Can you LDD experts give advice and maybe check something?

[uitzetter]

Hello all you LDD experts,

I'm new to LDD and LDD Manager, but I have been playing with it a little to get a feel for those programs.

Don't laugh, I thought it was best to build the smallest police set I could find for some practice.

So here is my "test" lxf:

- 7235 Police Motorcycle

And here are the building instructions from Lego: Instructions 7235

I would like to ask you if any of you are willing to check this first model. I would like to ask a few questions about LDD and LDD Manager:

1. I have included the spare parts and a minifig in the color red. The spare parts to remind myself that they are spare parts and the Minifig, because I could only get the basic "minifig upper part" and "minifig lower par" parts and not the actual printed parts needed for the set.

2. I used Bricklink (Inventory Page) to see the sets inventory and then the LDD manager to check for part numbers and LDD Names and color references. Wow, without LDD Manager, it's nearly impossible! This is just a very, very small set with no special coloring what so ever, but I really did had to check constantly to make sure that the color I choose in LDD was corresponding color in BL. Great, great job! Thank you so much (Superkalle right?). So is this the way you guys use it also?

3. I would like to have been able to just import the parts list from BL inventory into LDD manager. Then I could have used the Generate LXF option. Is it correct that I read somewhere that that functionality is going to be implemented soon? That would be so very cool and would save so much time inserting the parts manually! Really awesome! You would only have to check the parts, insert the color (is it possible via a drop down list?) and manually add the parts that couldn't be imported correctly.

4. I really, really love LDD to. I love how to add bricks and like the search functionallity. As I understand, that is something new in LDD 4? I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been searching for parts before. Granted, you have LDD manager, so you could look up the category and the name, but I like that one can search by part number and name. I like how easy it is to rotate parts 3D and just lock them. And the "connected parts" function seems something one cannot do without. I'm really looking forward building things with LDD!

5. In the beginning, I just inserted all the parts from the inventory list. Then I recolored according to LDD manager. And finally I build the MC according to the building instructions. Is this the way you do it?

6. How do you all handle stickers? The decoration tool?

7. How do you all handle the minifigs? I cannot seem to be able to insert the proper body print and head print? The decoration tool?

8. What about the Building Guide? If you check my model, you will see that it's arranged very weirdly. Is it possible to build in such a manner which will influence the way the building guide is made? Maybe using groups or something?

9. If I have alterd this set to the standards of you guys, should I add it to the official lego set thread?

I really am looking forward for your replies!

Edited November 1, 2010 by uitzetter

[Brickdoctor]

I'm not quite sure what you want, but I'll take a shot at a couple of those questions. Personally, I don't even use LDD Manager (sorry Superkalle ), so I can't help you there.

6. You click the icon for recoloring the brick, and below it there's a row of smaller icons and you hit one that (I believe) looks like a sticker partially peeled off a 2x2. You then click on the brick you want to decorate. Be aware that only certain decprations for certain bricks are available and it does matter what side of the brick you click on. Examples: You can't decorate a 2x2 dome. And there are only two decorations for the back of a minifig head and a bunch for the front, with no simple way of telling which side is which.

7. See above.

8. There is to my knowledge no way to control the way LDD generates instructions. I like to use Bricksmith (only for Mac, not sure about Windows equivalents) which allows you to control which bricks appear in what step. I suppose you could export the LDD model as an LDraw file and open it in another program, but then you'd have rearrange all the bricks into their respective steps.

Short answer: If you want total control, more freedom, and more bricks, use an LDraw type application. They are harder to use though.

[uitzetter]

@Brickdoctor

Thanks for replying! I found the decorations tool before, but didn't have the option to add police stickers. Now I know it is brick related. And for the head. Now I understand. It didn't make any sense to me, but it was the back I was trying to decorate. I rotated it and now I have more options. Lol. Thanks for that pointer!

It's too bad that you cannot control the way LDD generates instructions. Maybe anybody can give the definitive to that?

