There are a number of strategies that you can employ to reduce the time required to ray trace without sacrificing the quality of the final image.
To see framing in elevation views make sure framing has been generated and that the appropriate layers are set to display in those views.
When generating a 3D Full Overview or Floor Overview camera view, the program will look at all of the objects that are set to display in that view. So if you have an object in the distance that may be significantly smaller in regards to the relationship to the actual structure in the plan, the program will generate the view to include that object, but it may be difficult to see. If you delete the stray object, or move it closer to the structure, and then recreate the camera view, it will display normally.
A gap between floors is typically caused by modifying the Platform option in your Wall Type Definitions dialog so that it is on the exterior surface line of the wall type.
In Chief Architect, cross section/elevation camera views can be clipped in various directions, allowing you to cut or remove the display of objects from the view, including entire floors. This is a great way to isolate a single room, a single floor level, or a specific area in the plan.
3D Camera views may not generate properly if your video card does not meet the minimum system requirements, has an outdated video driver, or if you're experiencing a hardware or software incompatibility. Follow the instructions in this article to check the video card's information, update its driver, and adjust the Render Preferences if necessary. If these preliminary steps do not resolve the camera view issue you are encountering, follow the steps to submit additional system and program information to our Technical Support team for advanced troubleshooting.
Reasons why materials would flicker when a camera is rotated include: structure placement, large terrain, materials occupying the same space, and video card specific issues.
The display of foundation walls, slabs, curbs, piers and footings is controlled in the Layer Display Options dialog. The 'Foundations' layer controls the display of all objects on Floor 0 in camera views, but does not affect floor plan view.
Backdrops are images that display behind the model in 3D views, and new backdrops can be created using a variety of graphic file formats.
Creating a screenshot is easy to accomplish by following the instructions applicable for your operating system linked here.
The display of patterns in Orthographic Views can be turned on or off, using the Toggle Patterns option from the 3D menu.
Cabinet elevations can easily be created using the Elevation and Dimension tools. In Chief Architect Premier, you can also create a CAD Detail From View and trim unnecessary lines using the Trim Objects tool.
An adjustable cross section view can be created while in a camera view using the Cross Section Slider tool.
Create CAD details in your projects using the Auto Detail tool, CAD Detail From View tool, CAD Blocks located in the library, and/or manually using the CAD tools.
Reflections in mirrors only generate in perspective 3D views using rendering techniques that show material textures. If you're in a supported camera view, but reflections still fail to generate, the Reflections setting may be disabled.
This Information message will display if you try to use the Wall Elevation tool to create an exterior view of your model. If you believe you are trying to create a view inside of the room, make sure the room is completely enclosed and selectable.
You can use the Sun Angle tool to specify the exact latitude and longitude, as well as date and time; and then produce sunlight and shadows based on that information.
Create 2D plan views with rendered 3D characteristics to post in a portfolio, on a website, or in a brochure by overlaying a floor plan on top of a 3D model.
Use one of several fire materials to create a three-dimensional flame by applying the flame material to a 3d object such as a cylinder.
An isometric cutaway view of your floor system can be created by using floor material regions to show different floor structure layers.
Spikes can display in 3D views if there is an object connection problem in the plan.
The Project Browser is a convenient way to access all of the views that are present in a plan or layout file.
View, manage, and share 360° Panorama renderings all within your Chief Architect Online Account.
3D Viewer Models can be viewed directly in a web browser, on a social media profile such as Facebook or Twitter, or be embedded directly into a website.
Learn what steps to take to run Virtual Reality in Chief Architect and get the best performance possible on your system.
You may experience this message if the Photon Mapping advanced setting is unable to be performed within a Ray Trace rendering.
Use the AR mode to visualize what your model will look like in a real world environment.
Use the instructions in this article to obtain the software's Rendering Log and send it to the Technical Support team using the Technical Support Center.
The Reset Saved Camera tools can be used in Chief Architect X16, Home Designer 2025, and newer program versions to quickly reset the properties and position of an active saved camera view.
