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Chief Architect Premier
Feature Detail

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3D Rendering & Visualization

  • Perspective & Orthographic 3D Camera tools
    Orthographic is ideal for cross section and elevation views. Perspective is ideal for Full Overview, Floor Overview (Doll House), Floor Camera, Full Camera , and Framing Views. Camera views can be named, edited, and saved. Use 3D Settings Controls to adjust the display options and settings.
  • 3D Navigation tools & Virtual Tours
    Create 3D views and navigate, spin, rotate, pan, orbit, tilt, and move forward or backward. Use the View Direction Tools to quickly set the view to top down, left side, right side or bottom angles. Record virtual walk-through tours while navigating in 3D views. Pause the recording or save frames as desired. Draw a line or spline and record along that designated path. Define the frame rate for recording an .AVI file.
  • Photo Realistic Rendering
    New Chief Architect Ray Trace Rendering Engine (replacing the previous POV-Ray ray trace engine). The new Chief Ray Tracer offers significant performance improvement with its ability to use multiple core processors. Lighting and materials now have specific properties that can be set for very photo realistic rendering.
  • Ray Trace Wizard
    A New Ray Trace Wizard with predefined settings for indoor and outdoor scenes to jump start your photo realistic ray trace renderings. The wizard applies predefined settings which can then be edited to your specific rendering needs.
  • Artistic Rendering – Watercolor, Line Drawing….
    Artistic Rendering techniques include, 3D Standard Render, Watercolor, Squiggle Line Drawing, Technical Illustration, Painting, Vector View, Glass House, and DuoTone.
  • Advanced Render Technique Defaults
    Use Pre-set attributes or customize your own for the different Render Technique styles. For example, set the squiggle amount for Line Drawing or the colors for Technical Illustration.
  • 3D Focal Blur & Enhanced control of ambient light
    Use depth of field in Ray Traced views, just like a real camera. Create renderings that exhibit similar detail as real photography. Enhanced control of ambient light within Ray Tracing.
  • 3D Views are optimized for multiple core processors and enhanced memory usage in 3D views
    Significantly enhanced memory usage, faster 3D views, and Send To Layout with multi-core processors. Adjust render settings for optimal processing speed and quality results.
  • Cross Section Slider™
    Show views being cut from the top, bottom, front, back, left or right side. Adjust the amount cut away from the model.
  • Delete / Remove Surface tool
    Temporarily remove surfaces in 3D views to expose and visualize the underlying model.
  • Panoramic or spherical backdrops

Cross Sections & Elevations

  • Cross Sections, Back-Clipped Cross Sections & Elevations
    Use the orthographic camera to create an elevation or cross section view. Back-Clipped Cross Section views control the cut distance generated for a cross section.
  • Auto-generate Exterior & Interior Room Elevations
  • Dimension, Annotate and Detail Cross Sections & Elevation Views
    Use the text, arrow, dimension, and CAD tools to add complete details to your Cross Section and Elevation views. Select and edit, delete, resize, or move objects. Add notes and dimensions or insert CAD details.
  • CAD Details Catalog & Auto-Detailing tool
    Toggle between displays for insulation and fill patterns. Choose from over 500 CAD Details to overlay on your design.
  • Opening Indicators – Doors, Windows & Cabinets
    Show or hide opening indicators for hinge side of doors, windows and cabinet using Layers in Elevation, Cross Section, and Plan views.

Plans & Layouts

  • Layout tool – for construction documents
    Layout sheets are used to organize plans, elevations, CAD details, schedules, site plans, and other items for construction documents. The drawings can be scaled and printed at any size. All views are dynamically linked to the original model reflecting any update you make. Reorder the Layout pages for construction documents. Create templates for Layouts with borders and title blocks.
  • Set up multiple Pages per Layout File

    - 1000 Pages

  • Advanced Layout Editing
    Edit line views sent to the layout, rescale views sent to layout, re-link views on the layout to reference different files.
  • Enhanced controls for editing Layouts using defaults for pattern and edge lines
  • Library / Catalog Browser
    Choose from thousands of items. Download new content from Chief Architect or from third party sources. The Library includes generic and manufacturer brands.
  • Project Browser
    A project organization tool to manage and navigate, project files, floors, elevations, cross sections, 3D views, cameras, and CAD details. Rename cameras, view multiple projects at once, easily access details and share them between projects.
  • Design Structures with multiple Floors
    Excludes attic and basement or foundation.

    - 30 Floors

  • Open Files is unlimited
    Removed limit of 10 plans or views in a session. It is now a function of your computer’s resources.
  • Plan Templates
    Choose pre-defined Plan Templates or create your own.
  • Time Tracker™ tool
    Measure working time per project, per client, or per task. Start and stop the Time Tracker. View, edit, and export a time log, and add notes for each project.
  • Residential Code Checklist
    Use the Chief Architect partner code to download the ICC’s Residential Code Checklist for National Building Codes.
  • Plan Database tool
    Create a plan database to organizing your plan portfolio.
  • Plan Check tool
    Provides a review for basic room egress, roof, wall layout, and more.
  • Rotate & Flip Plan tools
    Flip or create a mirror image. Rotate the orientation of the floor plan view on your screen.
  • Insert & Exchange Floors
    Use the Floor Above/Below tool to insert and exchange floors. Insert new Floors or levels between existing floors.
  • House Wizard™
    Drag-and-drop room bubbles and arrange them before converting them to walls. Provides a quick way to lay out rooms that adjoin the project to illustrate how the completed project would look.
  • Model Maker™
    Print designs that can be assembled into 3D Models
  • Loan Calculator tool
    Calculate mortgage payments.
  • Home Designer® Plan Share
    Share Chief Architect® plans with the consumer / DIY Home Designer® products. Your clients can use this for floor/space planning and change colors, materials and textures. Features a Plan Lock to prevent Home Designer from editing the Plan file.

