Help Database

You can save changes that you make to the toolbars in Chief Architect by creating a custom Toolbar Configuration.  Once created, Toolbar Configurations can be backed up, transferred to different computers, and shared with other program users.

To create a custom toolbar configuration

1. Launch Chief Architect and open a new, blank plan.
   
   
   
2. Select Tools> Toolbars> Customize Toolbars from the menu to open the Toolbar Customization dialog.
   
   
   
3. On the Configurations tab of the dialog:
   
   
   
   
   
   • Note that the currently active toolbar configuration displays an asterisk * after its name in the Custom Toolbar Configuration list.
     
     
   • Click on a configuration in the list that is most similar to the custom configuration that you would like to create.
     
     
   • With a configuration selected, click the Copy button.
     
     
     
4. In the Toolbar Configuration File dialog:
   
   
   
   
   
   • Type a short, descriptive File name for your new configuration.  
     
     
   • You can also specify a location on your computer to save your configuration if you wish.  In nearly all cases, saving it to the Chief Architect Toolbars folder is the most logical choice.
     
     
   • Your new configuration is added to the Custom Toolbar Configuration list and is also specified as the new active configuration. 
     
     
     
5. When you click the Close button, your new configuration will be in use.
   
   
   
6. With your new toolbar configuration active, make any desired changes to the program toolbars.
   
   
   • Existing toolbars can be moved so that they dock to the top, bottom or either side of the Chief Architect program window, or they can float within the view window.
     
     
   • You can add or remove buttons on existing toolbars or create entirely new toolbars using the Customize Toolbars dialog.  To learn how, see How to create a custom toolbar.
     
     
   • You can customize the toolbars in all views - not just floor plan view.
     
     
     
7. When you are satisfied with the organization of your toolbars, select File> Exit from the menu to close Chief Architect completely. 
   
   
   • Closing the program will save your changes to the toolbar configuration made during this program session in the .toolbar file created in step 4, above.
     
     
     
     

To copy an existing customized toolbar

If you have made changes to an existing toolbar configuration, such as the Default Configuration, it is a good idea to make a copy of it.  Creating a custom copy will help you protect your customizations should you need to reinstall the program or restore your toolbar defaults.

1. Select File> Exit from the menu to close Chief Architect completely and save any changes that you may have made to your toolbars during the current program session.
   
   
   
2. Launch Chief Architect and select Tools> Toolbars> Customize Toolbars from the menu to open the Toolbar Customization dialog.
   
   
   
3. On the Configurations tab, make sure that the active configuration is the one you have customized, and then click the Copy button.
   
   
   
4. In the the Toolbar Configuration File dialog, type a short, descriptive File name for your new configuration.  Your new configuration is added to the Custom Toolbar Configuration list and is also specified as the new active configuration. 
   
   
   
5. When you click the Close button, your new configuration will be in use.
   
   
   

To back up your custom toolbar configurations

Just as with custom libraries, template files and your projects, it is a good idea to make back-up copies of your custom toolbar configurations.

There are a number of ways that you can back up your data.  For example, you can save it on a network server, usb flash drive type device, or burn it on a CD or DVD.

The location of your toolbar configuration files depends on the version of the program you are using.

• In Chief Architect X2 and later program versions, the Toolbars folder is located in the Chief Architect Data folder for that version, located by default in My Documents.  
  
  
• In Chief Architect X1, build 11.3, and later, the Toolbars folder is located in the Chief Architect X1 Data folder, located by default in My Documents.
  
  
• In Chief Architect X1, build 11.2, and prior, the Toolbars folder is located in the Chief Architect installation directory, typically found in C:Program FilesChief Architect IncChief Architect X1.