Discover how to use Chief Architect to its full potential with this informative training series hosted by Dan Baumann.

In this series Dan will take you step by step through the many functions of the program while explaining the right way to get things accomplished quickly and accurately.

You'll learn how to produce highly detailed plans in 30 days or less by spending just a few hours each day following along and practicing each step. This series is unlike anything else available, Guaranteed.

Learn How To Effectively Use Chief Architect in 30 Days or Less
Get Started Now With 3 Easy Steps

1.  If you're new to this site Register Here
2.  Registered Users Login to your account
3.  Spend an hour a day reviewing the tutorials below

New Forum for ChiefExperts.com Members I'm trying out a new forum here at ChiefExperts.com. Please give it a try!

Downloads and Other Links:

• Zoomit - The tool I use to zoom and draw on the screen.
• Google 3D Warehouse - Search and find SketchUp symbols. Download the Sketchup model (skp) and drag it onto your Chief X1 and X2 screen for great, detailed symbols.
• Quick Quote spreadsheet download and tutorial.
• View the recording of "The Top Ten Mistakes Chief Architect Users Make"
• Laptop Stand to use while measuring the As-built. LaptopTripods.com. Get the Ultra version. Cost is $150 plus shipping. It's worth every penny!

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Chief Architect X2 Recorded Training Series

1. Introduction
1 hour 41 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index

1. Introduction
2. Zoomit - Screen Drawing Tool Download
3. X2 Webinar Course Description
4. User Poll - 3 Questions
5. Welcome to the X2 Training Series
6. Dan Baumann's History
7. What is Chief - 4 Programs in 1
8. What Chief Does as You Draw
9. The many Functions of Your Mouse
10. Mouse - Left Button Function
11. Mouse - Right Button Function
12. Mouse - Scroll Wheel Function
13. Tool & Icon - Changing & Navigating
14. Temp Dimensions & Line Weight
15. Layer Painter Tool - Add to Toolbar
16. Paste & Hold Position - Add to Toolbar
17. Library Browser - Customizing
18. Preferences - Settings
19. Default Settings
20. Fonts & Arrows - Setting the Default
21. Functions in the Program
22. CAD - Snap Tools
23. What it Does - Creates Boxes
24. Boxes - 2D to 3D and Back
25. CAD Tools - Important Functions
26. Point to Point Snap - CAD Tools
27. Multiple Copy - CAD Tools
28. Trim and Extend - CAD Tools
29. Edit Object Parts - CAD Tools
30. Transform/Replicate - CAD Tools
31. Move Objects with the TAB Key
32. Number style
33. Reflect About Object
34. Offset Object Function
35. Expand or Reduce a Building
36. Layers and Layersets - Overview
37. Open Below - Q&A
38. Templates - Moving to Another Computer - Q&A
39. Toolbars - Rearrange and Add Icons - Q&A
40. AsBuilts - Working with Layers - Q&A
41. Walls - Drawing Continuous Over Walls - Q&A

2. Saving, File Management, Templates, Symbols, Text, Callouts
1 hour 58 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index

1. Introduction
2. Topics for this Session
3. Saving a Plan & File Management
4. Saving Your Plan
5. File Extensions - Turning On
6. Saving Plans to a New Folder
7. Default Directory Settings
8. Archive Plans in Chief
9. Undo Function Settings
10. Layout Page Link to a Plan
11. Save As - Making Copies
12. Save As Versus Export Entire Plan
13. Templates
14. Templates from a Current Plan
15. Templates Supplied with Chief
16. Setting the Plan Information
17. Cameras in Chief
18. Vector View versus Render View
19. Changing Material Colors
20. Toggle Low Detail Mode
21. Cross Section Slider
22. Types of Views Available
23. Cross Section Cameras
24. Library Browser
25. Symbols from Google 3D Warehouse
26. Symbols at Chief Architect
27. Backdrops
28. CAD Details
29. Text and Callouts
30. Text - Copy &  Paste Word & Excel
31. Text - Copy & Paste from a Detail
32. Callouts
33. Elevation Markers
34. Best Undo Settings Q&A
35. Default Dimensions Surface Q&A
36. Menu Setup Q&A
37. Callout Arrows Q&A
38. Do Formulas from a Spreadsheet Transfer Q&A

3. Dimensioning, Starting a Plan, As-Built Versus New Process
1 hour 57 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index

Here are two webinars related to the As-Built Process:

Creating the As-Built Plan - Process and Procedures
Creating the As-Built Drawing Using Chief Architect

