DavidJPotter

Each camera type and plan views each have a DIFFERENT "Display Options" dialog where layers can be viewed or not at your choice by what is checked to be on or viewable or not. If you wish to see just framing, all other layers must be turned OFF and just the framing layers ON in order to just see framing, give that a try please. DJP

https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/search/?default_tab=all&q=PBR+settings some of these articles on PBR may be helpful to you. DJP

Yes, select a wall type or a single wall, open its Wall Specification dialog, then "Wall Types" then select "Define" where you can change the material of each or all of that wall type's material assignments. To change a single wall's material, inside or out you go to the "Materials" tab of that wall where you can assign any material to that side of a wall at your choice. DJP

In the Wall specification dialog there is an input box for "angle". By default the software is designed to move objects in 7 degree increments but that can be overridden by using the control key (CTRL) or by turning off "Angle Snaps" or additionally by using the "Allowed Angles" input box in the "General Plan Defaults" dialog, it just depends upon what you wish to do. DJP

It is a choice. I commonly create the upper deck and then build downward. DJP

The native "scale" while in plan views is 1' = 1'; you only need to scale when printing to PDF or paper so as to fit your structure on to the target paper size so it fits the paper or PDF. In File-Print-Drawing Sheet Set Up, you assign the intended paper size for printing or PDF, please take a look there and read the Reference Manual section on printing. DJP

This is what the icon looks like: DJP

3D functionality is resident in all trial versions on computers that support its functionality. Does your Mac meet "Minimum Requirements" as stated on the Home Designer Website? All trial versions do not save or print, their purpose is to let you see how they are programmed to work. Home Designer Suite is cheap at $129.95 as it lets you quickly create relationally correct 3D Architectural models for planning and visualizations. I use Chief Architect Premier X13 which costs $2,965.50 and it is cheap compared to the exchange for its competitors for professionals. DJP

You can display patterns in plan views per room. Each Room has a "Room Specification Dialog" and that Dialog has a "Fill Tab" you can use to display a pattern in plan view. The only other way is to use a "Dollhouse" Camera and only it will then display all of the rooms floor materials per room. DJP

You always adjust the terrain plane to the intended structures to obtain the overall correct spatial relationship. Terrain as a feature was added to this software around the turn of the century and as such is treated as an add on, added to the basic 3D structural that is its main original feature. DJP

Read some of these help articles from the Home Designer website please: https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/search/?default_tab=video&q=terrain+webinare&page=1 DJP

Change the file format to ".jpg" and then try again. DJP

Did you try zipping the plan file before uploading it? Zipping a file compresses it into a smaller size for sharing or emailing? DJP

Manually connect their ridges and using the "Break Line tool" where necessary. DJP

Please read this Article on creating a custom wall type in Home Designer Architectural: https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/support/article/KB-00382/modifying-a-wall-type.html It will show you how to create a concrete wall with interior layers of wood studs and drywall that you are seeking. DJP

If you want/need separate decks they each must have their own walls, they cannot share railing walls. DJP

That has worked on my PC for decades, I have never in that time not having it work, so I do not know what to tell you to "fix" it. What sort of computer do you have? You might consider asking Chief Architect Tech Support for help as well. DJP

You can download images of other brands of house or Moisture barrier products and then import them as "Custom Materials" for use however you wish. DJP

You can add and resize wedges (Library Browser - Shapes) and place them next to walls to create a slanted appearance. DJP

How you set up to create a gambrel roof design is laid out in detail in the "Build Roof" dialog - "Roof Styles" tab, take a look. DJP

Within the same version all plan files are compatible one to the other with Suite, Architectural and Pro. They are also compatible with Chief Architect Premier and Premier Interiors.If a plan file has been opened and saved in Chief or Chief Interiors that user must set the plan file, in General Plan Defaults to "Allow editing in Selected Home Designer Programs" by that Chief User before returning a plan file to a Home Designer User to view and edit. DJP

Ideally you first turn off all layers that you wish to stay put, then you import the .dwg/.dxf 2D drawing. When it comes in, it should have a "Rotate Handle" and "Move Handle" for repositioning. I often turn on the "Reference Display" so can see to a degree the layers I have turned off. DJP

Watch some of these help videos on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=barrel+ceilings+in+Chief+Architect DJP

Take a look at some of these help videos on ceiling beams and exposed trusses please: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ceiling+trusses+or+beams+in+Chief+Architect DJP

They have always made their trial versions so they will not print, export or save, sorry. Exporting to a 3D symbol format does not insure anything other than a faithful copy of existing 3D faces and materials assigned to them. When you open such a symbol in Twin Motion or Lumion etc it is there that you adjust lighting and other matters, not from just the export. DJP