[HELP] From LXF to Stepped Instructions

[DrJB]

Over the past few years I've built several models from just an LDD/LXF file. You'd think such task is easy and then you feel you've mastered the intricacies. This is actually possible only if the build process is done as a succession of layers. But, for complicated designs that involve fully 3-dimensional steps (such as an astromech), the build process is NOT that trivial.

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=88811

The question is, How do you go from an LXF file to actual building instructions? Yes, there is a semi-working option in LDD but it is replete with inconsistent building steps and very unreliable.

[Zerobricks]

I think the best way to do it is by using groups... Or split model in such portions LDD can process in a normal form.

[robert]

When a model is complex, building from just an lxf file is not easy. I build several complex models from lxf files. My method is to cut the model into several modules and thus reducing complexity. You'll find an example here. It's D3K's swingloader.

As you can see I copied the model several times in LDD and then I delete all the parts that do not belong to the specific section I want to build.

Good luck!

[DrJB]

Thank you Guys ... I did the trick of breaking up the model into various groups ... but that only works up to a given point. The real issue is that the build style is rather 'complex' and rather dense and truly 3-dimensional. I know there is no simple answer and this is going to take some time. I guess no software out there has enough smarts to do step-by-step instructions ... and I reckon this not 'trivial'.

[afol1969]

Short answer: I know, why I prefer LDRAW files to step a model....and create instructions

I made the extended 42009 boom from an LFX file - it was a challenge to find the right steps and creating submodels.

Greetings

Alex

[DrJB]

Are you saying LDRAW makes stepped instructions?

[Classicsmiley]

MLcad (and other Ldraw editors, I think), allow you to insert STEP commands into Ldraw files, thereby controlling what parts get added to each step. MLcad has a viewer that allows you to view a model one step at a time, but to really get professional-looking instructions you usually have to use LPub. MLcad and LPub both have a fairly steep learning curve, but in my opinion the results are worth it, especially if you are planning on sharing your instructions with anyone else.

[Gnac]

I second the suggestions to go with LDraw. To save time rebuilding everything in MLCad, LDD has the facility to export .LDR files in its save dialogue. This conversion is done with a "ldraw.xml" file which lurks in LDD's install directory, and I recommend getting an updated version from this thread.

MLcad (for editing) and LPub (for creating instructions) seems to be the De Facto combination, but LIC is a competent and lightweight alternative to LPub.

[DrJB]

I second the suggestions to go with LDraw. To save time rebuilding everything in MLCad, LDD has the facility to export .LDR files in its save dialogue. This conversion is done with a "ldraw.xml" file which lurks in LDD's install directory, and I recommend getting an updated version from this thread.

MLcad (for editing) and LPub (for creating instructions) seems to be the De Facto combination, but LIC is a competent and lightweight alternative to LPub.

Thank you ... looks like I have some exploring/learning to do over the holidays.