rlackore

This is the real problem. Simply move the stone layer in your wall def out of the main layer category up to the exterior layer category.

Just draw the walls to create the vestibule: ...then plop in the windows and doors (nothing useful in the Library - you'll have to roll your own): ...you get this: ...here's a quick section through the vestibule - mezzanine above (created as a second floor): Commercial in Chief isn't always easy, but most of it can be accomplished.

Attach a plan so we can look at your settings, wall type, etc.

I don't have this problem in X7. In X6 you can either: 1. Put the upper window in the attic wall; however, you won't be able to mull the upper and lower windows. 2. Put the upper window in the lower wall, then use the Transform/Replicate Object tool to position the upper window in the Z Delta (dragging the window results in the bumping behavior you are experiencing).

Until you posted your reply, I'd never viewed a wall elevation or cross-section in anything other than Vector. It had never occurred to me that the other rendering styles were available in an elevation or cross-section. So, I feel pretty stupid. But to your point - I suspect CA didn't implement reflections in an elevation or cross-section because they would be of little value (IMO).

A mirror will display in both section and elevation if the layer they are assigned to is active. They won't reflect anything - obviously - but they will display as linework.

You're right - nobody made me buy it. Unfortunately, my boss decides what software we use. If it were up to me we'd still be using AutoCAD and Revit. But that's beside the point. When we started using Chief they made no claims about it's suitability for commercial use. Now they do. If they're going to make the claim, they need to back it up.

It's not the roof planes - I think. You can pull the roof planes back and it has no effect.

Grab this exterior wall and drag it across to the west wall: Then select the wall segments on the interior, open the object dbx, and set the Roof>Lower Wall if Split by Butting Roof to Room Divider: Then set the Wall Types>Pony Wall>Display in Plan View to Lower Wall: You should get this: Repeat for the other side.

Not any longer. The only time we revert back to AutoCAD/Revit is for large commercial. The boss wants everything done in Chief because that's the only program he knows how to use.

It can be done, with caveats. The forum link in post #2 will give you an idea of some of the challenges. Our office has completed the following types of commercial projects in CA: 1. Tenant build-outs. 2. Exterior renovations. 3. Low-rise office/retail. 4. Restaurant. 5. Manufacturing buildings (metal framed). 6. Facilities (garages, maintenance buildings, etc.).

This is taken directly off the Chief website: "For all aspects of residential and light commercial design." How can they make this statement without providing the basic tools you need for even the simplest commercial job, such as a tenant build-out? No hollow metal framed doors? No storefronts? Unless they mean to say "home office", any claim to catering to the light commercial market is an outright lie.

A few major deficiencies (IMO): 1. Hollow metal doors and frames. 2. Storefronts. 3. Parapets. 4. Handrail and guardrail extensions, returns, etc. 5. Ability to parametrically draw modular office partitions (cubicles) and toilet partitions. I currently use railing walls, but there are certain drawbacks to this technique. 6. Allow lavatories to cut custom countertops without a base cabinet beneath. 7. Better stair controls for steel pan drop-in stairs, metal stairs, etc.

Attaching a plan would allow the rest of us to try exports/imports and see if we experience the same issue. Also, have you tried export/import as a DAE file - I believe some folks have had more success with that format.

davidinvest, In your previous post I outlined how to create a Material Region. You can follow the same steps, but instead of converting the closed polyline to a Material Region, convert it to a Polyline Solid. Then switch to plan view to position the solid in the x-y axis.

I can't read the attached image - too small for my eyes.

Maybe? But the "white wall" and the "brown wall" below appear to be in the same plane (at least to my eye). I guess we won't know until the OP clarifies things for us.

The MS paint line for Sherwin Williams was discontinued back in 2007. I think dropping it in X8 is long overdue. And unless there was an image file associated with the material, it shouldn't matter when you open your old plan in X8.

davidinvest, Perhaps you could post a sketch of what you're trying to achieve.

I don't consider 20mb out of control. I have files for large projects that are in excess of 120mb.

The problem is the Attic wall above. To to the Attic level, select the wall, open the Wall Specification dbx, and UNcheck Wall Types>Pony Wall.

If I understand your intent, you want the white portion to be arched to match the window; IOW - you're only concerned about achieving an arched material transition. This can be done quite easily with a Material Region. 1) Shoot a Cross Section/Elevation View: 2) Turn off the Patterns, 3D Views layer (to reduce clutter), then Create a CAD Detail from View: 3) Draw a closed CAD polyline in the shape you want. I drew mine in red just for visibility: 4) Select the shape, Copy it, then switch back to your Cross Section/Elevation View and Paste Hold Position. This places the shape in the correct position: 5) With the shape still selected, click on the Convert Polyline icon to bring up the dialog box. Make sure Material Region is selected and click OK: 6) In the Material Region Specification dialog box click the Edit Button to assign the material you desire. Leave the Cut Finish Layers of Parent Object checked: 7) Turn on the Patterns, 3D Views layer. Shoot an Orthographic Overview to make sure you like the result. If not, modify things as necessary. You can always return to the Cross Section Elevation View and modify the Material Region polyline to fine-tune the shape:

Johnny, Bump mapping simulates depth by playing with the lighting calculations. Displacement mapping actually perturbs the underlying surface geometry so you get much greater depth and accuracy in the rendering. However, displacement mapping is very costly compared to bump mapping - much more computational horsepower is required.

You will use roof planes to achieve what you want for the foyer - essentially you can ignore my post #8. You'll need to need to go to the basement level and draw a room divider across the foyer to make the landing area it's own separate room: Then open the Room Specification dbx and uncheck Ceiling Over This Room; this is the step that will give you the vault. Then draw your roof planes, set the baseline height to whatever value you need (I used 48" to approximate your exterior picture). You'll get something like this: As you can see there's no need to fuss about with the closet walls - their height will be determined by the roof planes.

Or, displacement maps. No extra geometry needed, just some time and attention to producing a quality height map for the material definition.