Changing the Default Directory for Opening Plan and Layout Files

Reference Number: KB-00054
Last Modified: July 18, 2025

This article also applies to the following legacy products:
Pro

QUESTION

I would like Chief Architect to default to a specific folder on my local machine's hard drive when opening unmanaged files. How can I do this?


ANSWER

In Chief Architect, you can specify the location on your computer that the program opens when unmanaged plan and layout files are opened or saved using Save As. This is also used when importing unmanaged plan and layout files into a new project using Project Management. 

Note: To learn more about Project Management, which is available in X17 and newer versions, please see the Related Articles section below or refer to your program's documentation. 

Working on files over a network server, external hard drive, or USB flash drive device is not supported as this can lead to file corruption and data loss. You should always copy the file from a network server, external hard drive, or USB flash drive location to your computer's hard drive before opening it in the software. Then, make your changes, save the file, exit the program, and then copy the file back to its network server, external hard drive, or USB flash drive location. See the Related Articles section below to learn more. 


To change the default directory

  1. Select Edit> Preferences  if you're on a Windows PC or Chief Architect/Home Designer> Preferences if you're on a Mac. 


  2. Click on the New Plans panel, and under the Open and Save As section, two options are listed:

    New Plans panel of the Preferences dialog

    • Use Last Folder instructs the program to open the last directory or folder when Open Plan , Open Layout , and Save As  are used when using Traditional File Management, or when Open Plan/Layout  (unmanaged files) and New Project From Legacy Folder/Import Legacy Folder  are used when using Project Management. 
    • Use This Folder instructs the program to open a specific folder, as specified by the user. When Use This Folder is selected, the path name field and Browse button become active to allow the user to either type or Browse to the location they wish to set.


  3. Click the Browse button to open the Select a Plans Folder dialog. 
  4. Browse to the location on your computer where you would like Chief Architect to refer every time you select Open Plan , Open Layout  and Save As  when using Traditional File Management, or Open Plan/Layout  (unmanaged files) and New Project From Legacy Folder/Import Legacy Folder  when using Project Management. 
  5. Click OK to close the dialog and apply your change.


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