Tips on Making "Rework" Style Instructions in Bricklink Studio for set MODs?

[radmiralthrawn]

I've worked on a couple of No Extra Parts MODs to sets as my first crack at breaking into the MOD/MOC side of the hobby. I really enjoy it so far and making the instructions, while tedious, is also fun. However, I've gotten a lot of requests to make "rework" style instructions as these are MODs to existing sets and many users have already built them to the original Lego instructions. Instead of disassembling every part and rebuilding from scratch, it's theoretically easier for those builders to keep some sections intact if they are partially or completely unchanged from the original build. 

 

But I've struggled to find a way in Studio to accurately do this outside of "build to Lego Step X" and then swap to MOD instructions, back to Lego for Steps Y-Z, back to MOD, etc. This works fine in some cases, but feels like a hack job in others with a lot of PDF editing and clarifications needed (e.g. disassemble section A, but modules B and C intact, then build Lego steps G - J, etc.).

Does anyone have any tips for a newbie to make this style of instructions in an easy, clear way?

Thanks for the help and advice!

Edited yesterday at 07:55 AM by radmiralthrawn

[1963maniac]

What are "rework style" instructions anyway?

 

[radmiralthrawn]

I'm not sure the official term, but I've gotten requests for "rework" instructions meaning the instructions would start with a completed official build, show what sections and parts to disassemble fully or partially, then rebuild. 

I'd assume a majority of those looking for MOD instructions to tweak an existing Lego set would've already built it the official way, so it makes sense that they'd want to minimize unnecessary disassembly. I've just been struggling with how to show the disassembly portion of the steps in Studio.

[1963maniac]

To respond to your original inquiry: There is an "Official Model Repository or OMR is a library of official LEGO® sets that have been created in LDRaw format." https://library.ldraw.org/omr  

At least if an OMR has been made of the set you are working from, it will save you a lot of work. They are pretty handy. I have used them several times. As far as jumping back and forth in Stud.io, I'm unfamiliar.

But, MLcad is old school and I find it easy. I just cut/paste or drag/drop! You just have to learn to use "multi part  document" building.

Edited 5 hours ago by 1963maniac