DavidJPotter

You can share as AutoCAD.dwg or dxf files or as PDF files or printed to paper but Cheih Architect Premier plan or layout files have never been able to share with older versions ever, it is just he way it is. DJP

Is this an existing home or a home you intend to build? The dormer object ceiling is determined by way of its dialog box and in the case of a barn roof like you have, you may have to "explode" the dormers you have and manually edit them, especially if they need to encroach into the upper roof pitch (something that dormer objects are not automatically capable of. Please clarify your intentions. DJP

You might save some time by looking in your local phone book yellow pages. There are those of us who do projects using the internet. Such a one will need a copy of your current Site Plan (those are usually attached to your deed package from your title company), Some idea about your lots topography, your wishes as to Architectural style and amenities desired. Then the plan (virtual model) can then be created and discussed-viewed on line using Skype or Go to Meeting and developed into precisely what you need and want. DJP

You can manually change Window and Door labels to display whatever you like, one at a time by way of the objects "Label Tab" DJP

I have observed that certain User Libraries, especially those brought forward from earlier versions like V9, V10, X1 etc often loose their association with their texture files. Repairing such library files just takes too long and I have ended up just deleting them form the Library Browser (a material library that contains no texture files is completely useless and too time consuming to reassociate texture files, one at a time). It is a weak point in terms of moving forward, version to version. DJP

My experience is if I hate my client or I hate myself I use auto-interior-dimensions tool. You get too many unnecessary duplicate dimensions and so creates a lot of work culling them. When I want interior dimensions, I manually create them because the auto tool for interior is a disaster or at a minimum a lot of Make-Work to fix. It would be a God send if they could be moderated so that their output is useful with a minimum of after-creation-editing. DJP

I number my pages like Perry and so have had zero problems. That is not to say that what you are doing should be abandoned but perhaps you should abandon something that obviously does not work as opposed to a method that does work, There is no reason to just place a "#" without a letter and that should work reliably. Why one would disorder one's pages from the default is beyond me when you can reorder the material, page to page as it is. DJP

I would not recommend, during Beta phase to do what you plan to do. I have completed several projects using x8 but if I were you, I would wait until the final release to spend a lot of time converting plans. I know of no necessary settings or actions than need be made. I mean if you open an existing X7 plan in X8, the things about which you are concerned should be preserved without any other action. But once a plan is saved to X8, it will not be openable in X7. You will need to set up your new "Profile.plan" in X8 for future plans. DJP

PS: I checked and I have 991 Mbs of manufacturer and user libraries that are formatted for X1. If you would like to have a copy of my Library for X1 please contact me directly and I will make arrangements to share the files with you via Dropbox for a nominal fee. DJP

There are at least two ways to go, 1. as has been suggested, learn what specifications mean and then compare those one machine to the next and then decide or 2. learn how to build a PC and then select the components you want and put them together. For the last several years number two is what I have chosen to do. I have saved thousands of dollars and if something goes wrong, I know what to do and save the money of hiring someone else or depending upon Tech Support or Warranties. It is your choice to make. My current system is beginning to get long in the tooth but still serves me reliably well. My next upgrades will mainly be in a new video card and faster RAM which is way less than an entire new computer. DJP PS: Whatever you do, you should get specification words defined so you understand what you are reading. The best judgment one can have is their own based upon thorough understanding

Current SSA and Library Catalogs will not function, will not install in Version 10 or 11. Current Library Catalogs are for X5, X6, X7 and X8. If you were to pay for an license upgrade to X7 or X8 then of course currently extant Library Catalogs will certainly be useful to you. Your intentions are not exactly clear from reading your post. DJP

First floor, build your Foundation Second floor just keep going and the software will fill it in for you. If they do not fill them selves then read some of these Knowledge Base Help Articles posted by subject on the Chief Architect Website: http://www.chiefarchitect.com/search/?q=floor+gaps DJP

Ray Tracing successfully is an acquired skill, your ability advances along with your successes and failures (both are good learning tools). There are some basic video tutorials on that subject for SSA members and some good tutorials resident at Chief Tutor.com. One of the most consistently successful ray tracers around is Jintu Montego. He created the attached PDF file as general advice for people wanting to increase their skill. DJP Raytrace Settings-Forum Notes.pdf

Coralie, you mentioned "not being an Architect" but the truth is that familiarity with 3D roof creation is an acquired skill and I do not mean in University, rather it is countless hours of practice that gradiently increases your own skill. It is similar to learning to ride a bike but after awhile, when you start having some successes along with your failures, your ability becomes more certain and sure. Just stay at it and stay intent. DJP

Jenny, call Sales during their office hours and they can then give you something other than opinions. DJP

Alb files will import, using the Library Import command under "Library" DJP

David Michaels of California has already created such a library: http://www.dmd3d.com/free.html DJP

If settings "fail" then you can always manually adjust the wall poly-lines so they will match. This is best done in a cross section camera for finer control. In the final analysis, it is you who is in control and only you who is responsible for outcomes, just make it happen by whatever means. DJP

Relative to Terrain? Look at the "Terrain Specification Dialog - Building Pad input box", if you mean something else, post an image or plan copy and be more specific please. DJP

I can tell from your posted image that your stated settings are not being complied with, so other settings are in arguement with what you want to achieve. Carefully check all relevant settings including those default settings that would directly effect your outcome. DJP

Please post a copy of your plan and layout files or at least a screen capture of what you are seeing. The last time I had to solve this kind of thing was for a client who still uses X2, there was a problem with his template plan and layout file that was causing the annoying outcome in his case. DJP

I upload 3DS files to Sketchfab where anyone with a browser can then view the 3D model. IT is a free service. DJP

Saying that software "did not allow" is kind of a cop out (you order and control the software, not the other way round). Did you try the dimension tool that creates its own dimension points? Dimensions in a wall detail have nothing to do with dimensions in plan or elevation view. In Default Settings - Dimensions you can control their font and size but in terms of where they go is up to you. DJP

You can turn off that named layer in Display Options or redraw over the wall. DJP

The third poster, I believe was referring to the OP and not to me. The OP has since removed his original post leaving the thread incomplete. Apparently he is not a Chief Architect User and just looking to freeload is all. DJP