DavidJPotter

https://3dlibrary.chiefarchitect.com/index.php?r=site/library&search=&x=0&y=0&x=true&soft_family_2=2&hid_soft_family_2=2&utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign= and https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/?hl=en Have at them! DJP PS: you also need to take the time to learn how to operate the software in detail by dedicated study followed by practice sessions to verify your study

The main difference between Chief and Home Designer Pro is that Pro allows only one .layout file per printed page limited to a max paper size of 18" x 24" paper, so if you want to print five pages, you make five layout files. Page numbering is of course done manually. Each page requires it's own title block (there is no "Page "0" in Pro). Otherwise they operate the same and have similar dialogs. DJP

The surveyor should be able to export a graphic .dwg file that can be opened in regular AutoCAD, that is the kind of file I referred to in my earlier post. You do not need a text file or other specialized file other than a plain graphic, 2D .dwg file. That is the type of file I prefer as the other file types either produce too complicated a 3D object in Chief that most PC's cannot easily show per second in a camera view. DJP

What you first need to do is to Read the Users Guide so you know how the program is programmed to work and in what sequence. The Search your Reference Manual for the section on Layouts and study followed by practice that section which fully answers your posted questions. You will never really learn how to use the program until you are willing to dedicate yourself to study followed by practice. DJP

I prefer Sketchfab, all your client need do is to click on a hyperlink. DJP

He (the original poster) asked how to straighten out the main ridge. I answered the question regardless of collateral considerations. You either change your design of the exterior walls to produce a simpler roof geometry or you make the roof geometry conform to your fixed ideas of rightness. DJP

I never directly import and convert such files as they tend to make an unnecessarily complicated Terrain Plane that most personal computers cannot display in 3D due to the unnecessary high count of 3D faces. What I do is to import the file and just just it to trace over with a reduced number of elevation objects, using only as many as I need to get a useful topo modulation. You import the dwg or dxf file, make sure it is scaled properly (to 1' = 1' which is the native scale within Chief) and then do the tracing setting the height value per terrain object from data shown in the topo file import. DJP

Johnny did as I suggested in my post, that is the only workable solution, try it. DJP

Each Pony Wall has a dialog box where you can make such changes per wall instance. DJP

Please feel free to contact me if you require Chief Architect help, I am not a Structural Engineer or Architect, otherwise, I can help DJP

That is the reason I do not use that tool, if you want them the same, then manually make them the same. DJP

I did a You Tube video of me working on smoothing out your ridge into a single ridge (this is one way to do it): https://youtu.be/cmYjOGWleII DJP

I have one Samsung 27" and one old Compack 19", when it dies, I intend to get a second 27" monitor. "Best" is what you decide to have for yourself DJP

Mark and Chopsaw both illustrated what I was talking about, it is really not complicated enough for a video IMHO. DJP

The geometry of your floor plan determines where the ridge occurs. Simplify your floor plan to simplify the roof geometry. In some cases the pitches will play a part in where and how ridges then appear. DJP

When a room is designated "Open Below" on each floor will the stairs then show through. You might also have the change the "fill" for each stair which would tend to occlude the stairs above and below that stair object. DJP

Layer sets and a layer display dialog for that layer set is only half of a solution. You should FIRST select Plot Plan Annotations which automatically then selects Plot Plan Set so any changes you then make are made only in the Plot Plan Annotations and Plot Plan Layer Set. You should, if you have not already, study the Reference Manual section on Annotation and Layer sets so that you understand how they work together to an efficient result. DJP

You use a default window with a lintel and sill added, then add a molding poly line at the top using a brick soldier course material sized to emulate the curved brick lintels. DJP

For images you have to use an image editor to add or remove such lines or lines that are missing. That is why I mainly use Vector Views editing them on layout with the "Edit Layout" Tool. DJP

As SH pointed out the integrated railing wall tool and its settings are limited as to flexibility. It is OK to want what you want but until they make railing walls more flexible you just do what you must to get a particular result manually. Feature requests have been asked for but not implemented as yet. DJP

I checked and Version 10 will ONLY import 3D .dxf, .dwg and .obj files for symbols. 2D symbols or images of the proper type (transparent background) can be imported from the web by using "Search". I found this site for free .obj files: http://www.turbosquid.com/3d-models/free-obj-model-people-archviz/847088 DJP

You should contact Tech Support to find out how and why Chief is programmed to work as it does, I think the answers will tend to be a little Geeky but that is the way of such things DJP

Version 10 still works as it was designed to work ( I have an active copy of it that I occasionally run within Windows XP x32). I keep the older versions for clients like Harry who just do not want to spend the cash to upgrade. Harry is retired and can certainly do as he wishes in that area. My Oldest version I have that still runs is Version 7. It is useful when I get people with old .pl1 files (Versions 1-8) that need converting to newer versions. DJP

The purpose of renderings and plans is to clearly communicate a concept to those building professionals who are to make that idea a reality. Concepts need not be like a photograph to clearly communicate a concept. If you are being properly exchanged for a high level of Aesthetics then fine but most of the clients I work for are focused on the outcome, not renderings of an outcome. It is your choice but whatever you do, get a fair exchange for your skill and Artistry. DJP

In Suite 2016 you just do not have the necessary tools to accomplish a curved window seat just within Suite. You will have to create the seat in Sketch Up and then import the custom symbol into Suite or Upgrade to Home Designer Pro which does have the tools and choices you need. DJP