DavidJPotter

So the thing to do is to find out what version of AutoCAD the Engineer uses and export only to that version. You open your layout, double-click on the view you wish to export and then from that plan view, layer set and annotation set, your export will then match in every way your intended drawing when exported. DJP

It is rather simple and straight forward. In order to share dwg versions of Chief Premier with AutoCAD you must export from plan view (in AutoCAD that is called "model space") where the native scale is real world or 1' = 1'. If you export directly from a layout you are exporting the view or drawing at the down scaled size to fit on a target piece of paper. If you do that the AutoCAD person has to then guess or figure out what paper size the file is. Another consideration is that exports from layout must match, version wise with the AutoCAD application that is to import them. So if you export to the current version of AutoCAD and your Engineer uses Version 14, he will not be able to open and edit your exported files. DJP

Calling upon Chief Tech Support is your A#1 priority right now. I suspect that you have a hardware weak spot that needs attention (just a hunch). DJP

I too have used Drop box for years but ONLY to share files with clients or to transfer files to my laptop. Therefore, I have not experienced what you have because I do not use it as you do. DJP

No plan is attached. DJP

I keep my plan files on a separate hard drive. mainly what I have on my C is all my programs, including Chief and Home Designer. Part of my business is helping others who use older versions of Chief and Home Designer (that makes for a lot of applications!), otherwise, if all I did was strictly for myself only, I would only have the latest Chief Premier version and nothing else. DJP

I looked over your plan file and while doing so, videoed what I found at You Tube: https://youtu.be/Dg-CRNw0ukw DJP

Such things require perseverance and the intention to get a product. This is a good place to start: http://www.mosa.com/generator/#search There are supplemental libraries you can download from the Chief Architect library catalog areas, check those out as well as the "Dal Tile" catalog. I am sure more sources can be located on line by search. DJP

I often get where I read a post, decide to do a You Tube response. Create the video, upload it, by the time I am ready to post a link to the video, I have to refresh the Chief Talk or Home Talk post. There is no warning, just loss of communication line. I always copy my responses using text because in the past while posting, when I hit "Post" I am led back to the "Forums" area and my post is then lost unless I have already saved it to my Windows clipboard. Where a post is involved and requires research, this can be very annoying, especially if one does not save it first before sharing it with the gentle mercy's of this forum. DJP

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