Rooms

  • Room Defaults – ceiling height, style, moldings, wall covering, floor materials
    Control the initial behavior by specifying default values. Define room attributes by room type.
  • Enhanced interface for Room Specification dialog
  • Specify when a room is calculated in the Living Area
    For example, specify the garage or attic to be included or excluded in the living area calculation.
  • Name individual Rooms
    Name individual rooms from a defined list of types or create new names. Custom Room Label controls - assign room types as well as custom room labels. Rooms display dimensions with interior area measurements. Multiple Room Select to group edit the Room attributes.
  • Custom Room Label controls
    Assign room types as well as custom room labels.
  • Room Dimension Format Defaults
    Define the display of room dimensions.
  • Control over new Room specifications when additional floors are added
    Use the Floor Defaults dialog to set up a new floor’s attributes.
  • Display any combination of Room Label Size Layers
    Display the Dimensional Size and the Square Footage labels for a room at one time.
  • Accurately Layered Floor & Ceiling Platforms
    3D model includes Finished Floor and Finished Ceiling heights. Use these layers to add dimension details and define cabinet and stair elevations.
  • Define floor coverings, finishes, and sub-layers
  • Raised Floor Platforms
    Specify raised floor platforms that are automatically framed
  • Molding display control by Room
    Specify height, width, and orientation of moldings from floor or ceiling. Control the display of moldings in any room type.
  • Room Molding Polyline & 3D Molding Polylines tool
    Automatically generate a molding polyline derived from the room's perimeter. Reshape the polyline as desired and attach multiple molding profiles. Designate sizes for each profile and specify its height off the floor. 3D Molding Polylines create horizontal and vertical moldings.
  • Room Polyline
    Automatically generate a polyline derived from the room's perimeter. Use the polyline tools to generate a Materials List, view the area, or convert to a molding, slab, and other custom options.
  • Room Polygon tool
    Create a Room automatically with pre-specified dimensions.

Walls

  • Wall tools
    Wall Styles include interior, exterior, railing, pony, half wall, curved, angled, raked, stepped. All styles are customizable with unique layers. Wall Types include structural wood, stucco steel, concrete ICF, SIPS, glass block, railings.
  • Draw and edit Walls in 2D and 3D
  • Create custom Wall styles with multiple layers
    All the Wall layers calculate into the Materials List.
  • Curved Wall controls for radius, center, and ends
  • Half-Wall tool
    Draw half walls and specify their default values (also known as solid railings).
  • Solid Railing & Half-Wall material options
    Include wall assembly layers and control them just as you would a standard wall.
  • Pony Walls
    For a two section Wall, define materials for each section. Control window and door display, dimensions, alignment between floors.
  • Double Walls for marriage walls and multi-family units
    Includes window and door control.
  • Create Raked & Stepped Walls
    Control heights of walls, add breaks and adjust in Cross Section and Elevation views. Define stepped foundations with vertical footing control.
  • Wall Align tool
    Align walls on another floor (individually or group selected). Toggle the floor reference to see through to the floor above or below.
  • Automatic Attic Walls
    Control creation and options.
  • Steel Framing with C-Channels & U-Channels
    Specify steel framing members and show them in 3D Framing views.
  • Set up designs for Remodeling
    Place New, Existing, Demolition and Remodeling Walls on unique layers
  • Continuous Wall Draw mode
    Right click to enable continuous wall drawing mode - speeds up wall draw time.
  • Invisible Wall Defaults
    Invisible Walls are typically used for room definition when a regular wall is not appropriate. Define the default attributes.
  • Terrain Walls
    Terrain Walls follow terrain contours.
  • Wall Corner Boards & Quoins
  • Defaults for Corner Trim
    Set their size and material attributes.

