DavidJPotter

I have observed some problems printing to PDF using Chief save as PDF, I have also tried Microsoft save as PDF and I have a downloaded PDF printer called "Cute PDF". When I get unwanted results I just use one of the other two pdf printer applications. I always carefully check all PDF's that I print. Not every time but often enough that I must be very careful in checking the output to PDF. The scale thing is simple, when you print to PDF make sure "Print to Scale" is checked and when you print a PDF make sure ""Print to Scale" is checked in the Adobe Print Dialog as well, if you miss that settings either printing to PDF or printing from a PDF you are screwed, it will "Fit to Sheet" which ruins the scaling. DJP

I find that zooming in makes changing the dimension points easier, the further out you are, the harder it is for hand-eye-computer programming to work easily. DJP

English, after examining your plan, all I see is a plan that is following your orders in terms of the way you have the main layer set on the foundation walls and the default settings of dimensions. To get a cogent answer to that question you will have to speak to Dermot Dempsey, Dan Park or someone like that who knows "why" (they wrote the code for Chief Architect) DJP PS: I know it is sometimes vexing that the software does what it was designed to do and not what you think it should do but part of the process of mastering it is learning that lesson over and over again

I sometimes want to transfer some data or a detail that is resident in one layout to another. I used to copy paste to a CAD detail window (plan file) then then send to a new layout but a direct way to copy-paste from one layout to another could sometimes be useful. DJP

Don't do that again. Go outside and kick a tree or fireplug, instant Karma is always lurking for the unwary. DJP

Here is a You Tube video of me placing an addition and roof over your garage: https://youtu.be/9QyF2oWeJxs DJP

The Ray Trace Engine has an "Edit Section" that is separate from the general render settings. Really study those settings and experiment with their various settings to get exactly the effect you want. Attached are some PDF notes by one of our most talented render Artists, read and practice with those and get better results. DJP Raytrace Settings-Forum Notes.pdf

I do not specialize in "why" but I do specialize in "how do you fix it". Walls are defined by "Wall Poly-Lines" as shown in your posted image. Why they go where they go is better addressed to Chief Architect Inc Software Engineers. But they do have "Edit Handles" when selected which means that you can edit them or redraw them. Explaining why they do what they do I will leave to the persons who wrote the code that defines their behavior. I work with them and appreciate the mostly positive things that they do. Most of the time, working with them I can get a positive result and that is good enough for me. DJP

I would like be able to duplicate the Joe and Perry method of plan notes. I watched Perry's video twice but he did not show exactly how to set everything up from a-Z. Will you guys help an old guy out? DJP

The correct procedure is to open "Chief Architect X8 Data - Templates - profile.plan (for imperial units) or profilem.plan (metric units)" and make your font changes via Default Settings and the various categories extant in the annotation sets. Once you get it exactly the way you want then you save-as over the existing profile.plan with your customized one and when you then order "New Plan" a copy of your customized profile.plan will then present itself. The same is true for the layout templates in that you can customize those templates to fit your needs and then select the size you need and it will be there if you create it and then select it. DJP

You have several choices to solution: 1. Make the exterior wall into a "pony Wall" which splits the outer wall into two wall types that each have adjustable wall poly-lines. 2. for an accent strip you can use the "Wall Covering" tool found in the Wall Specification Dialog to place interior or exterior materials strips 3. You can use a shaped soffit to emulate material appliques inside or out 4. You can use molding profiles to create custom Architectural appliques as well. 5. You can use the relatively new "Materials Region" tool to create applicaques. What EXACTLY do you want to do where? DJP

This is certainly unwanted and unacceptable, were I you I would get on the phone to Chief Architect Tech Support and see if they can be of help to you. Generally X8 is a little slower than earlier versions but not by much at least in my experience having used it on my desktop and laptop for almost a year. But in exchange for the slowness you get a fine array of new tools and function I find irreplacable. DJP

Here is a You Tube video of me working on your plan file and the edited plan file is attached as well: https://youtu.be/H_LBFhxjjrY DJP 1st draft.plan

Read Glenn's post again but this time carefully. Do what he suggests and all will be well, convert or reprogram the walls do not try to delete them DJP

This video should directly address your question: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwjE7qu22yo DJP

No plan attached = no answers or help forthcoming. DJP

Here us my take on what you can do with the steep hip roof: https://youtu.be/18lHY93UUCE DJP

You can do as Ray suggests but I would advise to make a save-as plan and call the copies: "Version 1, 2 3 etc" these can be placed side by side on a layout. A plan with three copies of the same plan I have found a little cumbersome. But you should do was you wish and find out for yourself. DJP

I, like you was not able to adjust the piers you used. So I would abandon that approach and use "shapes-cylinder" that I can manually adjust. That is manual but also has the attribute of being able to edit-locate the piers. DJP

Sorry about the Oklahoma vs VCU game, I forgot I had it on while making the video. Basically I realigned the roof baselines and manually edited and moved the existing roof planes relative to the shared photos as best I could. I replaced the original video with one without the basketball chatter. DJP

Here is a You Tube video of me fumbling around with your file and the edited file is attached. I agree with others in that more data would have helped create a better more accurate answer. https://youtu.be/uV_V1YMtHdI DJP casa.plan

Mouses like hairdos are completely personal. I have used a track ball for years and the last year or two I switched to logitech wired and wireless mice, others here swear by digital 3D mice and controllers. What I did is to buy the device, use it and if I do not like it, take it back until you are happy and satisfied. DJP

Reset Foundation Defaults to what you need and want. Then order "Rebuild Foundation". Simple, easy and not dangerous. DJP

You can customize and organize your "User Catalogs" adding custom folders as you wish. The other categories in Bonus and Core catalogs are fixed as to their organization. You might make your query into a "Suggestion" or "Feature Request" for future versions. DJP

Chief Architect and Home Designer software always can be counted to ONLY follow default settings. In Suite 2016 you go to "Edit - Default Settings- Materials - Exterior Walls" to set that default setting. Also under "Edit - Default Settings - Wall - Exterior Wall" those two settings need to be set into agreement. The next thing many new users do is to use the Materials Eye Dropper and Panter tools without first carefully studying the four modes of their use before making a mess of their plan files. It seems intuitive to use the eye dropper and painter but you can cause no end of trouble by using these two tools without study. BTW this forum is for Chief Architect Premier users only, Home Designer users have their own forum called "Home Talk" https://hometalk.chiefarchitect.com/ . Many users here have never seen Home Designer Suite. DJP