Chief Architect Help Database - Article Number:  166

How to Create a Custom Molding Profile

The information in this article applies to:
  • Chief Architect X5
  • Chief Architect X4
  • Chief Architect X3
  • Chief Architect X2
QUESTION

I want to draw a custom molding profile and add it to my library. How can I accomplish this in Chief Architect?   
 

ANSWER

Custom molding profiles can be drawn in either floor plan view or in a CAD detail window.  Moldings should be drawn at their actual size and can be added to the library for future use.


To create a molding profile:

  1. Select CAD> Lines> Draw Line  from the menu.


  2. Draw a vertical line to form the back of the molding profile.

    In nearly all cases, this line's length should match the height of the profile you are creating.

    •   For window casing, base or crown molding or chair rail, the back of the molding (the part that is against the wall) must be drawn vertically so that it forms the left side of the polyline.



  3. Using the CAD tools, draw your molding profile, keeping in mind that, in order to be used as a molding profile, the polyline must be a closed shape.


 

To add a molding profile to the library

  1. With the profile highlighted select Tools > Symbol > Add to Library , or click on its button in the edit toolbar.


  2. After the Molding has been added to your Library Browser, you are ready to begin using it in your designs.


  • In Chief Architect X4 and newer, the molding profile will be placed in the User Catalog category of your Library Browser, and will be named "Molding" by default, however, you can rename it and move it in to the appropriate custom user library folder of your choice.

  • In version X3, the molding profile will now be placed in the My Library category of your Library Browser, and can be renamed and placed in folders which you have created for library items of this type, such as "Molding Profiles."  

  • In X2, the molding profile will be placed in the Import category of your Library Browser, and can be renamed and placed in the appropriate User Libraries folder which you have created for library items of this type, such as "Molding Profiles."



MORE INFORMATION

In Version X1 and later, you can also create molding symbols that can be used to create custom repeating molding, such as dentil molding.

For more information on symbol moldings, see Article #786: How to create and use symbol moldings.

Last updated on: Mar 28, 2013

The Chief Architect support team has compiled a list of articles with common questions and answers.


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