Cabinets

  • Convert Automatic Countertops to Custom Countertops
    Change the automatically generated countertop to a custom countertop that can be edited and resized independently from the cabinet.
  • Countertop Edge Molding
    Control the display of edge molding applied to custom countertops
  • Rounded Cabinet Corners
    Specify rounded or chamfered corners on a cabinet box.
  • Rounded Countertop Corners for Automatic Countertops
  • Cabinet Moldings
    Add crown moldings, light rails, dentil and rope molding details to Cabinets
  • Cabinet Millwork & End Panels
    Pilasters, feet, legs, and moldings. All resize automatically as the cabinet changes. Attach End Panels to the sides and back of cabinets. Panels can be set to be automatically generated when an end or back is exposed, or they can be manually turned on or off. Control materials by specifying finished, unfinished, or automatic sides. The automatic feature can determine if the cabinet is exposed or against another cabinet.
  • Cabinet Fillers
    Create cabinet fillers automatically between cabinets, or add them manually.
  • Architectural Blocks, save customized Cabinets to the Library
    Save any Cabinet, group of Cabinets, or an entire room of Cabinets as an Architectural Block and store in the Library for future use. Unblock the cabinet grouping and modify as needed. For example, store kitchen islands or an entire kitchen in your library for future designs.
  • Regular & Sloped Soffits
    Generate sloped soffits that automatically match roof or ceiling pitch, or manually adjust slope. Control the initial behavior by specifying default values.
  • Define Cabinets to sub-floor or finish floor height
    Define elevation for cabinets, furniture, fixtures and stairs relative to finished floor or sub-floor.
  • Cabinet Designer™ tools
    Create any style of Cabinet using the Smart Parametric tools including Framed, Frameless, Curved, Angled and Bow. Adjust drawers, face frames, doors, styles, shapes, shelves, moldings, backsplashes, appliances, countertops and several other items.
  • Manufacturer Catalogs & Smart Parametric Cabinets
  • Manufacturer Catalogs - doors, windows, cabinets and several others
    Manufacturer's cabinet catalogs include door and drawer styles, cabinet boxes, colors, and wood species.
  • Define Cabinet defaults
    Control the initial behavior by specifying default values - define, colors, sizes, doors and drawer styles, moldings, materials, countertops, hardware, and several other attributes for the cabinets as you begin a new design.
  • Cabinet Specification dialog
    Use a specification dialog to define and customize your Cabinets.
  • Place Cabinet Doors, Drawers, and End Panels on Cabinets or as stand-alone objects
  • NKBA standardized
    Cabinet display options conform to NKBA standards including countertops, line styles, labels and more.
  • NKBA approved software for professional certification testing
  • Display Countertop lines in Plan View and control the display with a Layer
  • Custom Countertop tool creates countertops of any shape or size
    Draw and edit countertops manually. Add countertop holes, edge profiles, adjust the thickness and height off the floor.

Doors & Windows

  • Custom Door & Window tools
    Create any style of Door, Doorway, and Window including Arched, Shaped and Mulled. Use the Smart Parametric tools. Doors styles include interior, exterior, sliding, pocket, bi-fold, atrium, double-swing, and garage. Hardware Library - Hinges, Handles and Locks. Windows styles include interior, exterior, single/double hung, sliding, casement, corner, recessed, bay, and box
  • Manufacturer Catalogs and Smart Parametric Doors & Windows
    Catalog Doors have interior and exterior material settings. Define colors and wood species.
  • Pass-Thru tool
    Create an opening between two rooms.
  • Visual Door Placement feedback
    Visualize door placement prior to actually placing the door with intuitive control of the hinge and swing.
  • Atrium Door options
    Create Center Swing Double-Doors, also known as atrium patio doors. Define a variety of other ways to open the doors
  • Mulled Units, save customized Doors & Windows to the Library
    Create custom Mulled door and window blocks. Move, dimension, and label them as single units and add them to the Library. Mulled Units that contain Doors are automatically recognized as Door objects for Schedules and Schedule Labels.
  • Double Walls/Window/Door Control for marriage walls and multi-family units
  • Unlimited Divided Lites for glass
    Create Windows and Glass Doors with an unlimited number of lites.
  • Custom Muntins
    Design your own muntins and attach to windows.
  • Window Treatments & Shutters
    Adjust curtains by the height off floor and height above casing. Specify shutters on either side of a window. Blinds fit inside casing when attached to Windows.
  • Door & Window Capitals
    Place capitals above Window or Door casing and set the height and width.
  • Sills & Lintels
    Specify sills for windows and set the height and width. Lintels - control window and door trim sizes.
  • Window Replace From Library tool
    Replace From Library tool allows you specify Windows to be replaced, regardless of presence of shutters.
  • Bay or Bow Windows Multiple Select

Roofs & Ceilings

  • Build Automatic Roofs - gable, hip, shed, gambrel, mansard, and several others
    Generate the roof for any design automatically. Use the Auto-Rebuild Roofs feature to automatically update the roof as your design changes.
  • Draw and edit roofs in 2D and 3D
    Design the roof in a split screen with both the 2D and 3D views up at the same time to visualize the design.
  • Custom Roof & Ceiling tools
    Draw Roof and Ceiling planes and shape and edit them to produce any custom style - including curved.
  • Build Roof options - pitch, overhang, raise of plate for energy heels, curved roof information, framing details, fascias, gutters, exposed rafters and roof returns and many other options
    Specify pitch, overhang, raise of plate for energy heels, curved roof information, framing details, fascias, gutters, exposed rafters and roof returns and many other options Includes roof and ceiling framing and trusses. See the Framing section for details.
  • Gable & Hip Roof Toggle tool
    Toggle the roof between these two styles using the Gable / Hip tool in 3D and 2D.
  • Auto Roof Returns™ for Gable Walls
    Gable, Hip, Full, Sloping and Flat.
  • Roof Gable Line tool
    Draw a line over a door or window and the program will automatically generate Gable roof.

    -

  • Auto Dormer™ tool
    Generate floating (false) and structural dormers automatically. Set the dormer size, roof pitch, and accurately place them on a roof.
  • Dormers types – eyebrow, gable, hip, shed, gambrel, mansard, barrel, and hip curved
  • Automatic Ceilings & Ceiling tools - create custom styles including cathedral, trey, coffered, and barrel
    Automatic Ceiling are created once a roof is generated.
  • Roof Layer controls - specify the thickness of roof components
  • Skylights
    Automatically cut the roof with correct structural framing. Define Square or Plum sides and frame width and height.
  • Define Roof attributes per wall including multiple Roof Pitches & Overhangs
  • Fascia & Sub Fascia control
    Control the size and display of fascia boards.
  • Gutters & Frieze Moldings
    Create custom profiles for gutters and friezes. Attach them to roofs so that they update and resize as the roof design changes.

