DavidJPotter

X3 and Home Designer Pro 10 can share .plan files. The X3 layout file is not compatible, the reason for that is that pro has a single page .layout and Chief's layout is a multi-page file that will not open in HD Pro due to Pro's innate limitations. Otherwise you should be all set. DJP

Yes, but you will probably have to loose the old laptop for something newer and better (Chief Premier is more demanding software then Home Designer Pro). Their plan files are identical but you also have to learn how to use Premier's finer rendering tools which take time, it is not just clicking on a button to achieve professional results. DJP

I am a little mystified as to why you say "...it is taking dimension points from seemingly random locations". What I mean is it is or should be YOU who is setting dimensions points, are you having trouble placing dimensions? What exactly is the problem please? DJP

Please send me a copy of your 3D Home Architect (I assume it is a .plan file?) and I will see what can be done. What version of 3D Home Architect was used, do you know? DJP

The thing about terrain is to keep it as simple as possible. When you import terrain data from an outside source often times the resulting terrain plane is so complex that most PC's or Mac's cannot parse it per second in camera views (too complex and two many 3D Faces). What I commonly do is to import a terrain as an image or .dwg and then selectively hand draw-create terrain splines over the indicated contour lines. Where the exactitude of the terrain is not critical I often use elevation planes for large areas. You add a terrain elevation object and then check that change in some camera views, checking each time a change is made so errors can be corrected before several are made causing a real problem to straighten out afterwards (when you goof it sticks out like a sore thumb). DJP

I see this type of message from time to time, since I started using this stuff. the way to minimize your risk is to manually save often. Never depend on auto save. Be methodical while working, leaving no loose ends or settings and if a plan file gives evidence that it is unstable, save it as every thirty minutes until you are done and then throw the save-as files away when you are completely finished. DJP

I doubt that Vince would be personally interested but he may know someone who would be willing to help you: http://www.vincekunasekdesign.com/home DJP

Sounds like a "suggestion" to me or perhaps a feature request or bug fix, the lights should follow end user adjustments of the fixture. DJP

I think Graham nailed it, a red sky would produce reddish windows. DJP

I have heard that you MIGHT be able to find updated hardware lock drivers for Windows 10 or 7 but until you do you will be farting in the wind trying to get 9.5 running in Windows 10. The hardware lock people do have a searchable website. Go there, find what you need. Install it or stop your whining. DJP

Temporary dimensions seem to be detached from "Edit - Default Settings - Dimensions" where you can change the size of all other dimensions but for Temporary dimensions you can only control certain dimension point settings. You should make this a suggestion for future function. We should be able to control this but as it is, we cannot. DJP

Basically what you see is a building cross section. So in Chief you would create your 3D model carefully setting Defaults to emulate exactly how you intend to actually build in the field. Then using a back-clipped cross section camera to bracket exactly the slice of the building that shows what you want to communicate graphically. When your settings per room dialog are correct you can then use the "Auto Detail" tool which adds certain 2D overlays onto the live cross section view at which time you can then do: (Auto Detail picks up prior settings per room specification dialogs to decide what is and is not added as 2D overlays) 1. then manually add your text annotations and dimensions to the view and perhaps manually edit what the Auto Detail tool did and then send to layout for printing at a scale or 2. use the View to CAD tool to further edit and clean up the line entities before sending to layout for printing at a scale. (AutoCAD users often prefer this method since they are more familiar with 2D CAD tools and procedures. DJP

It is more important that you pursue your own interests, I mean if you want to do this for your own reasons then that is a good intention. Never live your life only for others, the main affinity and interest should be your own. Personally, I love doing this creative "work", actually to me it is FUN! But it is my chosen field to create in. The world already has too many unhappy persons earning pay checks, when what the world actually needs is enthusiastic Artists! DJP

Glad you figured this out, it is called "drafting", it is a necessary pain. DJP

Chief Architect Version 9 was developed to run properly in Windows XP x 32. So it is unlikely to run well in any modern operating system(in other words, you are screwed). I have versions 7-10 on a separate hard drive that runs on Windows XP x32 and that is what you need to do. New laptops ship with Windows 10 which is a great operating system but is not conducive to running antique software like Version 9. DJP

To the original poster here is a You Tube Video I made for you explaining poly-line solids and 3D modlings: DJP PS: I did search the Chief Architect Inc Training Videos first and found nothing useful there

"Edit - Default Settings - Materials - Roof" and what Glenn said DJP

In such annoying situations, I turn off the auto eaves and draw manual roof returns that I can directly shape and control (like we used to have to do back in Versions 6-7). DJP

Here is a couple of ways I thought of that I use: https://youtu.be/Lby4y3_wSZU DJP

Basically you, in an elevation camera, using a closed poly-line shape it to your needs and then use the "Convert poly-line" tool (Edit Tool bar when the closed poly-line is selected) choosing Convert to poly-line solid. It is basically a custom slab, created in an elevation camera. DJP

Use the command under "Library - Import Library" you click on the command and then browse to your "Downloads" folder, select your intended Library Files and then click OK. DJP

Create a poly-line solid that shape. DJP

You can export them from X7 to reimport into X8 or just download them again, your choice. DJP

You can look for something like that at 3D Warehouse or you can custom build a cabinet that "looks" like that a piece at a time (currently the base cabinet dialog is not that agile) or I suppose you could craft one in Sketch Up. Whatever you are most comfortable with. DJP

Dennis, it sounds like you once had these and now they are missing. The ones I have seen that are fully 3D look awful. I mainly use the "People Library" complied by Joe Carrick which are 2D images, not fully 3D symbols. Chief used to have a few of these but they are currently missing. I can share Joe's Library if you like, just say so. DJP