MarkMc

Update to to the plan for this- Cabinet defaults setting up OIP fields and some macros. The macros are very simple since I'm no wiz in the dark arts. Schedule default and how to get an alternate for use in pricing (and where the rocks are so you don't trip) Generating mfg cabinet/mod codes from pdf catalog, formatting entries for OIP field used for pricing using a spreadsheet template (provided), a little copy paste special, convert to table stuff and tools used to quickly get the codes where you want them. Saved cabinets in the user library, how much data to include when. Using replace from library. Change schedule to alternate, copy schedule, paste to sheet. Revert schedule to default for printing. Adjusting pasted columns to match a spreadsheet order form. What's worth having to look up and fill in (IOW what is not worth automating) Using the sheet data in an online ordering system Using the sheet data in 2020 A very brief section on generating cabinet details need for order submission and a method to check accuracy (avoid mistakes). I'd like to present each section and follow that with a Q & A, then move on to the next section. I'd originally intended to barely mention much about macros. However in the process of putting the presentation together something came up. While the way I've been moving data from Chief to order for the last few years has been fine for me it can be a bit complicated, cumbersome. An easier method occurred to me, requiring far less spreadsheet manipulation after the fact. (in some case none). While working that out I found a way to also include prices for "some" things; mdoifications and accessories in particular. I was already in the process of updating my user library cabinets per brands to coincide with changes I've made in X10. I've spent the better part of the last week fiddling with this newer approach. I should have it all together by the webinar. However far I get I will send each attendee a zip file ahead of time with the macros, sample plan with OIP fields and schedule, and a spreadsheet template I'm using (as both open/libra office and excel). IF you sent me a PM instead of an email please email me so I can send you the file.

I have macro mods=owner.supplier x=mods.delete!("\r\n") y=x.gsub!(/>[0-9]*>/,'') y.gsub!(/>[0-9]*/,'') Does what I need UNLESS owner.supplier is a single line. When I first discovered that I made a second macro that applies only if there is a single line but realize that I need to have only one. I tried to use Rescue but can't get that to work, likely bad syntax. Thing is I don't even know if this is the correct method to use. Can "rescue" solve this? in which case I can continue to work it out... or do I need something else like an if statement?

Joe, I just couldn't figure out how to make it work, just not that good. I'd already tried gsub (among other things) without success and got that going first.

That got me there. The commenting helped immensely. When I included $ it returned blank. Tried a few variations ended up with this mods=owner.supplier x=mods.delete!("\r\n") y=x.gsub!(/>[0-9]*>/,'') y.gsub!(/>[0-9]*/,'') Perhaps not the most elegant solution but it worked (I'm already further in on this whole deal than I expected.) Image with both columns side by side-will be used separately. BIg thanks Eric

Thanks, heading back down the rabbit hole to have at that, let you know how I do. Nothing in life has ever made me feel as stupid as Ruby and it's been a while since I did much with it so whatever I had is all lost

It varies for each string-1, 2, 24, 56...doesn't that present a problem. I checked and pasting works if I add "0" 's so that there are the same number of integers. But the integers need to be followed by a semi-colon. Does that still have possibilities? I'm assuming that I can always add in to remove the > after ? or at the same time?

Short version is- I'm looking for a way to trim the beginning and the end or a string with Ruby. Part to trim at the beginning is ">qty>" where qty may be one or two integers-so I need to trim between 3 and 4 characters depending. Part to trim at the back is ">price>" where price may be one, two or three integers. (need to trim between 3 and 5 characters) Is there a simple way to do this in Ruby? Long version- I was working on stuff for my upcoming web meeting on cabinet pricing. I decided to try something that might make it simpler for others to use and idea occrred to me that would make it much easier for others to use (I've been doing it so long I know where the rocks are). After more fiddling than I expected it is more user friendly. But I've run into a glitch while updating some actual cabinets I had saved. I've got an OIP field (supplier) formatted to allow the schedule to be copied and the pasted into a spreadsheet with item number, qty, code, price to each end up in the correct column Format in the field is currently is (>qty>mfg_code>price;space). > is being used as a text delimitier when pasting. As noted earlier qty is typicall one or two integers; price is typical one, two or three integers. I use a spreadhseet with a concatenate formula in it to alter existing manufacturer codes to suit so that part is really easy once set up. The deliminiter MUST be a special character. It can't be something that upsets Ruby, the spreadhseet, match things that Chief places automatically, or be something needed for a manufacturer code (have run into every possible problem there already). It can't be-tab, space, return, comma, semi-colon, dash, or backslash. Typical supplier entry looks like: >2>FLSHENDB LR>65; >1>NSPO - set 17-1/2" from floor>219; >4> 4 REV-A-SHELF 597-12-CR on floor>40; >1>FDS set 13-1/2" above floor>22; (I can generate these easily enough in a spreadhseet for regular use, and it pastes as needed) Schedule looks like The _Order field is another custom OIP field that puts the label and the supplier fields together Pasted into sheet Then I have a macro in a custom OIP field to strip aways the deliminiters, quantity, price to use in a schedule that goes on the printed layout. the macro I have in there is mods=owner.supplier mods.delete!("\r\n,0-9,>") The output reads: FLSHENDB LR; NSPO - set -/" from floor; REV-A-SHELF --CR on floor; FDS set -/" above floor; Instead of FLSHENDB LR; NSPO - set 17-1/2" from floor; 4 REV-A-SHELF 597-12-CR on floor; FDS set 13-1/2" above floor; What I have deletes numbers I need from the mfg_code (which I missed while doing all the testing to get this to paste into columns correctly, only discovered as I was adjusting some saved cabinets I had and checking things) I haven't been able to figure it out (not even close). I'm basically throwing darts with methods and pretty poor at syntax. It would also be nice to trim off the very last semi colon but that is minor (heck I might even figure that one out).

