X17, what's the consensus?

[Michael_Gia]

Other than a slick new project management system, I don't feel there's much else especially with respect to a lot of the long standing issues we've all been whining about.

 

I can acknowledge that this new file system is the way to go, I just hope it doesn't take me as long to adopt as it did with Saved Plan Views.

 

Anyone else have anything to add?

[PhillipCA]

We will be hosting webinars over the next month highlighting a few (but not all) of the new features. You can learn more here: https://www.chiefarchitect.com/events/. 

 

[crdsplans]

Would have like to had an option to export either a .mxf or ifc file

[SHCanada2]

As someone who does most of my projects in a few hours, there was not a lot of feature changes, so far as I have played around,  to improve my efficiency (except project management mode). The new project management mode is quite nice and is quicker for starting a project and using reference display sets. Showing Stairs on either level feature will be nice for garage suites and site plans as well as the walkthrough improvements, when I do them.

 

I look forward to the webinars to see what I may have missed. There are always some good nuggets to pick up

[Designers_Ink]

The new Speedtree Library is a great addition in X17 if you are into doing high end exterior renderings.  In our office, we work on projects as a team, so file sharing easily is important to us.  The way our existing file storage and sharing process works in our office (Dropbox), I haven't figured out a way to use the managed project part of this upgrade without adding too many steps from what we do now.  Hopefully, with more research, we will figure out a way to integrate our workflow with the new system and it work as smoothly as our current system.  I just haven't figured it out yet.  I think the splitting of schedules is a great addition.  Being able to save roof labels in the defaults will save me some time on each project. 

 

Everyone uses the software differently, so the "important things" are going to be different for everyone.  There has been years a lot of my "important things" got upgrades and some years where other users' "important things" got upgrades that didn't really affect me much.  This is probably one of those years from what I have seen so far with it, but overall I think the software continues to get better and is worth what I pay for it. 

 

[HartDeNoble]

Really like the project management tool, great addition. We really need to improve the construction tools like so many have requested. Layer based fills (this will fix the poche from X16 that is basically an incomplete tool in my opinion), improvements to wall intersections (especially short walls), fix boxed and flush eave settings (super quirky), stair tool improvements such as being able to edit each tread individually like we can with landings (grab handles on all sides), porch/railing improvements (see steve nyhof post on this), curtain wall tool (railing tool is a start), and personally i think we need to have wall heights expressed individually and not be room, but I was told this was not possible (which is disappointing). I hope we can get more construction tools/ improvements in X18. I know I made a list which is frowned upon but I know these are all very popular requests. 

[chuck_phillips]

Yea I feel the same way.  I attended the webinar regarding the project management system and it became apparent that this project management system would not work for anyone beyond a casual user.  The system will only work for those which save all their files to a single computer.  The system does not work with server systems, or cloud services.  The project management system seems to be all about sharing files but it isn't setup to share files in today's environment.  They promised that this was just a stepping stone.  I will not be using the new project management system, I can't, I use google drive to allow some file sharing.  So considering that the big release is just a stepping stone, which is not usable for so many users it don't really see anything in X17.

[VHampton]

The best photorealistic projects still tend to rely on third-party renderers to really shine—but credit where it’s due: X17 brings some great updates. Thanks to the CA team for pushing things forward. The presentations always help sell the project - not just to clients but to the various architectural review boards within each municipality. 

 

Here’s a quick rundown of the new rendering and visualization features, and they're all really helpful:

• Anisotropic materials – more realistic stainless steel and brushed metal finishes

• Interactive material mapping – scale, rotate, and adjust textures right in 3D

• Sun study walkthroughs – simulate daylight changes with a fixed camera

• Water animation – adds movement to pools, fountains, etc.

• 3D text & dimensions – annotate right in 3D views

• Cross-section slider – adjust cut planes on the fly

• Material builder (Windows) – custom tile, wood, and grout control

Still no AI rendering built-in yet, but exporting to Twinmotion, Lumion, Enscape, or D5 is a solid workaround for higher-end visuals.

Looking forward to what’s next.

[ComputerMaster86]

Everyone is going to have different feelings about X17 but, there are a bunch of small improvements and new features that are really going to be beneficial to me.  Together they all are going to help my day to day work flow and help me save time, small bits at a time.  It all adds up though!  These things are...

