Help Database

Although a given plan can have multiple floors, only one can be active for editing at a time. However, one floor, called a reference floor, can be superimposed on the working floor to help you keep walls and rooms in line. In addition, the option to switch between working and reference floors is available. This article describes how to make use of the Reference Floor.


Begin by opening a Chief Architect plan file. To make use of the Reference Floor features, the plan must have at least two floors.

In floor plan view, select Tools> Reference Floors> to display the Reference Floors submenu. 

Reference Display

This option displays one floor as a reference superimposed over the current floor plan. The contents of the reference plan cannot be edited; however, they can be used to position walls, stairs and other items in the plan. A second floor must first be created before the first floor can be used as a reference. 

Swap Floor/Reference

This option works with Reference Display On to simultaneously change the current plan into the reference plan and the reference plan into the current plan.

Change Floor/Reference

This option specifies which floor plan is used as the current plan and which one is the reference plan. The Reference Display On and Swap Floor/Reference commands use these settings. 

Up One Floor

This option, allows you to make the floor above the current floor the new, active floor. 

Down One Floor

This option, allows you to make the floor below the current floor the new, active floor.