Stairs & Ramps

  • Stair tool
    Specify tread width, length, tread number, overhang, and thickness. Set riser height, top and bottom height. Specify details about stringers, open underneath, runners, railing details, baluster and newel styles and shapes, brackets, handrails on walls next to stairs, around corners, and hand rail profile.
  • One-Click™ Stairs & Ramps
    Auto place stairs from platform to platform. Platform to terrain Stairs and Ramps automatically connect to the terrain when drawn from the ground to the structure.
  • Advanced Stair tools
    Customize curved sections, flared treads, starter treads, winders, definable walk line, maintainable tread width, and landings.
  • Wrap Around Stairs, connect treads around corners
  • Auto Stairwell™
    Creates stairwell and the platform to match the staircase.
  • Stair Defaults for interior & exterior Stairs
  • Enhanced interface for Stair Specification dialog
    Updated dialog diagram and access to change more attributes about stairs.
  • Enhanced Stairs editing options
    Options for riser heights, tread width, start height, and bottom height.
  • Define Stair starting elevation
    Specify whether stairs and ramps are located at the sub-floor or the finished floor elevation.
  • Ramp tool
    Default Ramp is ADA compliant. Specify length, slope rise and run. Specify overhangs, railings, tread surface, open underneath, baluster and newel styles, shapes, and hand rail profile.
  • Ramp Defaults
  • Landing tool
    Create Custom Landings to auto-connect Stair sections or Ramp sections together. Choose auto adjust features for the height and thickness based on stair or ramp connection. Turn railings on or off per Landing edge.
  • Custom Newels & Balusters
    Choose from newels and balusters in the Library Catalog or import your own.
  • Automatic Handrail width on Wall width
    Define the Handrail width based on the width of the Wall.
  • Independent Railings
    Create custom railing styles such as glass, cable, or panels.
  • Railing Opening & Wall surface offset
    Control whether an automatic opening is created when attaching a Stair or Ramp to a wall or railing. Control the offset of the automatic wall surface under a Stair.
  • Multiple Stair Select
    Group edit the Stair attributes.
  • Enhanced materials controls for Landings & Stairs
    Individually control the material assignments for stair and landing components.

Foundations

  • Foundation tools for Slab, Pier, Crawlspace, Full Basement, Stem Walls, Footings, Post & Beam, Grade Beam
    Set up a default foundation type, controlling stem-wall height, footing size, slab or pier information. Edit the foundations settings after it has been built.
  • Vertical Footing Control
    Define stepped foundations with vertical footing control. Choose to show or hide vertical footings for stepped foundations.
  • Specify Foundation Piers as Round or Square
  • Rebar calculations for Posts & Beams
    Specify the amount of rebar required for foundations so that it is calculation on the Materials List.
  • Specify Slabs for crawl spaces
  • Wall Footing Offset
    Choose to center footings on Wall's main layer or specify an offset value.

Framing

  • Automatic Framing - floors, walls, ceilings, roofs, openings, headers, trusses
    Turn on / off automatic framing – move a window and the framing updates. Define Trimmers and Headers based on opening sizes.
  • Manual Framing tools
    Draw individual framing members or select and edit automatically generated members.
  • Trusses, Automatic & Manual
    Floor, ceiling, and roof trusses. Automatically create trusses that conform and fit between platforms; edit and customize them. Truss options include scissor, attic, step down, girder, sub-girder, drop hip, jacks, kingpost, gable end, reduced gable, energy heel.
  • Truss Schedules
    Automatically generated truss schedule for floors and roof. Each are labeled for easy identification.
  • Roof Framing options
    Hand or Truss Frame. Define rafters, ridges, lookouts, sub-fascia, blocking, bridging. Valley fill roof trusses. Exposed Rafter Tails and custom rafter tail cuts - choose a molding profile or draw your own profile.
  • Enhanced control of Birdsmouth cuts for Rafters
    Turn off auto calculation of birdsmouth and manually specify the birdsmouth seat.
  • Wall Framing options
    Define number of plates, stud thickness, spacing, bridging, miter ends, framing for short walls and knee walls. Balloon Wall Framing platforms extend through walls or walls through platforms. Steel Framing for walls, headers, joists, and rafters - automatically creates C-Channel and U-Channel shaped framing members for typical steel framing. Define the number of Rim Joists generated on a per wall basis.
  • Wall Framing details on a per Wall basis
    For each wall, view and edit wall framing, add dimensions or callouts. Use to produce framing schedules or wall details.
  • Post & Beam framing tools - specify Round or Square posts
    Set the Default Material for Posts in the framing defaults.
  • Automatically produce platform holes, foundation holes
    Use polyline tools to generate holes for the floor or ceiling and automatically generate framing around them.
  • Deck Framing options
    Define Plank overhang, width, gap, direction, border planks, beams and joists. Define widths, spacing, direction and type of planks. Automatically re-build framing as the design changes. Include or exclude beams, posts, and footings.
  • Deck Planking - change the materials applied to all planks
    Paint one deck plank in 3D and all planks will update.

