Changing dimension layers?

[dsauder]

I'm afraid I've discovered another limitation of Pro.

I'm trying to make prints of my floorplan on a layout. I have modeled on my plan all of the trees on our lot, and I have dimensions to all of them as well. On my prints, I do not want to include the trees or their dimensions. I can turn the "Plants" layer off so the trees don't show, but can't get the dimensions turned off without losing all dimensions.

Is there a way to create new layers? Or to switch the layer a particular item is on? Or a way in the layout file to manually remove certain dimensions?

[David J. Potter]

You have found a limitation of Pro, that is correct. With dimensions they are fixed to their default layer and are either on or off.

Chief allows the creation of custom layers and also the ability to assign any object to any existing layer or custom layer but that ability comes at a greater cost.

If you plan is completely finished (no more significant changes possible) you could make copies of your plan with each copy with different layers on and off which could then be sent to differently named print layouts (.layout) for portraying different views for different trades and if all I had was Pro that is probably what I would do.
But if changes were needed there after you would have to make those changes in each copy.
In the long run Chief in such regards, pays for itself.

DJP

[GordC]

Hi dsauder

I discovered that limitation quite a while ago.

The system I set is as follows:

Client approves and signs off main dimensions, roof etc.

It is very clear in my contract that changes now will mean a new price.

Then copies of the plan are made.

For example:

Main plan: Kadaso_Dec_1

Framing: Kadaso_Dec_1_framing

Site plan: Kadaso_Dec_1_site

Now I have 3 Main “Layers” with “Sub Layers “

We are still very confused in Canada; sometimes the site plan must be in metric, but if do the rest of the plan in metric instead of imperial; I would be shot by a contractor.

On a typical layout, the wall section is from the Main plan & the framing is from the Framing plan.

Another technique I use is to export as DXF, manual adjust the drawing and then import back into the drawings. I did this for a wall section on the weekend for an Architect that wanted an incredibly, precise wall section detail. He was very pleased.

I have templates of all possible layouts.

That’s my answer to creating “New Layers”

I hope that helps you think of a solution.

[lbuttery]

If you are doing these for client after client, then you should give serious consideration into upgrading to chief.

the time you save and the features you gain are well worth it

[GordC]

The first comment is that it would be 5K to replace my 2 copies of Pro 8. (minus rebates)

I don't believe Chief would solve the Metric/Imperial problem.

All the work is done; it takes a few clicks of the mouse to use my system.

[Dermot Dempsey]

"I don't believe Chief would solve the Metric/Imperial problem."

Actually, it might help. In Chief, any dimension line can have a primary format and a second format. You could actually have some dimensions in your plan be imperial and some be metric if you want. Or, you could have some display both imperial and metric if you like. The dimension tools in Chief have quite a bit more power then in HD Pro. See the dimension dialog attached below as an example.

Also, you might want to take a look at the current specials that are going on until Jan 11, 2010. Right now you can buy Chief Full for $2195 plus an additonal license for only $1495 which is only $3690 total, not $5000 and not considering any rebates for your Pro licenses.

Also, you don't have to upgrade both licenses to Chief Full (depending on how you work). You could upgrade one and then upgrade the other to HD Pro 9. Chief X2 and Pro 9 should be able to work on the same files without any loss in data.

You might want to call our Sales department and ask them what might work best for your situation.

[GordC]

Hi Dermot,

Thanks for clarifying the Imperial/Metric issue

I put a lot of thought into it before buying the second Pro 8.

I want the same program on the laptop as the PC. The copy on the PC never leaves the office. The second copy stays with the laptop. No passwords, Internet, or any other complications.

Pro 8 works for my needs. A copy of X2 and Pro 9 would be my minimum upgrade.

Then there is the cost of training; there are many factors.

Anyway, thanks for you comments.

I will be upgrading when time is right.

[Allen42ACJ]

Gord
I wouldn't worry about lose of data.Biggest thing is less tools in Pro than Chief.
That will make it tough to decide what computer gets Pro.
I liked having Pro 8 with Chief X1 but didn't upgrade to Pro 9..
Might look into a new license of chief if the rebate is good.

[David J. Potter]

Files created in Pro or Chief of matching versions can be viewed and edited in either program.

Objects that are created by tools which only reside in Chief can be viewed in Pro but not selected or edited by Pro, otherwise there is no "loss of data" at all what so ever, just lack of function in Pro which is the way it is with or without Chief.

As Dermot pointed out the big plus is the vast number of additional choices and productivity tools, lack of work-arounds that are not present in Pro.

DJP

[GordC]

Dermot, David, & Allen,

Thanks for clarifying the way each program works with the other. The bottom line is that Chief would be a luxury for me, not a necessity.

I just finished my first job with an Architect. He was very impressed with my drawings & wants me to do work on his drawings. That could change everything overnight.