Perhaps, been that way a long time now. It would be nice if it changed but I use the method described as SOP so no biggie; I'd rather see work on stairs, or...

Delete the current sink, place a new sink away from the cabinet, click ok when it complains, drag it into position. It will show correctly in plan and 3d but will not show the callout as part of the cabinet. Delete the rangetop, alter the cabinet as it would actually be built without the appliance, float in the range top. You will have to alter the origin of the rangetop symbol OR change it's height, then position over the cabinet

I also use 3 screens set on an angle-17 laptop, 27 2k primary, 24" 1920 x 1200 (about the same height as the 27"). Partly is suits how I work, I can move a window from one to another with a single click or a keyboard. I have a 42" I use in client meetings but not suited to me day to day. I wear trifoacals, the second widest size cut. I tried progressives back when I was in the shop, ditched them in a week, couldn't see both my left hand and the fence on the table saw. Just went through new glasses this year and asked about the improvements to progressives, after a bit of discussion ended up with the trifocal. I still have to turn to see the side screens full on but can tell what window is on tip in my peripheral, better on the right than the left though and likely to get worse.

File is empty, you have to close it before zipping or posting.

You have to change the rendering technique to vector view first, then plot lines will be available, not available from a line drawing.

Was about to answer but Eric is correct, more useful to others placed there. Answer is ready when you follow his advice.

Molding profiles in Chief are 2D they don't become 3D until you use them with one of the molding/trim tools. Chief can use "molding symbols" which are 3D objects but that doesn't look like what you are after. There are much simpler ways to get what you want- There are a very large number of molding profiles available in manufacturer catalogs once you have the program (the one you are showing will be in several cabinet brands and likely a couple of molding catalogs) Import a 2D dwg. (lots of molding suppliers have them on the web) It will import into a CAD detail (one reason to get Premier). Once imported yo have to click each line near a corner till you see the snap indicater-don't have to move it. Go around to each line and do that until it suddenly gets a fill-that means it is now a closed polyline. Add to library. select an existing molding profile, right click and "insert into plan" then modify it- flip, rotate, resize, mirror, add points and curves, change curves to straight... When done-"add to library" start from scratch with polylines or just lines and learn how to work with that part of the program (2D CAD) import an image or pdf and trace over it-then add to library (this one is tricky to get scale correct) (least favorite method)

I'm not sure if it's the plan got corrupted or something you did somewhere. I'd send it in since something is odd. I just tested the defaults. Currently you have that cathedral door specified in the "Front, side back" tab of the wall cab default so it does make sense that you would need to make it a custom face. (the default door tab lists slab door) If I change it in the default either manually the cabinet changes correctly in the dbx. What is weird is that the cabinet in the plan changes to the white arched mullion door-the first few times I tried it... even though it is set to use the default. Then on the third or 4th time checking it suddenly is ok??

NO - I tried the "door/drawer" tab in the cabinet DBX and that did nothing. Went back to "Front, Side Back" tab. Select front and it's greyed out. Use the drop down to change the front to custom face, then pick the door and change it OR hit clear with the door selected in which case it reverts to the default (a white mullion door)

Worked for me BUT did you just try to change the default door? I had to go to the face configuration- the door style was set there as specific -changing it there or selecting clear both worked. Here it is back edited to framed doors just in case. edited.zip

Even if it does schedules make it a easier to get the information into an order (WM or any other). A lot cleaner IMO. I'm doing a free webinar July 11th on schedules and ordering in. Posted elsewhere in the QA on how to sign up. I worked for a BH/WM dealer for 8 yrs. The distributor in NY wanted plans done the way you're doing them (they also wanted all the mods/options listed on the plans-got messy IMO. If I had to do that nowadays I'd be making it automatic from the cabinet. Would have to revisit the Chief WM cat. Did a project for my former employer a year ago. The BM/WM cats in Chief have some advantages but I'd still be hacking it if I had to use it steadily but it's a head start

Figure out where you want the label for one cabinet and check the label offset (y=16 in example) then select by match properties ( I use a hotkey) select the height (42") enter, enter again and change the y offset. You may want to change the base cabinets offset as well. AND you might want to slightly reduce your label size. I use schedules with callouts to avoid this problem and facilitate ordering. Oh and images formats are preferred if it's just an image since then no download needed.