1. Introduction
2. Topics for this Session
3. Dimensioning Overview
4. Basics of Dimensioning a Plan
5. Dimension Dialog Explanation
6. Dimension - Locate Objects
7. Auto Dimension
8. Dimensioning Goals
9. Dimensioning - Function
10. Dimensioning - Process
11. Dimension - Screen Pixels
12. Goal - Remove Fractions
13. Temporary Dimensions
14. Add & Remove Dimensions
15. Dimension Wall Bump Outs
16. Adding Manual Dimensions
17. Deleting Dimensions
18. End to End Dimension
19. Angular Dimensions
20. Interior Dimensions
21. Point to Point Dimension
22. Baseline Dimension
23. Centerline Dimension
24. Dimension Kitchen Window
25. Move & Resize a Sink
26. Show Casing
27. Delete Groups of Items
28. Dimension in Elevation
29. Elevations to CAD
30. Moving Dimension Numbers
31. Dimension a Deck
32. Dimension Floor to Floor
33. Doing Final Dimensions
34. Starting a Plan Overview
35. List Plan Views Needed
36. Set Basic Defaults
37. Sketch Ideas
38. Start with a Cross Section
39. Summary - Starting a Plan
40. As-Build versus New
41. Types of CAD Boxes Q&A

4. Walls and Rooms
1 hour 48 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index

1. Introduction
2. What is a Wall
3. Layout Walls - Right Mouse Button
4. Same Wall Type Handle
5. Angle Snaps - On/Off
6. Draw Walls Clockwise
7. Room Names - Effect on Model
8. Double Click to Open Dialog
9. Creating Room Types
10. Connect Corner Tool
11. Room Names - Function
12. Room Name Attic
13. Q&A - Attics, Invisible & Knee Walls
14. Working with Walls
15. Multi Angled Rooms
16. Curved & Round Rooms
17. Copying Walls
18. Working with Walls - cont'd
19. Wall Materials
20. Defining Wall Layers
21. Wall Fill Style
22. Interior Wall Materials
23. Main Layers
24. Change Ext to Int Wall - Q&A
25. Cathedral Ceiling - Q&A
26. Window Between 2 Floors - Q&A

5. Platforms, Pony Walls, Stairs
1 hour 58 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index
PDF Handouts: 2 Per Page - 3 Per Page

1. Introduction
2. Setting Floor Defaults
3. Setting Platform Heights
4. Adding Rooms
5. Select Same Type Tool
6. Changing Platform Thickness
7. Creating Foundations
8. Adjusting Foundation Heights
9. Foundation - Crawl Space
10. Foundation Walk Out Footing
11. Monolithic Foundations
12. Polyline Union
13. Pony Walls In a Foundation
14. Using Slab Tool with Pony Walls
15. First Floor Pony Wall
16. Creating Garage Foundations
17. Double Walls
18. Foundation Furred Double Wall
19. Other Double Walls
20. Adding a Deck
21. Stairs
22. 2 Story Entry - Open Below
23. Starter Treads
24. Adding Landings and Winders
25. Ledge with Molding Line Q&A 

6. Windows, Doors and Cabinets
1 hour 56 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index

1. Introduction
2. Setting Your Defaults
3. Adding Different Door Styles
4. Door Specifications
5. Window Sizing
6. Door and Window Labels
7. Door and Window Schedules
8. Show Both New & Existing Windows
9. Creating Stacked & Corner Windows
10. Adding Side Lites to Doors
11. Creating Bay Windows
12. Custom Shaped Windows
13. Adding Lites to Windows
14. Setting Cabinet Defaults
15. Working with Cabinet Fronts
16. Wall Cabinets
17. Adding Fixtures to Cabinets
18. Q&A - Recessed Cabinet in Knee Wall
19. Adding Countertops
20. Using Callouts
21. Q&A - Adding Oven & Microwave
22. Q&A - Tile Your Viewing Windows

7. Chief CAD Tools
2 hours 3 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index
PDF Handouts: 2 Per Page - 3 Per Page

