DavidJPotter

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

Fill in the voids using custom 3D Solids is the first thing I thought of. DJP

Not that I know of. When this happens to me I adjust the door to the corner (giving enough space between the edge of the door and wall corner helps, if you can afford it. In terms of plan view appearance you can add 2D closed polylines with a fill to cover up plan view visual anomalies. The software has built in limits past which one cannot get by and so it is incumbent on the end user to find something that does work at all times. Given the will, there usually is a solution you can gain. DJP

Emulate the steps as custom slabs or 3D solids or you could use a custom molding polyline, they all would work, look like stairs without messing with your screen porch. DJP

"Patterns, 3D Views" is a named layer in the camera's "Display Options" dialog, only when the camera is active, You create the camera view and then open its Display Options and then uncheck that layer to get what you want. DJP

X4 was created to run in Windows 7. It runs, for me just fine in Windows 11. The specs of your intended laptop should well support X14 if it comes to that. It should run just fine in Windows 7 provided it is not in some way damaged or needing repair. DJP

I have Windows 11 and X1-X14 run just fine-no compatibility mode required. I have another PC with Windows XP x32 that I use to run Versions 7, 9 and 10 at need. DJP

I have versions 7-X14 on my computer, so I have a lot of useful experience with older versions, if you need so help with that. DJP

Uninstall and reinstall-try again, is my advice. DJP

You would be better served to use the software as it was programmed to be used as opposed to what it sounds like you want it to do. You might take a long, careful look at the door dialog box to see what adjustments can be made to achieve your desired result. The ONLY controls that exist for a door or window object will be found its its dialog box and NOWHERE else.. DJP

The first thing I did was to open the "Help Files" and did a search for "Plan files" (when version X10 aka version 20 was new, I never used that feature. I do use it frequently in X13 and X14. I recommend that you find and re-read that section to familiarize how it is designed to work and not work. Actually, until your post I had not known that X10 had that feature, I may not be alone in that. DJP

Take a look at mine, the way out is the way through oftentimes... DJP

So you divide your 32 pages in to five consecutive page layouts, that would be seven .layout files to produce 32 pages. DJP

You can open a layout that is programmed in Chief Premier to "be editable in Home Designer Software" BUT it only has the functionality of HD Pro and NOT Chief, I think you would still be limited by Pro's programming to limit the pages with a Premier created .layout file. I would LOVE to be wrong but you can ask Chief Architect Sales or Tech Support for the Final word. The setting is in Premier in "General Plan Defaults - Allow editing in select Home Designer Software" check box. DJP

Chief Premier's layout files contain a potential of 1,000 blank pages but that layout file is NOT compatible with Home Designer Pro, so such a file done for you, you would not be able to open, view its pages or print those pages using Home Designer Pro. Your Only real option is to upgrade to Premier or just make multiple layouts using HD Pro. DJP