lbuttery

ok, I was just selecting text box then hitting "center object" I wasn't aware of the "reference lines" all is well now Lew

I'm using X6 that's not working ??? Lew

Is there a way to center text on a layout ? see attached layout Lew TEST_TEXT_CENTER.layout

using file explorer enter *.pdf in the search box do this for each drive on your system this will find any/all PDF's if you know the file name or a portion enter that much instead of the * Lew

probably best to contact CA's technical support also this forum is for users of Chief Premier while HD PRO users can find some benefit following this forum the other HD products are better served at the Hometalk forum Lew

For now do your own "save as" I add date and time to the file name and do this as often as every few minutes when in a work session I immediately do another "save as" with just the normal plan and layout names so they stay linked I don't use or rely on Chief's archive system as a former programmer I prefer to be in control Lew

That is the mentality that gives this industry a bad name Javatom: seriously ??? since when has design phase been a bad idea ??? have you ever heard of "back to the drawing board" ??? ever hear of "storyboarding" ??? "throwing it at the wall and seeing what sticks" ??? Lew

To the OP - have fun with your design and figure out how to build it later, it's so much more creative and a much more interesting adventure. Leave the rules behind for now and leave them for those who think those rules must be followed Larry: I agree Lew

Parkwest: all depends on the talent and dedication of the user I just don't think it is "mandatory" to seek a professional on day 1 some DIY may be capable - some may not Lew

I'm sorry but I see nothing wrong with learning what you can and put together some ideas Ryan has indicated that he plans to hire professionals why not go to them with some ideas worked out first why go on day 1 instead of day 100 as long as you go ??? Lew

also many users create "working" layer-sets these are the ones where you turn layers on/off as needed during your work flow and leave the "master" layer-sets alone the ones that are used to create the layout Lew

I think CA uses the "less is more" principle they will use 1 anno-set with many layer-sets (one-to-many) some power users use a one-to-one relationship and end up with 36+ anno-sets use whichever method suits your workflow anno-sets are a convenience remember they didn't exist prior to X4 yet plans were produced without them they can make life easier and quicker Lew

we want to live it for 50 years Hi: besides structural you want to consider "universal design" principles also know as "aging in place" these principles can have an impact on you overall design lots of websites out there giving examples for door size - hall size - bathrooms - light switch placement - outlet placement shower size etc etc etc Lew

Rashid: yes, in 2005 I bought the Disto Plus for $700 tons of features - turns out I only used it in "simple" mode a year later Leica had models being sold under Sears Fat Max label for $100 I measure to 1/16" - model to 1/16" I allow for 1/2" discrepancy unless in a critical area If discrepancy is 2" or more I go back to site and re-measure I wrote all dims as 1/16"s - this made math much easier 7 1/2" write as 7 8/16 - 10 3/4 write as 10 12/16 when I create final plans I set dims to show as nearest 1" maybe 1/2" if the area was "critical" since I can't draw I would take lots of pics while on site for measuring then I had a small printer in my car to print b/w then take dims and write on prints - that way I don't forget to measure something and I have a better archive of what was measured etc Lew

Scott: I did say "my preferred method ...." Your mileage may vary .... Lew

Mark: there may be other ways to do it my preferred method is to place external buildings in separate plans then make a 3D symbol of them and add them to the master plan I like the independence it gives me I have long called for room/floor/wing/roof etc locks that truly lock down an area once I have an area set I would that Chief not be able to change it so far CA hasn't agreed with this logic Lew

I'm curious why do you need a 32-bit version ??? Lew

Bob: no idea - way too many guesses you will need to post the plan to get any serious replies Lew

Shouldn't a user expect that if the defaults are changed that any new room would build to those defaults? Larry: before the change I and others had issues with a wall being disconnected and Chief setting the room back to the defaults - a real PITA you think you have all the rooms set in an area and take some views and "a mess" maybe there should be a setting in the room dbx "revert to defaults" .... Lew

Johnny: is correct - that is how it works Lew

I prefer to keep name of plan and layout the same at all times such as 1234_ELM_REMOD_X8.plan and 1234_ELM_REMOD_X8.layout then as often as needed (sometimes every few minutes) I do save as to create backups for the backups I add date/time and my initials (my partner adds his) 1234_ELM_REMOD_160704_LBX8.plan etc then another save as for the main name again doing a double save as takes seconds gives me total control over the plan and layout which always stay connected and my backups as needed Lew

yes, I suggested a decade ago that there be an option to also copy the interior walls handy when doing hotels or offices etc CA has never seen the need for it Lew

just for the record you must be using an older version of chief a few versions back chief added a feature where it would auto-magically add the invisible walls to create the room on the second floor with open below Lew

Scott: back in 2007/8 I was scoping this software out as a good companion to Chief never tried it but was interested in it http://prolandscape.com/en/ Lew

Glenn: I don't have time or inclination for such "challenges" you don't have to like my replies I really could care less Lew