Restoring the Default Plan and Layout Template

Reference Number: KB-00333
Last Modified: June 23, 2025

QUESTION

When I open a new plan or layout, I notice that older content appears in the file. How can I open a new, blank plan or layout every time I create a new file?


ANSWER

Whenever a new plan file or layout file is created, all of its settings are drawn from a template. A template is a plan or layout file in which a user has setup the default settings, layer display options, wall types, and other user-defined options to suit their particular needs. Template files are otherwise blank, with no architectural or CAD drawings so that they can serve as the basis for new files.

If you create a new plan or layout, and you notice older content appears, there is a likely chance that one of your existing files was specified to be used as your default plan or layout template. Follow the instructions in this article to restore the default templates.

Making changes to the Chief Architect templates is not recommended. Instead, we recommend creating your own custom templates. Please see the Related Articles section below for more information.


To restore the default plan or layout template

  1. Select Edit> Preferences  from the menu if you're on a Windows PC or Chief Architect> Preferences  if you're on a Mac.   


  2. Access the New Plans panel of the Preferences dialog. 

    When using Project Management in X17 and newer,  note the Plan/Layout Template that is currently active.  

    While using Project Management, on the New Plans panel, click Select to choose a template.

    • If this is referencing a file you finished in the past, you will want to click the Select button to the right of the Plan/Layout Template fields to open the Select a Replacement Template dialog.

      If you don't see the Select button, click on the drop-down arrow next to Import and then choose Select.

    • Expand the Plan and Layout Templates folder to select an already imported Plan/Layout template, and click Select to use it as your template.

      The default plan templates for Imperial, U.S. Units are the "Residential Template.plan" and "Kitchen and Bath Template.plan," while the default plan templates for Metric Units are the "Residential Template - Metric.plan" and "Kitchen and Bath Template - Metric.plan."

      The default layout template for Imperial, U.S. Units is the "ArchD 24x36 Layout Template.layout," while the default layout template for Metric Units is the "ISO1A 594x841 Layout Template.layout." 

      If you don't see the default plan/layout templates listed in the "Plan and Layout Templates" folder, please see the Related Articles for help on resetting your templates



    When using Traditional File Management in X17 and newer, or while working with X16 and prior, note the path of the Plan/Layout Template that is currently active.  

    While using Tradtional File Management, on the New Plans panel, click Browse to choose a template.


    • If this is referencing a project you finished in the past, you will want to select the Browse button to the right of the Plan/Layout Template fields and browse the Templates folder to select a different file. 

      If you see Edit Path instead of Browse, click the drop-down arrow next to Edit Path and then choose Browse.

      The default plan templates for Imperial, U.S. Units are the "Residential Template.plan" and "Kitchen and Bath Template.plan," while the default plan templates for Metric Units are the "Residential Template - Metric.plan" and "Kitchen and Bath Template - Metric.plan."

      The default layout template for Imperial, U.S. Units is the "ArchD 24x36 Layout Template.layout," while the default layout template for Metric Units is the "ISO1A 594x841 Layout Template.layout."

      Only choose a template file with *- Metric.plan, *M.plan, * - Metric.layout, *M.layout, or ISO in the name if you're using Metric Units.

      Never specify a *.layout file as your plan template.


    • Once the templates are to your liking, click OK to confirm the change and close the dialog.


  3. Now, when you select New Project , New Plan , or New Layout , the template(s) specified will be used.


To start a new file using a different template

When using Project Management in X17 and newer, there are a few ways to choose a new template when creating a file:

  • Go to File> New Project  and choose the Plan/Layout Template that will be used for your new plan/layout.

  • Open the Project Browser  by going to View> Project Browser , right-click on the project you'd like to create a new file in, and choose Add New Plan/Layout.

    Note: On a Mac, hold down the Control key while clicking to initiate a right-click command. More information about right-click commands on Apple input devices can be found in the following Apple resource: Right-click on Mac.

    In the Add New Plan/Layout to Project dialog, select the Plan/Layout Template you'd like to use.


When using Traditional File Management in X17 or newer, or if you're using X16 or prior, select File> Templates> New Plan From Template    or New Layout From Template , and in the Choose Template File dialog that displays:

  • Browse to the location of the file you would like to use as your template, then click on it to select it. 

  • Click Open to start a new, blank file based upon the selected template.


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