CAD Tools

  • CAD tools
    Comprehensive CAD objects and editing tools: Points, Lines, Polylines, Splines, Arcs, Circles, Ovals, Boxes, Arrows, Solids, Primitives, Fence, Trim Extend, Parallel, Perpendicular, Reflect, Replicate, Transform, Fillet, Chamfer, and several others.
  • 3D Primitive, Advanced Polyline & Face tools
    Create custom solids with a variety of shapes. Edit polylines using Polyline Subtract, Polyline Union, and Polyline Intersection. Create solid faces, extrude and revolve them to create custom objects.
  • Polyline Solid tools
    Create 3D shapes using the Polyline Solid tool. Create custom countertop shapes, backsplashes, tub platforms, etc.
  • Polygon CAD tool
    Creates regularly-shaped polylines of pre-specified dimensions. Specify the number of sides and specify the polygon size by length of sides or overall radius.
  • Convert 2D CAD lines and polylines to other Chief objects
    Quickly convert CAD to Polyline Solids, Molding Polylines, Countertops, Slabs, Landings, Holes in Roofs and Platforms. Convert Arcs and Circles to Polylines. Convert polylines to Revision Clouds and Material List Areas. Convert to Elevation and Terrain data, Sprinklers, Roads, Road Markings, and Sidewalks.
  • CAD Detail From View tool
    Generate a CAD Detail from any view. Add or remove lines, add dimensions, fill patterns, text, and callouts. Use CAD details in your Layout and save to the Library for future use.
  • CAD-to-Walls™
    Import CAD files, such as AutoCAD®, and convert CAD lines to fully configured 3D walls, windows, and doors.
  • Over 500 Architectural CAD Details
    Over 500 CAD Residential Details for residential structural elements. Detailed assemblies for floors, roofs, decks, walls and foundations (400 are new or enhanced).
  • Align / Distribute Objects tool
    Define distribution and automatic alignment of CAD objects.
  • Create and manage CAD Details & Blocks
    Draw customized details and diagrams, print them to scale, and save for reuse in the Library.
  • Auto Purge CAD Blocks option
    Unused CAD Blocks can be automatically purged from plans when the program is closed.
  • Specify Insertion Points for CAD Blocks
    Define an exact location for inserting and placing CAD Blocks.
  • Custom Line Style Editor tool
  • Close Polyline tool, Filleted Polylines radius
    Select any polyline and choose Close Polyline to automatically connect the start and end points. Editing of filleted polylines retains fillet radius.
  • Arc Creation Modes
    Choose from a number of methods to precisely draw arcs.
  • Current CAD Layer & CAD Points saved with plans and layouts
    When a plan is closed and re-opened, the CAD Layer used in the previous session is active.
  • Preference control for Roof Intersection CAD Points
    Control the display of the auto-generated CAD points.
  • Select Same, Load Same & Make Same tools
     Match properties between items of the same type. Edit similar items, including Electrical and Images.
  • Visual CAD Snaps™
    Snap indicators – center, end point, tangent, and several others. Snap to objects or a grid. Snap to Reference Floor layer (a floor above or below the current floor).
  • Angle Snap preview while drawing
  • Multiple Copy tool
    Replicate objects at pre-defined increments. Set default increments for different types of framing objects, as well as general objects.
  • Paste Hold Position tool
    Copy an item between layers, plans or floors while maintaining orientation and exact position.
  • Point-to-Point Move tool
    Accurately move or copy objects.

Layers

  • Layer Sets
    Set up unique layer groupings for display and printing. Create separate Layer sets for Electrical Plans, Framing Views, or Space Planning. Use the Layer Set toolbar to quickly swap active Layer Sets. Swap Layer Sets using Annotation Sets.
  • User-Defined Layers
    In addition to the default Layers, add, change and delete new Layers.
  • Assign objects to Layers for Display & Materials List
    Choose which objects display in 2D and 3D and if they are to be used in Material List. Change the default layer used for individual objects and assign them as necessary.
  • Layer Eyedropper & Layer Painter tool
    Select a layer assigned to an object using the Layer Eyedropper tool, then apply that layer to a different object with Layer Painter.
  • Control display attributes by Layer
    Set color, weight, and line style on a per layer basis. Lock layers as necessary to prevent editing.
  • Layer Set Defaults dialog & Management dialog
    Assign 2D and 3D views to Layer Sets. For example, assign the Cross Section camera to a “Wall Cabinets” only view. Manage Layer Sets - import, export, copy, edit, delete, and create new layer sets from one dialog. Set the currently active set and the reference set.
  • Layer and Line Style Information are stored with cabinets, CAD blocks, and other objects stored in the Library
  • Reference Layer Sets
    Reference Layer Sets are retained for each view sent to Layout pages.

