5 replies to this topic

[MarkusOSX]

Hi all,

i think all of you LDD users know, that the generated builing instructions  from LDD are awful.

Does anyone know a software to make better step by step building instruction than those from LDD ?

For me, a Macintosh software would be fine, but Windows will be also ok.

I found two sites for that, but nothing for LDD-files, only for LDraw.

HelperPart
LPub

Greetz

Markus

Edited by MarkusOSX, 30 October 2012 - 08:56 AM.

[hrontos]

The only solution I have found until now was to use groups as building guide steps and then using a simple XLST transformation transform those groups into building guide steps.

Such building guide is saved directly into model file and LDD will use it when you switch to building guide mode. But this building guide will be preserved by the LDD only until the model is not changed. When you make any minor change in the model, automatic building guide generator in LDD will be activated and your custom steps will be overwritten, so the XLST has to be run again.

[Kristel]

I have found LPub to be very good, but I use Bricksmith to build the models (not LDD).

Not quite the answer to your question, but worth checking out Bricksmith if you're open to changing the design program you use.  It's as easy to use as LDD, you just need to watch your part / colour combinations if you intend to build a model in real life.

Edited by Kristel, 30 October 2012 - 10:38 AM.

[Calabar]

What hrontos told is at the present moment the best solution.

Anyway there are other more "manual" metohsd you could use.
Take a look at the Section Index topic and look for "Instructions": you will find some topic where the subject is debated.

[MarkusOSX]

First of all thx to all answers.

Kristel, on 30 October 2012 - 10:37 AM, said:

I have found LPub to be very good, but I use Bricksmith to build the models (not LDD).

I´ve tried Bricksmith longer time ago, but found LDD better at this time.

Is it "easy" to setup an instruction with LPub / did you make ever one ?

Greetz

Markus

[Kristel]

MarkusOSX, on 30 October 2012 - 11:52 AM, said:

Is it "easy" to setup an instruction with LPub / did you make ever one ?

Hi Markus,

I find it quite easy now.  There was a bit of a learning curve to start with, particularly for understanding how settings affected the output.  I use it quite regularly now so that I can keep a record of my MOCs, as these tend to get dismantled soon after they are made due to a lack of space for displaying them.

The files are quite large and I am not sure how to share them online.  However, I can send you a couples of pages from one I've done via email if you want to PM me.

Cheers,
Kristel

Edit: The PDF created by LPUB is quite large, but the Brickmsith and LPub files themselves are typically less than 100kb.

Edited by Kristel, 30 October 2012 - 08:01 PM.