rlackore

For your inverted tile, a normal map is all that is necessary (my opinion). Googling 'normal vs bump map' will lead you to further reading. Here's a better version of the material - I removed the pronounced shadow from the left bevel so the fake shadow isn't biased to the left: inverted tile improved.calibz

Normal maps. Learning a few tools in Gimp or Photoshop can go a long way: inverted tile.calibz

I ran my own test back in August using a Layout file with/without an embedded PDF (the PDF file size was 13 kb - not very large). I printed the output at 300 dpi using Chief's PDF printer. Here's a screenshot of the Layout page without the embedded PDF - the printed file size was 40 kb: Here's a screenshot of the Layout page with the embedded PDF - the printed file size was 1,152 kb: This was an increase of 2,780%. When I printed the page with the PDF obscured by a CAD mask, the printed file size was 1,153 kb, so even though the print engine wasn't required to render the PDF, the PDF still impacted the size of the printed output. I shared these results with Tech Support via a ticket, and was told the results of my test would be passed on to the development team. It was suggested I explore using other print to PDF options, but that Chief "cannot guarantee that everything will render correctly from our software."

Is she using Gmail within Chrome (or another browser), or if she is using another email client that aggregates all her accounts? If she's using an aggregator, maybe it treats attachments differently.

I don't know if Chrome and Gmail looks/works differently on a Mac, but on Windows you don't need to right-click the attachment, simply mouse-over the attachment and select either Download or Save to Drive:

Maybe find a different way to share files, such as Dropbox or Onedrive.

Sure, it can work for any situation if you're willing to create the necessary normal maps. Not easy, I agree, but possible. EDIT: Maybe material regions (as Joe suggested) for the rustication joints with a normal map assigned to the material regions?

You can simulate the bevel with normal maps. Here are example materials that can point you in the right direction: HardiePanel.calibz

You can create a sign without too much trouble if you're comfortable using a graphic editor like Photoshop or The Gimp. The example below was created using Chief tools - millwork for the posts and polyline solids for the board - and using The Gimp to create the diffuse, bump, and normal maps from a picture I found online. The picture was low-resolution, so the result isn't the best, but with a higher resolution image you could get much better results. Rendered in Chief: Rendered in Sketchup:

Maybe just a matter of using the Edit Wall Layer Intersections tool to drag the brick layer over so it terminates at the corner squarely:

You're correct about the batt insulation - it is an Autocad Linetype that isn't supported by Chief's Line Styles. I don't know why Chief would interpret the same fraction incorrectly, but you could modify the text in Autocad with the Stack Properties before importing.

The rendering was completed in Twinmotion; the grass and water textures are materials native to that program.

A couple of threads to check that may be of help: Best way to export a floorplan for an Autocad user? Change wall layers when exporting floor plans

Very simple pool, but this was my solution: Roof Plane for the sloping pool deck with a Hole to cut out the pool shape. Slab for the pool bottom. Molding Polyline for the pool tile & trim, and the coping tile and cap. Polyline Solid for the water surface.

This is a roof louver based on the Active Ventilation Products 14" Pop Vent. Rather specific, I know, but I needed one for a project. pop vent roof louver.calibz

Like Glen said; maybe you don't need a light, just an object (Polyline Solid, Soffit, etc.) with an emissive material:

Couldn't find one in the Chief library. slant-back roof louver.calibz

You need to Backup Entire Plan so the textures are exported. Or just post the texture as a .calibz file.

Have you tried re-shooting the cross-section/elevation? Maybe it's a problem with one particular camera? Or you could post the plan for us to examine.

Chief's Reference Manual implies that if it's installed on your system, it should be available: Have you tried rebooting your system after the codec installation?

Goldhunter, I wouldn't get wrapped up in worrying about modeling the details of the Quadlock system. You could use something as simple as a general framing member with the correct width and height and a concrete material, or a polyline solid, etc. This should be enough for general design purposes - eventually Quadlock will produce shop drawings which you can review to ensure they meet your design intent. The same goes for the ICFs. Where you cut sections you can use some CAD work to indicate the components if you need the extra level of detail. These are some of the techniques I use for concrete plank, ICF, and SIP design.

There are two DWG import options - Import Drawing will only open 2D data; Import 3D Symbol will import 3D data: So, the lesson is that you have to be sure what kind of data is contained within the DWG file.

.RVT = AutoDesk REVIT project file; contains 3D data but also BIM data and other project information .RFA = AutoDesk REVIT family file; generally contains 3D data that defines an object or group of objects .DWG = AutoDesk AutoCAD .DWF = AutoDesk Design Web file used to display CAD data on web pages and within web applications Of these file formats which support 3D data, Chief can import only DWG files. Converting RVT/RFA to DWG is possible but requires REVIT.

Rectangles are polylines, circles and arcs are not. I think you'd have to convert it to a polyline to assign it a label.

You could make the same arguments about skylights, I suppose. Why put in a skylight when a 2x4 led or fluorescent fixture could be used? The major reason is the quality of the illumination. The Velux sun tunnels have an option to include a light that can be turned on when it's dark outside; combined with a fresnel or prismatic lense they provide illumination when the sun goes down. I'm not discounting any of your concerns - just pointing out a popular option.