DavidJPotter

On further inspection, the presence of so many furniture objects and custom 3D solids may have also contributed to the total 3D face counts and ultimate size of the .plan file. The .plan file does not appear to be cleaned up for interior rendering, so why all the furniture, I wonder... I deleted all the "Furniture, Interior" objects and that also did not significantly reduce the file size... DJP

On further inspection, the presence of so many furniture objects and custom 3D solids may have also contributed to the total 3D face counts and ultimate size of the .plan file. The .plan file does not appear to be cleaned up for interior rendering, so why all the furniture, I wonder... DJP

Once you are through using PDF's to help create a .plan file you should discard them as they tend to bloat the size of a .plan file by default. However, after I deleted those PDF's the size of the .plan file did not significantly lessen as I figured it would, so the next thing I suspect is the presence of a high count imported symbol or symbols, thought that is at present merely a supposition. DJP

DJP

First off, Please add your signature to your posts so helpers then know something about the software you are speaking of and a little about your computer that supports that software. How to add your "Signature" can be easily found here: AutoCAD is abasically a 2D ONLY file format. And different end users of that software use different methods to create their products. Such .dwg files are AutoCAD release sensitive like Chief .plan and .layout are also version release sensitive. If I knew what version of AutoCAD the .dwg was in and what the .dwg file version was supported by your version of Chief Architect, only then could I advise you on what to do. DJP

I updated to the new driver NVIDIA 31.0.15.2756- 527.56 -dated 12/8/2022 and since have had no error messages or crashes. DJP

Yes, must be the latest driver I installed from NVIDIA (31.0.15.2737) Version 527.37 release date 12/01/2022 DJP

Anything I do that helps others visualize or accept in detail a proposed Architectural project is a service a help to another or others. I occasionally do animations of such virtual constructs but as I said, they are all services. My clients define what products they want and I produce them. DJP

2D = flat lines, fills to graphically communicate a 3D concept to others 3D= a virtual object to emulate a real or intended, conceptual representation of an intended "REAL" or actual project or construct. Both are virtual graphic representation of new constructs or objects communicated without having actually just building or creating something in fact. A good 2D and 3D graphic communication can help investors and clients whether or not their money should or should not be spent in a larger sense. That is why Architectural drafting and 3D modeling is a needed and wanted skill. DJP

It is something you make using the window dialog like Joey said-Arch tab. Look at the different settings there and adjust the input box setting until you get the look you wish. DJP

Someone gave me a red down vote, so I removed my perfectly workable solution. DJP

When the dormer tool doesn't work (across two roof planes) one has to create a Manual Dormer. DJP https://www.chiefarchitect.com/videos/watch/1522/creating-a-decorative-dormer-manually.html

Place a corner cabinet. Open its dialog box, click on to select the door on the "Front, Sides, Back" tab and select "Opening". Then go to "Shelves, specify" and select "Manual" and zero shelves. Easy DJP

I always use two plan files for any remodeling: as built and proposed. The as built also becomes the demo plan that some permit authorities require to obtain a permit. DJP

The ONLY way you can import a 3D AutoCAD object is as a symbol (File -Import Symbol). DJP

When you draw a new room, it is programmed to have its "floor Level" matching the rest of the First Floor. Your add on room over the basement door even when set as "Open Below" still has a virtual floor level which you can alter so it matches grade instead of the level of the rest of the first floor. What Michael Gia said above is also true, lots and lots to learn, mostly procedures, default settings, input boxes and check boxes, how the software is programmed to work whether or not you agree with that programming, etc. DJP

You draw the three walls, set the desired ceiling height, designate it "Open Below" to allow access to the basement door. You mark the outer wall Gable by opening that wall's dialog box-Roof Tab - Gable over this wall. DJP

In the shared plan file Default Settings - Walls - Exterior Wall was not set to your predominate exterior wall, also Default Settings - Materials - Exterior Wall was set to Blue Siding. The dormers will be easier to edit when exploded, try it. Other than that I did not find much wrong and was then easy to straighten out the dormers. DJP

Here is your 3D .dwg you asked for in AutoCAD R 14 DJP Your house.zip

AutoCAD can also read .dfx files, the latest version of HD Pro (2023) exports to .dwg as well, what version are you using? It would also be important to what version of AutoCAD you need to export, that can be selected during the export action. DJP

I suggest you ask to speak with a senior person there about fair exchange and responsibility, like Scott Harris VP or similar to see if something more friendly to you can be done. I have version Seven on my PC running in Windows XP and I, years ago asked them to convert that license from a dongle to a password set up and they, at that time did so because I asked them to. So I have only one license but that allows me to have Versions 7 through 24 on my computer to serve those who still use older versions or for whatever reason did not feel compelled to upgrade. If you do not ask you are done. DJP

Camera View dialog - turn off Shadows per camera or go to Camera Defaults per type and turn off "Shadows". DJP

I got no error messages on my computer using my X13. Probably something with YOUR computer and or its drivers. DJP

Here is a link to articles, videos and other helpful resources for "Ray Tracing" for you to study: https://www.chiefarchitect.com/search/?default_tab=all&q=ray+trace enjoy! DJP

Architects are licensed for the state they live in, so you either need to find a local licensed Architect willing to tighten up structurally for you (doubtful that any licensed Architect would do so for you). Or you have an Architectural draftsperson tighten up the plans and then share them with a local State Licensed Structural Engineer, preferably one who lives close to the intended building site. We share the 3D plans with that Engineer in AutoCAD 2D (.dwg) format and the Engineer will then create and stamp the plans he or she creates from our shared plans. That is my advice. I have successfully done many custom homes using this method as above. DJP