Saving is X17

[kflorjancic]

Prior to downloading X17, I typically saved all of my files to a folder on my desktop and then moved them to OneDrive once the project was complete. Since installing X17, I’m having trouble figuring out where my files are actually being saved. It looks like everything is going into the Archives folder, which has me a bit confused.

 

Does anyone know:

• Where X17 saves files by default?
• If it’s possible to change the default save location to a custom “Chief” folder that houses all of my plans?
• And if saving directly to OneDrive (or a synced folder) would cause any performance issues?

 

Ideally, I’d love to streamline things so I can easily access and transfer the most current plans without digging through Archives.

 

Any tips, tricks, or tutorials would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

 

 

 

Edited March 24 by kflorjancic

[DBCooper]

See if this helps:

https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-03211/backing-up-and-restoring-chief-architect-content-using-project-management.html

 

If not, then maybe this:

https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-03210/enabling-or-disabling-project-management.html

 

[tcromwell]

I am having the same issue, when I travel, I use a different computer.  I signed on this morning to work on some projects and none of my projects are in the new system on this computer.  I am not sure where to access them.  I have been using CA for 20 years and I will admit, I am not up to date on this new system.  

[agenoarch]

I also do not like the project management system. There is no longer a saveas option and trying to figure out how to use it efficiently is more of a pain than its worth

[kflorjancic]

I called Chief support for some help with this. Our team often works on projects individually and then saves to onedrive after it's done or for presentations at the office. Tech mentioned that doing a plan backup will allow us to continue to do this but that it can be a challenge to get used to - recommended watching this video to learn more (X17 File & Project Management - Video | Chief Architect). It will come over as a copy so can be more difficult if multiple people are working in and out of the plans and you'll want to be cautious that you're working on the most up to date plan. He also mentioned disabling the project management system as an option, like @DBCooper mentioned above, if you don't want to mess with it. Tech support did say it took him a few weeks to get the hang of it but that he likes it. Sounds like if we keep at it, it has nice benefits. @tcromwell @agenoarch 

 

Backups automatically save (depending if your pc or mac) at the path below:

• C:\Users\ [YOUR USERNAME] \Documents\Chief Architect Premier X17 Data\Backups
• /Users/ [YOUR USERNAME] /Documents/Chief Architect Premier X17 Data/Backups     

I also found this, which could be helpful for working on different computers - Sharing Projects in a Work Environment that is Utilizing Cloud/Network Services

[joey_martin]

On 3/31/2026 at 1:51 PM, agenoarch said:

I also do not like the project management system. There is no longer a saveas option and trying to figure out how to use it efficiently is more of a pain than its worth

You can turn off that option in preferences and the SAVE AS option comes back and the program works like it always has.