Use the instructions in this article to backup Chief Architect content in the event a computer malfunction occurs. Additionally, it's helpful to have this same content backed up so that it can be transferred to another computer.
Chief Architect can no longer find one or more plan files from which views have been sent. You may have moved or renamed the plan files(s) resulting in the broken link so that views sent from the plan can no longer be displayed in the layout.
The unit of measurement for new files can be set within the program's preferences. It is always best to use the unit of measurement that was assigned to the plan by the template.
In Chief Architect, you can specify where on your computer the program looks when an existing plan or layout is opened or saved using Save As.
Learn how to restore your Chief Architect program, and all of your User Content by following the instructions in this resource.
In the event of an improper shutdown or crash, you may be able to recover some of your work by restoring an Archive of the file.
Opening legacy files require a Chief Architect X8, Home Designer 2017, or an earlier version program that supports the .plan and .layout file extensions.
If you have lost the Chief Architect file you were working on, use the Search function on your computer to locate it. If you're unable to locate your file(s), you may be able to reference an Archive.
Turn on the Plan Default setting to Allow Editing in Select Home Designer Products in order to share your Chief Architect plan with a Home Designer User, and allow them to modify the file within the capabilities of their version.
This article goes through detailed troubleshooting steps to correct the most common issues with slowness experienced in Chief Architect plan and layout files.
In order to use your computer effectively, it is vital to know how to save your work properly, where it is saved on your computer, and how to find it again.
The Time Tracker tool monitors the time spent on each Chief Architect file. You can enter start and end times each time a plan or layout file is opened and closed, or allow it to run automatically. The Time Tracker keeps a log that can be amended and edited as needed.
It is not possible to use .shx fonts in Chief Architect, these fonts are used exclusively by AutoCAD. Chief Architect can make use of .TTF fonts, and .FON fonts.
A Plan Database is a special list that stores information such as the type of construction, number of rooms, and price of each plan in the database.
Every time a drawing is saved, Archive files that keep a historical archive of your plan are automatically created or updated. Files can be archived by hour, day, or most recent save. They are renamed according to which archiving option is selected in the Preferences dialog. Archive files are meant to be for emergency use only. If you must access an archive file, open it as you would any other file. then as soon as the file is open, use Save As to save this file with a new name to another valid location.
Use the Backup Entire Plan/Layout tool found in the File menu to send a project, in its entirety, to a colleague, another Chief Architect user, or Chief Architect Technical Support.
Your operating system controls what programs open a particular file type. Follow the instructions for your version of Windows or Mac to change the file association for plan, layout, and library files to the version of Chief Architect or Home Designer that you want to open them when you double-click on them.
The Project Browser is a convenient way to access all of the views that are present in a plan or layout file.
Follow these steps to create a new Data folder to circumvent unexpected behavior caused by having the Documents folder stored on iCloud Drive.
Follow these steps to move your Data folder to circumvent unexpected behavior caused by having the Documents folder stored on OneDrive.
Cloud and network services are great for easily sharing files between colleagues. But before opening and working on a plan or layout, make sure to copy or download the file to your local hard drive.