Dimensions

  • Dimensioning tools
    Baseline, Centerline, Angular, End-to-End, Interior, Point-to-Point, and Temporary dimensions. Use One-Click Auto Dimensions™ for exteriors.
  • Display Secondary Dimensions
    Define the display of secondary dimensions.
  • Specify Dimension Units, Accuracy, & Display
    Use Imperial and Metric systems. Control the units displayed for dimensions, number height and font, arrow size and style, accuracy in decimals or fractions to 1/128" or 0.0078125.
  • Define where Dimensions locate
    Locate to centers, rough openings, casing, interior layer, main framing layer, sides, and several other locations.
  • Multiple Dimension Defaults
    Define multiple dimension styles and attributes for your specific needs, such as defaults for floor plans, cabinet elevations and site plans. For each Default, define the attributes for number height, unit of measure, arrow, fonts and more.
  • Precisely position objects by entering a dimension
    Select any object, and enter a corresponding dimension number to move the object a set distance.
  • Display Wall length as you draw – press TAB to input an exact dimension
  • Tape Measure tool
    Use the Tape Measure Tool to find the measurements of any item.
  • Dimensions snap to objects
    Snap to the Center of Cabinets, sides of Appliances and Fixtures, Framing, and Callouts and Markers.
  • Dimension locations for wall tops, bottoms and cross sections
    Wall Elevation Views include dimension locations and extension for wall tops and bottoms. Cross Section Views include dimension locations and extension lines for finished floor and ceilings.
  • Enhanced Auto Exterior Dimensions
    Define the default behavior of Automatic Exterior Dimensions.
  • Define or convert any dimension extension to a Centerline Extension
    Open the specification for any dimension and select an extension number to change its values or change it to a centerline.
  • Enhanced feedback while drawing dimensions
  • Show or hide firebox dimensions for free standing fireplaces

Lighting / Electrical / HVAC

  • Electrical & HVAC tools
    Create Electrical, Plumbing and Heating / Ventilation plans. Electrical – place lights, switches, outlets, low voltage, and structured wiring. Circuit Connection tools draw the connections and circuits for your electrical layout. Connect electrical components together to create circuits. Adjust the lines and arcs of the circuit design. Connections will automatically change switches for 3-way and 4-way. Specify Electrical, Fixture, and Furniture items to attach to ceilings and roofs and auto-rotate to match the pitch of roofs or vaulted ceilings.
  • Electrical Defaults
    Control the initial behavior by specifying default values. Set up default objects to be placed when adding lights and outlets to a room, set the height for outlets and switches off the floor or countertops.
  • Auto Place Outlets tool
    Places outlets at regular intervals based on room type.
  • Electrical Lighting & Lighting Sources
    Use Light Sources in addition to light fixture symbols to enhance the lighting in a scene. Light Fixtures have light sources for Render and Ray Trace Views.
  • Define custom lighting with shadows, attenuation and intensity
    Turn lighting on or off per object. Control whether a light is used for a 3D scene.
  • Edit Lighting properties of electrical objects directly from the Library
  • Photo-realistic lighting effects with the Ray trace rendering
    See the Rendering section for additional detail.

Terrain & Landscape

  • Terrain tools
    Generate a 3D terrain model with elevation data you enter or import.
  • Create Plot Plans, Site plans, & Subdivisions
    Input accurate length, bearing and setback information.
  • Automatic Plan Footprint tool
    Use the Plan Footprint tool to automatically generate a CAD Detail for a Site Plan. Turn on only the layers you need visible for the site plan such as roof planes, overhang and exterior walls
  • Import Terrain Wizard, import GPS, text file, DWG/DXF
  • Terrain Elevation Splines, Polylines, Regions & Points
    Input elevations data for Terrain by drawing splines, lines, and points. Attach elevation value to each object, then automatically generate the terrain contours. A Clear Terrain tool is available to remove contouring and adjust elevation data.
  • Terrain Modifier tools - Hills, Valleys, Elevated Regions, Flat Regions
  • Azimuth Bearings
    Display angles as Azimuth Bearings.
  • Advanced Terrain dialog
    Use the dialog controls for terrain smoothness, triangle generation, terrain's skirt, clipping around structures, and full control over terrain contours.
  • Retaining Walls, Terrain Break tools
    Generate retaining walls with built-in terrain breaks to automatically create steps in the terrain with the wall. Use the Terrain Break tool for steps without the wall structure.
  • Terrain Accessory tools
    Stepping Stones, Streams, Garden Curbing, Pre-defined Garden Beds, Blocked garden beds.
  • Road & Sidewalk tools
    Tools to create a Road, Road Median, Road Striping/Marking, Curb, Gutter, Driveway, Sidewalk and Cul-de-sac. Automatically attach a sidewalk to the road or driveway objects you are generating and specify custom curb profiles.
  • Spline & Polyline driveway tools
  • Road & Driveway Defaults
    Preset sizes, types, and materials for these tools to fit your standard development process.
  • North Pointer & Sun Angles for shadows
    Define a North Pointer and Sun Angle. Specify latitude, longitude, date and time. Generate shadows in 2D and 3D.
  • Deck Designer™ tool
    Design Straight and Curved Decks. Define roof and ceiling attributes for a covered deck. Control the orientation and size of deck planking, gap, width, overhang, direction, border planks, beams and joists. Full Deck framing – see framing section for more details. Polygon Deck tool, specify the number of sides and the size of a deck.
  • Fence tool
    Create picket, privacy, iron, and panel fences. Choose gate styles from the Library Catalog. Fences follow the terrain.
  • Sprinkler Designer™ tool
    Place sprinkler heads and connect them to create irrigations runs and zones.
  • Over 4,000 Landscaping Plants
    Plants Images - Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers can be placed in 2D and 3D views.
  • Create & Import Plants
    Import photos of plants and add them to the Library Browser to use in your designs. Add plant growth information and adjust transparency attributes.
  • 3D Plant symbols
    Use 3D Plant Symbols for added detail. Generate realistic 3D views where plants cast shadows.