• The rework of "Angle Snaps / Angle Guides".  This is a huge biggie for me.  I work with a lot of 2D drawings, like 2D steel layout drawings.  The X17 "Angle Snaps" are boat loads more useful to me and a lot easier to work with.  You can read about the complaints I used to have for angle snaps on this forum.  Great work Chief!
• 
• "Select Next Edge" edit toolbar icon.  This is super helpful in selecting really short line-segments or overlapping segments that are part of a interconnected polyline, like a molding polyline.  I have struggled in the past to turn off a molding on the edge of really short segments of molding polylines.  A person can specify a hotkey for this edit toolbar tool and cycle through (toggle) the different segments of a complex multi-segment polyline at a fast pace.
• 
• Both "Line Separation" and "1st Line Offset" under your various "Dimension Defaults" is now affiliated with a special dimension snap mode.  It uses the values you have specified  under "Line Separation" and "1st Line Offset" under your "Dimension Default".  If you are manually placing or repositioning dimension lines, it will snap the distance specified for "Line Separation" when referencing another dimension line.  Likewise, if you are manually placing or repositioning dimension lines, it will snap the distance specified for "1st Line Offset" when referencing something like a wall.  Definitely a time-saver for cleaning up dimensions in a plan view.
• 
• 
• When using "Continuous Draw Mode"  you can press the "Tab Key" to enter a precise distance and it will let you continue with "Continuous Draw Mode".  In X16 and prior pressing the "tab Key" would end "Continuous Draw Mode".  This works for drawing walls and drawing polylines.
• After a wall segment is drawn or a wall segment is broken into two or more segments, you can use the edit handle to continue drawing with that same wall type.  What is different in X17 is you can now use "Continuous Draw Mode" when doing so.  In X16 and prior "Continuous Draw Mode" was not available for already placed wall segments or wall segments that were broken into two or more segments.  Basically they expanded the occasions where "Continuous Draw Mode" is available.
• 
• We now have sub-folders for organizing "CAD Details", Cross-Section / Elevation Camera Views, 3D Camera Views and Plan Views.  I was starting to think that sub-folders would never happen.  If you have a growing collection of "CAD Details", you will welcome this.
• 
• We can now drag and drop items stored and listed under a plan file in the "Project Browser" onto our layout page.  This is very handy useful feature.
• Hex Color Codes.  If you ever tried to reference a color by typing or copying and pasting RGB values this process was made easier.  You can type or paste HEX Color Codes into the color chooser dialogue box.  RGB is three separate number values.  HEX is only one value.  Easier to type or copy and paste.
• 

[Chrisb222]

4 hours ago, VHampton said:

Here’s a quick rundown of the new rendering and visualization features, and they're all really helpful:

• Anisotropic materials – more realistic stainless steel and brushed metal finishes

• Interactive material mapping – scale, rotate, and adjust textures right in 3D

• Sun study walkthroughs – simulate daylight changes with a fixed camera

• Water animation – adds movement to pools, fountains, etc.

• 3D text & dimensions – annotate right in 3D views

• Cross-section slider – adjust cut planes on the fly

• Material builder (Windows) – custom tile, wood, and grout control

 

None of that is useful whatsoever for me. Water animation? Seriously?!? Fix the stair tool.

[HartDeNoble]

2 hours ago, Chrisb222 said:

 

None of that is useful whatsoever for me. Water animation? Seriously?!? Fix the stair tool.

I would agree, and having talked with other users, many feel the same. I want it to be known that I am thankful for everyone who works on the software and their hard work but it is super frustrating getting this type of release year after year. The rendering is a pretty picture that helps sell jobs, yes, but can we get a release with just improvements to tools like the stair tool, front porch beams, wall intersections, layer based fills, roof eave fix/improvement. I just simply feel some of the features being added do not help at all. 

[Chrisb222]

18 minutes ago, HartDeNoble said:

layer based fills

 

OMG WHY do we not have this???

[robdyck]

5 minutes ago, Chrisb222 said:

OMG WHY do we not have this???

Probably because of the # of users who would be contacting tech support wondering why the plan looks different all the time.

[VHampton]

5 hours ago, Chrisb222 said:

 

None of that is useful whatsoever for me. Water animation? Seriously?!? Fix the stair tool.

