any other online communication venue that displays your competence and willingness to help others. This then is printed on your business card and is an important part of your resume. Create a book of your plans and renderings to show to potential employers and take it with you for meetings. I did something like this when I started my own business and obtained several viable clients in under a week of stomping around and talking to receptionists at Real Estate companies, Builders, Developers and Remodeling companies. Make yourself, your products and your ability to help others known. You will soon be busy helping others but they have to find out, first that you exist!!! DJP