    - 700+ 3D Plants

  • Plant Chooser™ with Hardiness Zone Maps
    Plant Hardiness Zone maps show plant data by region.
  • Plant Encyclopedia™
    Detailed plant information – common and scientific name, type, sub-type, characteristics, height range, zones, sun and water needs, bloom time, and leaf and flower color.
  • Create Landscaping Plans
    Assign fill colors to plants in Plan view and display plant labels, garden beds, and contours. Place text and CAD details. Create Plant Schedules.
  • Grow Plants tool
    Use sliding scale and grow the plants up to 20 years from the current maturity.

3D Design & Materials

  • 3D & 2D Editing of Architectural Objects - Walls, Windows, Cabinets, Roofs, Stairs, …
    Place and edit objects directly in 3D and 2D Plan View or Elevation View. Design simultaneously in 2D and 3D for any of the views.
  • Center Objects tool – center objects in 2D & 3D
    Center cabinets under windows, windows in walls, dormers on a roof, and several other items 3D and 2D.
  • Material Painter™ & Default Painter
    Apply colors, materials and textures to objects or components of the object. Apply colors as solid or stain. Use the Default Painter tool restore items to their default material.
  • Material Eyedropper™ & Color Chooser™
    Material Eyedropper: copy a material from one object and apply to another. Color Chooser capture colors and materials from a photo or website, such as tile for a custom backsplash or a wood stain color for a floor.
  • Material Properties Settings
    Make rendered and ray traced views more photo realistic with Pre-Defined Metals. Specify attributes for these Pre-Defined Metals: Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Chromium, Copper, Gold, Iron, Nickel, Sliver, Stainless Steel, Tin Titanium Tungsten, and Zinc.
  • Material Class Definitions
    Use class definitions to define your materials: General, Plastic, Brushed Metal, Shiny Metal, Pre-Defined Metal, Matte, Mirror, Polished, Transparent, and Translucent. Preview the Material classes for standard rendering or ray trace. Ray trace preview includes the option to choose a sphere, cube, or teapot shape to help visualize the attributes of materials.
  • Screen Capture tool - create custom materials
    Screen capture an image and apply in the design, such as a photo of tile for a custom backsplash.
  • Toggle Patterns on or off in Vector View™
  • Assign Custom Patterns to Materials or Object Fill
  • Manage Plan Materials
    Manage all the materials used in the design. Replace materials used in a plan with a material from the Library Catalog. Select a group of materials to merge.
  • Define the Rotation Angle for Custom Patterns
  • Create Symbol Wizard™
    Create custom symbols or import from manufacturers.
  • Create Custom Moldings
    Draw your own molding profile. The software will extrude the molding in 3D.

Library / Catalog

  • Library (Catalog) Browser
    Access thousands of Objects / Items, both Manufacturer and generic. Download, import and create new objects. Search for objects in the Library or use the advanced search features to filter the results. Number of Library Items is displayed in the status bar. Library downloading and updating occurs as a background task. View the status of Library Download and Subscribe processes in the Library.
  • Library Search & Instant Search bar integrated into the Library
    Search for Library items by keyword, object type or style. Instant Search bar is integrated into the Library, just start typing in the search bar to find objects in the Library. Customize Library Search Attributes, view or modify key words for searching on Library objects.
  • Library Catalog Downloads & Updates
    Check for Library updates option. Download is faster and more efficient. Libraries are download on demand and can be mass downloaded or on an as needed basis. Library Catalogs are removed from the program file to reduce the program download size.
  • Replace From Library tool
    Select objects in the plan and replace with an object in the Library. Replace single items or all identical items in a plan.
  • Multiple Select Library Items
    Use the Shift or Ctrl keys to copy, move, and edit groups of objects.
  • Preview Objects / Items in the Library before they are placed in a design
    Visual feedback for the size and orientation of objects being placed from the library and edited in plan and 3D views. Rotate, Spin and Zoom the Library preview.
  • Convert Plan Materials to Library Materials
    Materials that are in use in the plan can automatically be added to the Library.

Materials List & Cost Estimating

  • Automatically generate Materials Lists
    Automatic Materials List with columns for equipment, unit costs, percent markup, and labor costs. Change order of the columns. Generate a list for the entire plan, single room, or defined area using a polyline.
  • Master Materials List
    The Master Materials List stores master data, such as price. When a new project is started, the Master List data is applied. Save and load multiple Master Materials Lists.
  • Specify Layers when calculating a Materials List
    Use Layers to control what is included in the Materials List.
  • Materials List Components
    Add detailed information to objects– such as glazing to a cabinet finish. Components information is then posted to the materials list. Choose which details to show or hide on the final Materials List using Components.
  • Material Schedules
    Create Schedules for Doors, Windows, Cabinets, Fixtures, Appliances, Furniture, Electrical HVAC, Plumbing, Plants and Room Finish. Exclude specific items from Schedules such as cabinet hardware. Automatically Customize the information contained in the Schedule and label controls for Schedules.
  • Cut & Buy Lists
    The Structural Lumber Table can be used to calculate lumber materials for a Cut List and a Buy List. This calculation is in addition to square feet and lineal feet calculations and can be especially helpful for your framing and decking board calculations.
  • Materials List include soffits under roof eaves

