DavidJPotter

You can create or just download .skp (Sketch Up) files and import them into Home Designer software as 3D symbols. Been that way for years. DJP

Do a "Search" at 3D Warehouse and I'll bet you an find one there. Personally, I use the Gas and Electric Meter symbols and often just add some Text with an arrow, saying "Gas Line Here" etc. DJP

DJP

What you dimension strings are dimensioning to is the usual mismatch. Make sure all string's dimension points are measuring from the correct dimension points is my advice and make sure, using a back-clipped elevation camera to check, visually how the walls aligning, floor to floor. The software is only capable of doing what you ordered it to do via its Default Settings, if they are wrong or wrongly applied by you, the results will be less that desired. Make sure. DJP

see if this helps, please. DJP

What you used is programmed to follow the terrain surface. An easy way to make that appear to be level is to create a "custom slab" to match the curve in plan view and set its depth and height to get exactly the visual effect you wish. DJP

3D faces are each virtual surface that you see in a camera view. Those faces are described in computer language so the more 3D faces per plan file, the more computer power is required to parse it in a camera or plan view. What you see is "0's and "1"s set to describe visibly a virtual 3D construct. Like I said it is simple "geometry and physics". The more you create the more time it takes to show it in "real" time. DJP

Jo_Ann, if you have a better way, then please share it with us. DJP

X7 is a designation for Chief Architect Premier version 17 which is the big brother of Home Designer Pro, it came out in 2015. DJP

The last time I did a commercial multi-floor building, that is EXACTLY what I had to do. I was about a million square feet done in X7 (circa 2015) I believe. DJP

What Rookie65 said... DJP

The more 3D faces you pack into a .plan file the more time it takes for a computer to parse them. The is Physics and nothing more, sorry. This is true for Pro or Premier. DJP

I like the poster would like to know how you achieved the roundtop look you posted in your image ,and did so using only Architectural, please. Thank you. DJP

I stand corrected, Jo_Ann, thanks! DJP

If you open the stair dialog you can uncheck "Automatic Heights" and then set the top or bottom of the stair object manually. DJP

If you have Home Designer Pro you can manually change roof materials, if you do not, you cannot. DJP

The software is programmed to create stairs only from where they start. If you want to travel from the basement to the first floor, you draw the stairs on the basement level (Level "0"). If you want the stairs to travel from the first floor to the second, you create the stair object on the first floor, it then reaches the second floor. DJP

In Architectural the answer is NO, you would have to upgrade to Home Designer Pro in order to do as you wish. DJP

I do not have Home Designer Pro 2021 but if you will look at dimension defaults dialog-extensions, if there is a programmed way you will find it there. Otherwise you just use text to create a "CL" text symbol and place that text manually over the dimension extension that you wish to annotate as a "center Line". Either way will work. DJP

Send the view to a layout page where you can control how much of the elevation you wish to show. DJP

CBlasi, I commonly help Home Designer software users. Call me or email me and lets get started, please. DJP

Once you are through creating invisible walls, open "Display Options" while in your plan view and uncheck (Turn off) the "Walls, Invisible" layer. Then they will still be there but no longer visible in plan views until or unless you manually turn that layer back on. DJP

Open "Default settings - Framing - Wall" and carefully study the offered settings. I believe you will find your answer there. Take a long look, please. DJP

Made for Chief Architect but applicable to Home Designer Pro, any version. DJP

Commonly I would create a "dry bar" simply using cabinets, uppers with glass doors and base cabinets for the working space. If you were to post an image or photo of what you are seeking, it would then be easier for others to assist you. I am merely guessing at this point. DJP