Changing what Dimensions Locate


Reference Number: KB-00941
Last Modified: April 8, 2022

The information in this article applies to:

Chief Architect Premier or Chief Architect Interiors



QUESTION

I would like to adjust what my dimensions locate, such as walls, cabinets, fixtures, openings, etc. Where do I need to go to make these adjustments? 


ANSWER

You can choose what dimensions locate by modifying the dimension defaults.


To change the dimension defaults

  1. Select Edit> Default Settings Default Settings.


  2. In the Default Settings dialog, expand the Dimension category, select Dimensions, then click Edit.

    In X12 and prior program versions, options for each of the Automatic Dimension tools are listed here as well. Select the Dimensions option to modify what the Manual Dimension tools locate, or select your desired Automatic Dimension option. 

    Default Settings Dialog with Dimension expanded and Dimensions selected


  3. In the Saved Dimension Defaults dialog that displays, choose the appropriate Dimension Default from the list, then click Edit once again.

    If you're using X12 or a prior version and you're editing an Automatic Dimension option, this dialog will not appear; instead, you will be presented with an Automatic Dimension Defaults dialog.

    Saved Dimension Defaults showing Plan Dimension Defaults selected


  4. In the Dimension Defaults dialog that displays next, select the Locate Manual panel. The settings located here specify how and whether or not dimensions drawn using the Manual Dimension tool locate specific types of objects. Go through each additional Locate... panel and make your desired modifications for each of the Dimension tools in the program.

    In X12 and prior program versions, select the Locate Objects panel instead.

    In X13, wall steps, along with cabinet face items, such as doors, drawers, panels, and openings, can all be located by dimensions in cross section/elevation views. X14 brought in more granular control over whether to include or exclude interior and exterior walls and control the wall side to which dimensions snap.


    Plan Dimension Defaults dialog in the Locate Manual panel showing all the different options

    Note: To learn more about the various options listed here, click the Help button located at the bottom of the dialog to open your program's documentation.

  5. Once you have finished making your desired changes, click OK.

    Perform the same steps for any additional Dimension Defaults, or Dimension options, as necessary.