1. Introduction
2. X Y Z Plane in CAD
3. When to Use Chief CAD Tools
4. Working with Camera Views
5. Auto Detail Tool
6. Line Weights
7. How CAD Behaves in Chief
8. Concentric Tool
9. Fillet Tool
10. Edit Polyline Parts Tool
11. CAD Tools Menu
12. Tab Key To Move Items
13. Convert Polyline
14. Layer Painter
15. Convert to Spline
16. Create Line Style
17. CAD Block Management
18. Fillet & Chamfer Tools
19. Convert Line to Arc Tool
20. Trim & Extend & Copy Tools
21. Break Tool
22. Point to Point Move
23. Parallel and Perpendicular
24. Snap Settings
25. Draw a Cross Section
26. Multiple Copy Tool
27. Move CAD Items to Front/Back
28. Add Framing Details
29. Rafter at Specific Angle
30. Copy and Reflect
31. Make Block - Add To Library
32. Setting Line Weights
33. Adding CAD Details to a Library
34. Rich vs Regular Text Q&A
35. Auto Detail in Section Q&A
36. Export to CAD Q&A
37. Adding Icons to Toolbar Q&A
38. Insulation Hatch Pattern Q&A
39. Creating Rafter Tails Q&A
40. Glass Doors on Cabinets Q&A

8. Roofs - Part 1
2 hours 3 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index
PDF Handouts: 2 Per Page - 3 Per Page

1. Introduction
2. Why Are Roofs So Confusing?
3. What is a Roof Plane?
4. Starting the Roof
5. Edit All Roof Planes Tool
6. Adjusting Auto Roofs
7. Adjusting Baseline Height
8. Roof Settings in Wall Specification
9. Raise Off Plate
10. What the Auto Roof Tool Does Not Do
11. Key Features in Auto Roof Menu
12. How to Get Better Roof Results
13. Add Settings to Wall Sections
14. Add Different Roof Pitches
15. Use Temporary Ceiling Heights
16. Add Automatic Returns
17. Auto Dormer Settings
18. Using Lower Wall Type
19. Adding Auto Frieze Boards
20. Working with Rafter Tails
21. Making Changes to Roof Plan
22. Framing on Materials List Q&A
23. Birds Mouth Q&A
24. C Cut Rafters Q&A

9. Roofs - Part 2
1 hours 57 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index
PDF Handouts: 2 Per Page - 3 Per Page

1. Introduction
2. Manual Roofs are Faster
3. Recommended Plan Procedure
4. Roof Plane - Overview
5. Tools Used to Edit Roofs
6. Things to Know about Roofs
7. Join Tool OVerview
8. Ceiling Planes & Roof Symbols
9. Adding Manual Roof Planes
10. Create a Dutch Gable
11. Moving a Roof Plane in 3D
12. Creating Valleys
13. Turn Off Auto Attic Walls
14. Valleys - Continued
15. Add Gable Manually
16. Understand Baseline Height
17. Making Roof Move Decisions
18. Joining Ridge to Fascia
19. Creating a Mansard Roof
20. Eliminate Beam on Deck - Q&A
21. Fillet Tool to Fix Roof Edges
22. 1-1/2 Story Roof
23. 1st Floor Joins 2nd Floor Roof
24. Creating a Vaulted Ceiling
25. Adding a Scissors Truss
26. Adding a Manual Dormer
27. Dormer Side Walls - Dotted Lines
28. Manual Shed Dormer
29. Set Walls Back to Default - Q&A
30. Clear Story Wall - Q&A

10. Importing and Terrain
1 hours 35 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index
PDF Handouts: 2 Per Page - 3 Per Page

1. Introduction
2. Importing CAD Files
3. Cleaning Up Imported CAD Files
4. Q&A - Rotate Around a Reference Point
5. Q&A - Importing a Plot Plan
6. Importing Pictures
7. Tracing Over a Plot Plan
8. Creating a Plan Footprint
9. Draw Plot Plan Using Coordinates
10. Q&A - Terrain Perimeter
11. Creating 3D Terrain
12. Creating Terrain Contours
13. Adding a Retaining Wall
14. Creating a Window Well
15. Adding a Fence
16. Completing the Deck
17. Adding Roads & Sidewalks
18. Creating a Flower Garden
19. Q&A - Mulch to Garden
20. Adding Images to Your Plan
21. Q&A - Sending Plans

11. 3D Slabs and Moldings
2 hours 10 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index
PDF Handouts: 2 Per Page - 3 Per Page

1. Introduction
2. Slabs are 3D Objects
3. All 2D CAD Items can Become 3D
4. Corner Boards
5. Adding Quoins
6. Painting Material on Ext. Walls
7. 3D Slab Examples
8. Slabs on an Elevation
9. Chimney with a Slab
10. Ceiling Beams
11. Ceiling Soffits & Ductwork
12. Ceiling Beams with Crown
13. Custom Backsplash
14. Tile and Grout Backsplash
15. Entry Columns
16. Tapered Column
17. Curved Ceiling
18. Molding Polylines
19. Post Footing
20. Crown Moldings
21. 3D Logs
22. Adding a Room Molding Polyline
23. Shower Pan out of Solids
24. Nook in a Wall
25. Explode a CAD Detail
26. Rim Boards and Soldier Course
27. Double Angle on a Chimney
28. Continuous Sill on Door/Window
29. Selecting Automatic Roof Moldings
30. 3D Molding Polyline

