DavidJPotter

I looked over your plan in a You Tube video, I hope you find it helpful: https://youtu.be/-4KGbPuZ8vM DJP

In plan view when you select the "Deck" specification dialog in the "Edit Toolbar" there is a command to "Build Deck Framing", if you left click on that icon you will then have a framed floor etc. but not otherwise. DJP

There is a dimension tool that is not dependant upon spacial dimensionable points (it creates its own dimension points) that I would use to show overhang values and otherwise hard to dimension points. The tool is called "Point to Point" dimension tool, it is the fourth tool icon from the top of dimension tools. DJP

My current video card is an NVIDIA GeForce 760 GTX, it has served me well for four years but I intend to upgrade it to an NVIDIA 960 GTX by PNY soon. Larger more complex projects are being a little slow using the 760 presently. DJP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy_miavIB40 DJP

Auto Story Pole exists in X8, if you do not have X8 then you draw them manually while in elevation views, you can use CAD lines, markers as dimension points, you just draw and control them. DJP

As Eric has shown, you can dimension to the edge or center (if zoomed in close enough) and you can also use the dimension tool that creates its own dimension points and then center the columns/Posts to those marker points. DJP

Early on, I abandoned trying to use multiple Chief Architect models for commercial developments or residential developments. My first project was in 1999 and was frustratingly hard to do. On my next one I exported each house to a 3DS model and then imported each house symbol into a single plan with detailed terrain plane, streets and sidewalks. Each structure had its own plan file for com-doc purposes and the master plan had 3DS symbols of each structure in it making each structure handling as symbols. Much easier to handle. DJP By the way, the attached images were created in Chief Architect Premier version 7.

Inadequate is just that, inadequate. Nothing you do other than upgrading that video card will do anything positive. Sorry, probably not what you wanted to hear but your video card determines general performance and Chief Architect requires a good quality video card. DJP See this discussion of your card by other users: http://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/1/864961722069408943/

https://3dlibrary.chiefarchitect.com/index.php?r=site/library&reset=true here or https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/ Here DJP

Chief Architect is a program controlled by settings. If you want the window to be attached to sheathing you set it that way on the "Options" tab and if you want it attached to framing you set it so. If you do not control it it does however it is set or not set to do. DJP

If you send from a live view using a Standard Render camera, then plants show. What may or may not change at your command is how you now send to layout that makes the quality of the send to layout and determines what is sent to layout. This was not as true in X7 as it is now in X8. Choice is the difference. DJP

Bit map images are composed of pixels and cannot be used in vector view sends to layout. If you want plants to show in vector views sent to layout as plot lines you use 2D plants from the 2D CAD library only. If you sent an image to layout then your 2D bit map images of trees and other plants will then show as part of that image. That is the way it has always been. DJP

In Chief Architect as stated in your Reference Manual and Users Guide (which you should read) it says to start on the first floor. If you have multiple floors then you proceed from the first floor up, then the foundation if all upper floors are done. For remodeling projects I create a relationally correct "as built" plan file and then "save as" a copy of it for versions of additions and renovations. The rest is merely drafting and its traditional procedures altered by your local building permit authority and its arbitraries. There is no "one way" to do hardly anything that we do, there is only your skill and intentions to get a product. DJP

If I had to duplicate the railings shown in your pictures, I would use a 3D molding poly line to emulate that particular railing type. DJP

One possible work round oulbe to be to compose one's response in Microsoft Word, or Note Pad first saving the original there until posted, a matter of taking responsibility for something before it happenes. DJP

Right DJP

Here is a You Tube video of me addressing your wall poly line problems. When you see something near perfect in Chief Architect it is because some end user made it so, never depend upon just the software to get a result, rather you make them as they are presented to you as problems. https://youtu.be/rGP3gHF-v8c DJP

The materials eye dropper has five possible "Modes" which each can deliver a differing result. Look up the "Materials Eye dropper and Painter" in the Reference Manual to study and then practice with until you understand fully the differences between the different possible modes and their out comes. DJP

All objects are on "Named Layers" found alphabetically in "Display Options". A "Display Options" dialog exists differently in: Plan view, and each Camera Type you use so that means " Framing, Roof Rafters" can show or not show depending upon how it is set in the Several "Display Options" dialogs. DJP

A $500.00 laptop or desktop is a waste of money completely. The desktop I currently have I built my self for for about $1,500.00 my current laptop I purchased for about $1,500.00 at Best Buy. I think having two computers is also a waste of time and money unless you also do drawing in the field. I have two for two different purposes: one for office use and one for field work (the laptop). If you do not do field work you can just get by with a good solid desktop that has a real video card separate from the Mother board to give adequate graphic support to any drafting 2D or 3D. Chief Architect software demands proper hardware support, your budget has nothing to do with what works and what does not work, get a proper budget or just forget it. DJP

I have had it since July last year on my laptop and desktop, no problems. DJP

I use a free AutoCAD application called "DWG TrueView" to view my exports before I send them. I am not sure what you are doing that is not working, carefully review what you are doing to see if you find any steps that are causing a failure. AutoCAD like Chief is "Version Sensitive" meaning if you send a current AutoCAD file to an AutoCAD user who is not using the current version, they will not be able to view the file properly. What are you doing that is causing your failure? DJP

Home Designer has its own forum called "Home Talk" there are Australian users there and here. There is not an easy way to find them by search presently. Contact Glenn and he may be able to refer you to others down under. You can send Glenn a private message using this link; https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/index.php?/user/106-glennw/ DJP

Yes IF you draw the bay window manually, the box-bay window object is VERY limited in terms of customizations. DJP