Chief Architect Help Database - Article Number:  640

How to Locate Extra 3D Symbols to Import in to Chief Architect

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

I would like to obtain some free 3D 3DS, SKP, OBJ, DXF and DWG files to import into Chief Architect and use as 3D symbols in my plans. Where can I obtain these types of symbol files, free of charge?

 

DISCLAIMER

Chief Architect provides the links in this article for information only. We in no way endorse or support the use of any symbols obtained from these third party sources. The links were tested at the time of the writing of this article, but we cannot guarantee the ongoing reliability of links to third party websites

  Warning: The following links lead to websites that hold content that may be usable in Chief Architect. Chief Architect cannot be responsible for the content found on these Web sites.

Some editing of models in 3rd party software may be required. Also, the extremely high face counts found in many of these symbols will severely increase rendering times.



ANSWER

3DS, SKP, OBJ, as well as DXF and DWG files can be obtained both free of charge, and often for a fee, from a number of sources on the Internet. The following are just a few of the distributors of 3D models that provide symbols which can be imported, used, and added to the Chief Architect Library.

Visit the web sites listed below to download free symbol files.

 

  • Chief Architect Catalog and Content Resouces
    http://www.chiefarchitect.com/useraccess/content.html

    Chief Architect provides current version customers are current with their SSA to download and install additional content from both manufacturers, as well as other libraries, from our website directly.


  • Chief Architect's ChiefTalk Users' Forum
    http://www.chieftalk.com/


    Our free online users' forum, ChiefTalk, provides a Symbols & Content section for registered users to post symbols that they have created, or request symbols from other Chief Architect users.


  • Other Content Resources

    http://www.chiefarchitect.com/usercenter/links.html#contentResources

    Chief Architect provides a list of individuals, and companies, who are known to provide third party symbols which can used in the Chief Architext programs on our website at the link above  There are also links to additional websites that provide fixtures, furnishings, backdrops, materials, etc.


  • Trimble's 3D Warehouse
    http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/

    Trimble's free online 3D Warehouse provides wide variety of models for free download, including many manufacturers such as Whirlpool®, Kohler®, GE Appliances® and KraftMaid®.

    These symbols can also be opened and edited in SketchUp to allow for further customization.


MORE INFORMATION

You can find more web sites like these online by searching for 3D symbols and content using your preferred search engine, or by posting in the free online users' forum, ChiefTalk, to find what other symbol websites Chief Architect users find to be valuable.

 

Also see Article #117: How to import a 3D symbol from an outside source to learn how to import the symbols you find.

Last updated on: Feb 08, 2013


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


Find answers on ChiefTalk

Answers to many how-to and technical questions can be found 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on our online forum, www.ChiefTalk.com. ChiefTalk is visited not only by our software users, but also by members of our training, support, and engineering teams who are well-versed in using the software and are happy to help you. On ChiefTalk, you can discover tools and techniques to bring your design ideas to life.