12. Lighting, Electrical and Rendering
2 hours 1 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index

1. Introduction
2. Electrical in the As-Built
3. Existing Versus New Electrical
4. Adding Electrical Items to a Plan
5. Auto 3 Way Switching
6. Copy and Paste Electrical Items
7. 2D and 3D Electrical Options
8. Rendering Introduction
9. Rendering Dialog Explanation
10. Test the Video Card Speed
11. Material Reflectivity
12. Interior Lighting
13. Turn Lighting On and Off
14. Lightening the Ceiling
15. 8 Light Maximum
16. Raytrace Test Rendering
17. Doing Fast 3D Views
18. Rendering View Techniques
19. Exterior Rendering
20. Images in Render View
21. Low Detail Mode
22. Controlling the Sun Angle
23. Backdrops
24. Saving Render Views
25. Print Views to PDF
26. Adjusting Materials
27. Fascia Not Showing Up
28. Terrain Grass Material
29. Neighbors House as Backdrop
30. Summary 

13. 2D and 3D Framing
1 hours 58 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index
PDF Handouts: 2 Per Page - 3 Per Page
Sample Plan Files and Detail Library (Right click and Save-As)
This is a zip file. save it to your computer, find it, right click and Extract

1. Introduction
2. Methods to Detail a Plan
3. Sample Plan Overview
4. Solid White Filled CAD Framing Boxes
5. Chief is Not a Structural Program
6. What are the Framing Tools
7. Setting Framing Defaults
8. Framing Tips to be Aware of
9. Floor Trusses and Joists
10. Wall Framing
11. As-Built Showing New Framing
12. Roof Framing and Trusses
13. "I" Beams and Posts
14. Framing for a Deck
15. Quick Section from the Model
16. Details from the Library
17. Install Detail Library
18. Overhang on a Gambrel Roof Q&A

14. Layers and Layer Sets
1 hours 42 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index
26 Page PDF handout for this session that you can review and keep notes on.
Layers and Layer Sets

Sample Plan Files and Detail Library (Right click and Save-As)
This is a zip file. save it to your computer, find it, right click and Extract. This is the same plan we've used in other sessions.

1. Introduction
2. Open Handout for Class
3. What are Layers
4. What Not To Do With Layers
5. Correctly Using Layers
6. Layer Display Options
7. Layer Definition Dialog
8. Modify All Layer Sets
9. Layer Dialog Details
10. Everything is Controlled by Layers
11. Line Weight
12. Sorting and Controlling Lines
13. Using and Adding Custom Line Styles
14. Where Line Style Starts
15. Finding Errors in a Plan
16. Invisible Walls - As-Built Walls
17. Setting the Current CAD Layer
18. Adding Text to Default Layer
19. Adding Groups of Items to a Layer
20. Adding Walls to Layers
21. Existing Versus New Electrical
22. Create a Plan with Future Rooms
23. Setting Up Layers and Sets
24. 1 Plan, 5 Different Views
25. Reference Display Layer set
26. Saved Cameras Layer
27. Dotted Ceiling Lines
28. Creating a Layer Set
29. Adding a Layer Set to a Layout
30. Exporting and Importing Layers
31. Paste and Hold Position Rules
32. Setting Default Layers for Text, Etc.

15. Layout Pages and Working Drawings
1 hours 51 minutes  Fixed Left Index  Hidden Index
PDF Handouts: 2 Per Page - 3 Per Page 

1. Introduction
2. What is a Layout Page
3. Things to Know About a Layout
4. Linking Views to the Files
5. Zip & Send Plans & Layout
6. Copy Views on the Layout
7. Layers on Views on the Layout
8. Add & Remove Pages
9. Layout Page Layers
10. Master Border Page
11. Setting Page Size on Layout
12. Insert Page Number Macro
13. Plan Disclaimers
14. Adding Library Details
15. What Goes on a Layout
16. Lines on the Layout
17. Floorplans on the Layout
18. Setting Scale for Views
19. Set Dimension Size Scale
20. Moving Views in a Layout
21. Link Views from Other Plans
22. CAD Details on the Layout
23. Camera Views
24. Editing 3D Camera Lines
25. Elevation & Cross Section Views
26. Auto Detailing a Section
27. Pictures and Render Views
28. Creating 2 Sizes of Prints
29. Print to PDF