First image shows "Section View Set" "Using active defaults", second view shows "Floor Plan Set" & "Floor Plan Anno". Likely forgot to save Plan view or change layerset before sending to layout.

Welcome aboard. BTW this really belongs in the Q & A section. Tips is "I have a tip", QA is "I want to know"-happens a lot. You'll also see suggestions to fill out your signature which can help getting answers. In any case-for kitchens l use 11-17 most often. Allows me to print lots/often in color without care. I work on retainer I get pretty free handing clients revisions. Easy to reprint when the installer's dog eats the prints. I'm often asked for some pages in progress (electric, framing/blocking, mechanical/plumbing, lighting) even though the kitchen is final but far enough along. I can scan site measurements with the same machine so I always have a clean copy Arch D which is easier to layout depends on the project. Often when that is needed for a kitchen I'm collaborating with an architect who just wants something to drop into their drawings. FWIW I looked into 18 x 24 and decided it was not worth it for me to add in house. Most often I provide-: Cover page with notes layout table (sometimes a legend)-Numbered cabinet schedule(s), numbered/dimensioned floor plan, numbered/dimensioned elevations, floor plan with plain English descriptions (cabinet map), details for the installer (what depends on the installer some get more), page with few 3D views (varies a lot what) something in the way of lighting/electric, there is usually a page or two needed for the cabinet manufacturer which I include for the client anyway. Appliance cut sheets if needed. When needed- I add in existing/demo/construction plans, framing if applicable, more detail, whole building map when multiple rooms. When structural specs are needed I may included something but lists certification by others (most of the engineers want to do the drawing themselves) I always drawer at minimum a complete box and the adjacent rooms to size. In many cases I will go so far as several rooms out for views, add correct roof and deck (great to check duct clearance location) It's all a good bit more than someone is going to get from the average 2020 jockey but once templates are set up in Chief it's not that much extra work besides-clients love it, makes contractors very happy, cuts down on phone calls, covers my butt, overall it gets me work. Kitchen Templates- Layout template is set up with all possible pages delete or move what's not needed. Plan template starts with 4 walls, a "0,0" marker, half a dozen elevations which are already sent to the layout (move them add/delete as needed), a couple of perspective cameras (same as elevations), a couple of CAD detail pages (schedules are set in one, legends in another, odds and ends in the third-need to work on all that a little). Most often I import defaults from other plans, have taken to using two different groups of anno-sets (new construction and remodel), have not fully implemented plan views on my own work (been doing to much for others) I keep two raised ranch plan templates (left and right) since I see so many of those. Splits, walk outs I'll grab an old file and copy edit area if it will be easy enough to adjust. I have samples of a few larger kitchen/remodel projects in 11-17 on my website- Drawing samples. They're ok (meh)- appliance cuts were removed, several were composited together (in a hurry) from drawings that were handed in over time (bit of a hodge podge if you ask me) a few would have been better as Arch D but work flow got in the way. One of these days I'll fix up the website, samples and photos (it's on the list-ha).

Object Information Panel

Like Cheryl said- you can have BOTH - (to framing for the electrician, to rock for the cabinet installer) in different views with a click. If you're going to demo do it with X10- for cabinets there have been leaps starting with X8. FWIW I started with 2020 at V5 something and dropped it after V9, had started checking Chief out around V7 or 8 (not the X series) and switched at X3. One of the big reasons I switched was control of dimensions, notes and schedules. I'm doing a (free) webinar in July if you want to stop in. It's going to cover how to most efficiently get a cabinet schedule in Chief that you can export for pricing but to show that some other useful things will be covered (though I'm not going to cover dimensions or layouts). You will get a sense of what is possible from it, guaranteed. Info on the webinar and how to sign up is listed here

Thanks for the plug Perry, you're always welcome to attend (along with any of the usual suspects). I'm not too concerned about it filling up with KDs, and the limit is arbitrary, I'm allowed many more.Email me (markmc at the domain listed in my sig) and I'll send along an invite, meeting is scheduled so I sending them off as they come in.

Scott Harris suggested that to start this thread, in light of the upcoming webinar I'm doing - to "also spark a how-to pricing conversation" I'll incorporate anything relevant from this into the webinar. So-Cabinet dealers/ kitchen designers, using Chief, how are you doing pricing? What problems are you running into? What do you find lacking in Chief ? (aside from an actual price catalog which I don't expect to happen) For myself- been using Chief since X3. At first I would redo in 2020 to get pricing (usually just with an item list). But for a very long time I've carried brands that don't support that or Chief. Eventually I found a way to get some of the needed informatin into a schedule in Chief and get it out. I've used Chief schedules combined with either online ordeing system or a spreadsheet template (depending on brand) for every job for about 5or 6 years now. For along time it was kludgy. Since the advent of the OIP in X9 things got manageable, the additons to the OIP in X10 were a huge leap. I combine cabinets saved to a library folder per mfg, default settings, some cabinet hacks turning miscelaneous items into cabinet doors, and using "schedule freindly" items to add things like moldings to the schedule..