 

It appears the water tool doesn’t actually animate water—it’s more of a glossy texture overlay.
In effect, it replicates what I’ve been doing for years: using a 1/2" mirror layer beneath a transparent slab with a water texture applied.

 

As for the project management feature, I’m not sure I see the need or benefit. Everyone has their own system for tracking projects, and it’s unclear how this integrates or adds value—at least from a sole practitioner’s perspective.

 

I could be wrong, but this seems more geared toward multi-person offices where file sharing and coordination are critical. For individuals working independently, it may offer little utility, especially if it's positioned as a key feature in the new version.

[ComputerMaster86]

I am not trying to stur the pot but, are you guys making your requests known to chief by using something like the beta reporting tool?   Chief has said multiple, multiple times that just simply mentioning something on the forum does not always result in a feature request logged into their database.  Get in touch with them and make your request known. to them.  Help them understand your request and wants for the software.  I get the feeling people don't always do this.

[VHampton]

Absolutely—rest assured, the folks at Chief Architect do read these forums and take customer feedback seriously. There’s a deep and loyal user base here, and the input shared—especially when constructive—is definitely on their radar.

 

That said, you're right: posting here alone doesn’t guarantee a feature request is formally logged. Using the beta reporting tool or contacting Chief directly is the best way to make sure suggestions are documented and reviewed. So by all means, keep the discussion going here—but also take that extra step to make your voice officially heard. It makes a difference.

As for me, I’m still respectfully trying to learn more about the upgrades before commenting on features that aren’t immediately apparent. I’d rather understand the improvements fully before weighing in on the new version. 

[SHCanada2]

4 hours ago, VHampton said:

As for the project management feature, I’m not sure I see the need or benefit. Everyone has their own system for tracking projects, and it’s unclear how this integrates or adds value—at least from a sole practitioner’s perspective.

 

After using it for a month, I find it is quicker, and clearer as it is all right there. But I also have my own _template project I created, so I just copy that for a new project. Where before I would have to go in and link the layout to the plan. Works nice to see as built and different plan options

 

4 hours ago, ComputerMaster86 said:

I am not trying to stur the pot but, are you guys making your requests known to chief by using something like the beta reporting tool?

I logged the stair problems in the suggestions area, as requested by CA.

 

[ComputerMaster86]

5 hours ago, SHCanada2 said:

I logged the stair problems in the suggestions area, as requested by CA.

 

It might be just my imagination but, I have been using the "Technical Support Center" or the "Beta Reporting Tool", more and more, to give Chief Architect suggestions directly.  I am really starting feel like it's alittle  more impactful.  There is one new feature in X17 Chief added that came directly from a discussion I had with them.  It's the new top and bottom girt (horizontal framing) control.  What's fascinating is, I don't believe I specifically asked them to implement that in X17.  I get involved in a lot of post-framed buildings but, I don't expect chief to be a pole-barn program.  It's nice that they did implement that feature.  Based on my experiences it does seem like Chief will listen and take in people's suggestions.  However, just mentioning things on the forum doesn't always seem like the best way to get Chief to acknowledge the suggestion.

[ComputerMaster86]

Just throwing this out there.   I have been actively using the project management mode.  I feel I am overall a little more efficient with X17 because I am navigating between Windows Explorer and Chief Architect less.  It so easy to start a new project using a template project and the new "Managed Mode".

1. Open Chief Architect (May Already be Open)
2. Duplicate My Project Template
3. Give it a Name

Versioning is also super easy because my template projects has this folder structure set-up inside.  I just right click and duplicate the Ver ## folder giving it the new version number.

+   Docs

+   Images

+   Ver 01

        + Layout File

        + Plan File

 

Doing this in "Windows Explorer" there just seems to be a little bit more monkeying around.  Plus you may have to navigate back into the chief program and hunt for your files to open them.  Now there is definitely room for improvement with this new "Managed Mode".  I have made a few suggestions directly to Chief on the matter, as well as other Chief users, and maybe they will get implemented in X18.  Who Knows?

[HartDeNoble]

17 hours ago, Chrisb222 said:

 

OMG WHY do we not have this???