Text / Annotation / Scripting

  • Annotation Sets
    Annotation Sets control a subset of defaults including Dimensions, Text, Arrows, Markers, Callouts, and Layers. Annotation Sets can be used to quickly change your defaults and streamline the annotation process - similar to Layer Sets.
  • Fully editable Text tools
    Control font, size, weight, color, position, justification, and more.
  • Advanced Rich Text tools
    Format text with varying colors, font, and more. Convert plain text to rich text.
  • Text Leader Line tool quickly creates callouts and notes
  • Architectural fonts: City Blueprint, Country Blueprint, Blueprint
    Use any built-in font included with your operating system.
  • Spell Checker
    Uses a built-in or custom dictionary.
  • Enhanced Text control
    Font control, font defaults, and text macros for page number, date, and others.
  • Customizable Text Arrows
  • Custom Door, Window, & Cabinet Labels
    Type your own customized labels for any Door, Window, or Cabinet object. Control cabinet label size and orientation.
  • Callouts & Markers
    Place Callouts and Markers in Plan, Elevation, Layout, and Detail views. Adjust fill color, line style, line weight, and double-headed Callouts. Callouts and Markers have unique layers. Use multiple default styles for Arrows, Markers, and Callouts.
  • Embed Hyperlinks in Text
    Add links to website or other files using the text tools.
  • Revision Cloud tool
    Encircle objects with revision clouds, or draw your own.
  • Text Macros & User Defined Text Macros
    Insert macros into text objects. Add Contact Info, File Info, Plan Info, Special Characters, and Time and Date macros. Create custom Macros, such as macros for Contractor, Supplier, or Revision Number.
  • Create Dynamic Label Macros
    Use Text Macros in combination with the Ruby Scripting tools to dynamically update object labels or other annotation in your design.
  • Text Macro Management dialog
    Create New, Edit, Copy, Delete, and Test custom macros from within the Text Macro Management dialog.
  • Ruby Scripting
    Use the Ruby Scripting Console for writing program scripts - such as a determining room volume, custom cabinet labels and several others. Includes an Interactive tutorial on how to create user-defined macros.

Printing

  • Printed Paper sizes
    Specify printed paper sizes to fit your design scale.
  • PDF print
    Print to a PDF file for outsourcing a print job – great when you do not have a large format printer.
  • Print Preview
    Displays printable area, paper edges, and line weights. Outline printing is visible in Print Preview mode.
  • Scale-to-Page or Paper Size
  • Page Setup
    Determine plan sheet size and specify how it prints to different paper size.
  • Span printing across multiple pages
    Print a large format sheet on a smaller paper size and tape together to make the larger sheet.
  • Control line style begin and end size
    For example, for a dashed line define the start and end dash size.

Import / Export

  • Import & Export Chief Objects
    Import/Export Annotation Sets, Layer Sets, Hot Keys, Wall Types, Line Styles, Macros, and Ruby Scripts. Share with other users or transfer them from plan to plan.
  • Transfer Layers between Plan files
    Layer names can be transferred between plans.
  • Export Materials List to Microsoft Excel, CSV, TXT, or HTML
  • Import & Export 2D DXF
    Advanced Layer Mapping to assist with importing.
  • Import & Export 3D files
    Import 3D DXF, DWG, OBJ, 3DS, SKP. Export 3D DXF, DWG, 3DS, VRML
  • Import image files: BMP, JPG, GIF, PCS, TIFF, PCX, PNG, Metafiles, TGA
    Image import - specify transparency color and add plant data or image information for materials and backdrops. Display Metafile on plan, elevation, and layout views. Specify fill style to show through and transparency on the image.
  • Import Terrain Elevation data
    Import survey data from AutoCAD or other sources.
  • DWG compatibility with AutoCAD® 2010 & prior
    Import and Export 2D and 3D files in DWG format.
  • 3D Mass Import
    Group import 3D DWG, DXF, 3DS, OBJ, SKP files and convert them to Library Objects.
  • Create Materials from Textures
    Group import texture image files and convert them to materials automatically.
  • Export .AVI files for Virtual Tours & 3D VRML, 3DS
  • Export PNG & TGA from Ray Traced Renderings
  • Convert 3D View to Symbol
    Create a custom object using Chief Architect's design tools and then round-trip covert a view to a unified library item.

User Resources

  • Customizable Toolbars
    Modify the toolbar to match your work style. Add and remove buttons, create toolbar groupings, dock and undock toolbars.
  • Toolbar Sets
    A collection of tools on a toolbar set organized by discipline: Default, Terrain, Kitchen & Bath, Space Planning, Plan Detailing, Mechanical Electrical Plumbing, CAD, Color Palette with customizable material swatches.
  • Customizable Hotkeys
    Assign and change shortcut key mapping.
  • Specify Preferences & Defaults
    Set up Preferences for display and editing tools to customize the interface to your needs. Specify defaults most architectural elements.
  • Reference Floors & Current Floor retained within the Plan file
    Assist with layout and wall alignment (displays the floor above or below the current floor). If you have a multi-level plan, the program will re-open to the floor and in the area when you last saved and closed the file.
  • Virtual Graph Paper™ display
    Adjust grid to display a reference in any increment, great for modular design, space planning, and as an indication of scale.
  • Auto-Archive
    Set Auto-Archive Preference to schedule how frequently projects are backed up to an archive file.
  • Chief Viewer™ - a Free downloadable viewer
    View and annotate 3D camera views and Virtual Tours.
  • Support & Software Assurance
    Updates, Major Releases and New Versions, Priority Technical Support, Over 400 Online Training Video access, Download Library Catalogs access, Free or Discounted Training Seminars, Discounts on Secondary Licenses.