1. Do you have a Mac version of Home Designer Software?
Currently, we do not have a Mac native version of Chief Architect Software. However, we support installing Chief Architect on a Mac computer using Apple’s Boot Camp with a Windows operating system. There are many customers running this configuration successfully. You can find our full System Requirements here:
http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/...uirements.html. We will have a native Mac version for our next release.
2. I have a laptop and a desktop; can I install this program on both?
Absolutely. Licenses of Home Designer Architectural, Home Designer Landscape & Deck, Home Designer Interiors, Home Designer Suite, and Home Designer Essentials can be installed on up to three different computers at a time for personal use.
Home Designer Professional works a bit differently. That program can be installed on as many computers as you would like, though it can only run on one at a time. To move the license back and forth between computers you must “deactivate” the license first before switching to the other computer. This is extremely simple to do and takes just a few seconds to accomplish. An internet connection is required when switching between computers.
Here’s an article on our website that explains how this process works:
http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/...faqNumber=1028.
User License Agreement:
http://cloud.homedesignersoftware.co...ct-license.pdf
3. How long will it take me to learn the software?
4. Should I order a download or a DVD?
You have the option of purchasing a download only, DVD only, or Download plus DVD.
When you go to order the product as a download, we will automatically place a back-up DVD in your Shopping Cart. This is a back-up copy of the installation, along with a short Getting Started Guide. If you order a download, we set up an online account on our website where you can access the download. If you order a DVD product, it is an additional $14.95 which includes the disk and shipping.
5. Do I need a DVD?
If you order the product as a download you will have access to your online account for at least a year. After that time, you will need to install from a backup you created or the DVD we offer. Also, if you have poor Internet service it might be easier for you to install via a DVD instead of via the Internet.
6. What if I start with one program and later figure out that I need more options or a feature in another version?
We have instant discounts for upgrading, so if you discover you need a program with additional features, you can upgrade to a higher version. See the link below for available offers.
Upgrades & Discounts Information:
http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/discounts/
7. If I upgrade, will my plans open in the new version.
Yes, the PLAN files are forward compatible, so you can open and edit them in newer or higher end programs.
8. Will I need to relearn a new software package if I upgrade to a higher end product?
No, all Chief Architect Software is based on the same program, so you will just need to learn the new features available in the new product.
9. I can’t find a place to create an account? What do I do?
We create an account for you on our website after you purchase the download version of the software.
10. I see when I go to check out that you have a place for a promotion code; do you have any promotions going on right now?
11. When I check out, there is nothing in my shopping cart. What do I do?
You can call our sales department at 208-292-3400 to place your order directly or you can change your internet security setting to allow handling of internal cookies. Feel free to change these setting back to the original settings after you purchase.
12. Can I use metric in this software?
Our software has been designed to work with imperial or metric units. When you start a new plan it will ask you if you would like to work in imperial or metric units. Once you specify metric, the dimensioning tools and dialog boxes will switch to metric.
Help Article:
http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/...?faqNumber=154
13. Can I use a picture of my house in my design?
14. What is the difference between Home Designer Pro and Chief Architect software?
15. Can I return the software if it’s not the right fit for me?