Chief Architect is incredible 3D architectural home design software. We say this not only because of its professional toolset and automated building tools. Chief Architect is truly incredible in its ability to deliver industry-standard features in a program that anyone can use. It is the home design software of choice for many people interested in 2D and 3D design, across several industries. The recent release of Chief Architect X7 introduces even more accessible tools for professionals, educators, students and hobbyists. New tools, such as the Object Paint with Eyedropper and the 3D Preview of Lights, will become the essentials you never knew you needed.

Chief Architect X7 is available now and runs on both Mac & PC. Like most of us, you probably have access to both platforms. No worries. You can run Chief Architect on either platform natively with a single license, so you don’t need two separate copies.

What’s New in Chief Architect X7?

If you’re familiar with Chief Architect, you already know all about the extremely intuitive interface. Believe it or not, some of the new features in X7 actually make it easier for you to create comprehensive designs. For a complete list of all things new in Chief Architect X7, we invite you to look over this detailed list. In the meantime, discover some of the highlighted features that make everyone feel like a master of home design.

User Interface Enhancements

3D Preview for Primitives – Don’t wonder what assets look like in your home design. This 3D preview allows you to view and rotate, while adjusting the attributes of primitive shape objects.

Dockable Layer Display Options – Can’t find that layer you were looking for? Configure the Active Layer Display Options, while designing to quickly and easily control your layers.

Re-Designed Delete Objects Dialog – Has your design become a bit too busy? The reorganized dialog now includes schedules, making it easy to delete families of objects.

New Editing Tools

Object Painter™ / Eyedropper – Matching elements doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Use eyedropper functionality to match properties from one object and apply them to another object.

Apply Plan Materials using Material Painter – Not sure if you prefer wood or brick? Choose from a list of materials from the Library Browser or Plan Materials to quickly select new materials or reuse those that are used in your design.

Set Default Electrical Items – Use the ‘Set as Default’ feature to define wall, ceiling, and exterior, for lighting, switches, outlets and other electrical items as the default style in your designs.

Content Library Improvements

3D Preview of Lights in Library Browser – Know what an object looks like before you add it to your design. Library objects defined as “Lights” display 3D preview in Library Browser, instead of 2D.

Create 3D Objects that Cut Terrain Holes – Library Objects can be defined to cut holes in terrain, like window wells and swimming pools.

Import New 3D Objects from Library Browser – Want to re-use an object you created? Use the right-click contextual menu in the Library Browser to import new 3D Objects directly into the Library folder.

Chief Architect X7: Smart Building Tools at Academic Prices 

What’s better than a program that teaches you everything you need to know about home building and design? Learning that it is available at amazing academic discounts. Students and academic institutions can take advantage of educational pricing, putting this comprehensive design solution in the hands of future designers, architects and engineers. Give your curriculum the boost it needs to focus on teaching the concepts of design and construction, rather than concentrating on complex software programs. Chief Architect X7 is easy-to-use and ready to implement into any project or curriculum, so you can focus on what really matters.