This is one of my main suggestions but it hasn't come to come to fruition thus far. I know Rene has also requested it also. I am guessing the main reason it hasn't been implemented is Chief doesn't have the staff/resources to get these big changes for us. I also think Chief, at times, has an identity crisis, I would love for them to pivot more towards being a full BIM like archicad/vectorworks, and not lean into the rendering side as much. One example I have been wanting since Day 1 (and many other users) is being able to change individual wall heights and not use rooms to control walls. I know this works but it just seems backwards to me. 

[SHCanada2]

5 hours ago, ComputerMaster86 said:

Based on my experiences it does seem like Chief will listen and take in people's suggestions.  However, just mentioning things on the forum doesn't always seem like the best way to get Chief to acknowledge the suggestion.

Outside of the beta program, there are two methods, tech support and the suggestions forum. If tech support is the speedier way, then CA should publish this.

 

I will ask the question to tech support, hopefully I get an answer.

 

[Michael_Gia]

11 minutes ago, HartDeNoble said:

I am guessing the main reason it hasn't been implemented is Chief doesn't have the staff/resources to get these big changes for us.

 

I've perused many forums, Revit, Archicad, Softplan etc.  They all complain about the same stuff.

 

It could be all summed up with, "stop giving us new features and just fix the stuff that's broken/not working to our liking"

 

And all these companies know that only new fancy features is what maintains their client base and attracts new subscribers.

And we want that, because only a healthy wealthy Chief Architect can keep improving.

 

Chief's Room Definition paradigm is what allows us to go quicker than any other software of this type, from concept to 3D rendering and construction documents.

 

The downside is you have to get real comfortable with patching things up with 3D solids that are assigned their own layers.

 

Material lists are still inadequate.

 

Client 3D viewer is still half baked.

 

And this new File Structure is awesome but only if they implement a cloud version so we can really collaborate with others and even ourselves, since a lot of us are often on the road or abroad and use multiple computers.  Chief still assumes we are all sole proprietors, all hunched over our one computer in a basement somewhere with no internet.

 

[Alaskan_Son]

19 minutes ago, Michael_Gia said:

 

I've perused many forums, Revit, Archicad, Softplan etc.  They all complain about the same stuff.

 

It could be all summed up with, "stop giving us new features and just fix the stuff that's broken/not working to our liking"

 

And all these companies know that only new fancy features is what maintains their client base and attracts new subscribers.

And we want that, because only a healthy wealthy Chief Architect can keep improving.

 

Chief's Room Definition paradigm is what allows us to go quicker than any other software of this type, from concept to 3D rendering and construction documents.

 

The downside is you have to get real comfortable with patching things up with 3D solids that are assigned their own layers.

 

Material lists are still inadequate.

 

Client 3D viewer is still half baked.

 

And this new File Structure is awesome but only if they implement a cloud version so we can really collaborate with others and even ourselves, since a lot of us are often on the road or abroad and use multiple computers.  Chief still assumes we are all sole proprietors, all hunched over our one computer in a basement somewhere with no internet.

 

 

I agree with almost all of what you said.  All except that last sentence. Believe me, Chief is fully aware of the need for collaboration between multiple machines.  I'm about 99.99% certain that one of main reasons (if not the main reason) for implementing Project Management in the first place was so that they could address some of these collaboration issues, more specifically with the goal of a managed cloud store so you eventually wouldn't have to import/export anything at all.

[Dermot]

Regarding suggestions, please read this sticky post for more information about how we prefer you make suggestions:

 

 

Please note that currently we have more than 8,000 active requests in our internal database.  This represents a very large backlog which is the main reason that many of these requests have not been addressed yet.  Please be assured that it our goal to implement all of them but realistically it will take a long time so please try to be patient.  Keep in mind that one person's "super important" request can be another person's "who cares" request so we try to prioritize them based on the ones that we think will give the most benefit to the most people.

 

Thank you to everyone that takes the time to let us know what is important to you.

 

[SHCanada2]

1 hour ago, Dermot said:

Regarding suggestions, please read this sticky post for more information about how we prefer you make suggestions:

"Please do not use this Suggestions forum to report bugs. You should always contact our Technical Support department directly if you think that you have found a bug in one of our products.

There you have it, although I'm not sure how the, lets call them, deficiencies in the stair tool are classified. One man's defect is another man's enhancement

 

better to error on the cautious side and log them through support I suppose