I don't have a mac, so Bricksmith won't work. But I am quite happy with LDD, from what I saw. And there is a great community for it here, so I think I will stick with it. But thanks for your advice!

@Everyone else

As for the other questions, anybody willing to help a noob out?

[Brickdoctor]

@Brickdoctor

Thanks for replying! I found the decorations tool before, but didn't have the option to add police stickers. Now I know it is brick related. And for the head. Now I understand. It didn't make any sense to me, but it was the back I was trying to decorate. I rotated it and now I have more options. Lol. Thanks for that pointer!

It's too bad that you cannot control the way LDD generates instructions. Maybe anybody can give the definitive to that?

I don't have a mac, so Bricksmith won't work. But I am quite happy with LDD, from what I saw. And there is a great community for it here, so I think I will stick with it. But thanks for your advice!

@Everyone else

As for the other questions, anybody willing to help a noob out?

There are other alternatives to Bricksmith, including LDraw (most popular), LEOCAD, MLCAD, and Sergio's SR3D, although I'm not familiar with any of them.

Edited November 1, 2010 by Brickdoctor

[uitzetter]

There are other alternatives to Bricksmith, including LDraw (most popular), LEOCAD, MLCAD, and Sergio's SR3D, although I'm not familiar with any of them.

I've taken a quick look to Ldraw and MLCAD, but to be totally honest, it looks way to difficult for me and it would be overkill I think for the things I want/need. And I really like the building with LDD. Not as much fun as the actual bricks, but very close. Thanks for your suggestions though . The last one I haven't looked at, since I was then taken by LDD and LDD manager. The weird way the building guide is being made isn't very appealing and a bit 'off' with the rest of LDD I think, but other than that, it is a lot of fun!

So, thanks again Brickdoctor. I really appreciate your help

Oh and, does anybody have any answers to my first 5 questions? I'm really hoping for some answers on those too...:

Hello all you LDD experts,

I'm new to LDD and LDD Manager, but I have been playing with it a little to get a feel for those programs.

Don't laugh, I thought it was best to build the smallest police set I could find for some practice.

So here is my "test" lxf:

- 7235 Police Motorcycle

And here are the building instructions from Lego: Instructions 7235

I would like to ask you if any of you are willing to check this first model. I would like to ask a few questions about LDD and LDD Manager:

1. I have included the spare parts and a minifig in the color red. The spare parts to remind myself that they are spare parts and the Minifig, because I could only get the basic "minifig upper part" and "minifig lower par" parts and not the actual printed parts needed for the set.

2. I used Bricklink (Inventory Page) to see the sets inventory and then the LDD manager to check for part numbers and LDD Names and color references. Wow, without LDD Manager, it's nearly impossible! This is just a very, very small set with no special coloring what so ever, but I really did had to check constantly to make sure that the color I choose in LDD was corresponding color in BL. Great, great job! Thank you so much (Superkalle right?). So is this the way you guys use it also?

3. I would like to have been able to just import the parts list from BL inventory into LDD manager. Then I could have used the Generate LXF option. Is it correct that I read somewhere that that functionality is going to be implemented soon? That would be so very cool and would save so much time inserting the parts manually! Really awesome! You would only have to check the parts, insert the color (is it possible via a drop down list?) and manually add the parts that couldn't be imported correctly.

4. I really, really love LDD to. I love how to add bricks and like the search functionallity. As I understand, that is something new in LDD 4? I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been searching for parts before. Granted, you have LDD manager, so you could look up the category and the name, but I like that one can search by part number and name. I like how easy it is to rotate parts 3D and just lock them. And the "connected parts" function seems something one cannot do without. I'm really looking forward building things with LDD!

5. In the beginning, I just inserted all the parts from the inventory list. Then I recolored according to LDD manager. And finally I build the MC according to the building instructions. Is this the way you do it?

[Brickdoctor]

Okay, I think I get it now.

1. A lot of times, the printing required won't exist. Use the recoloring tool to get as close as you can, and use a similar torso print if you want. (e.g., using a snowtrooper print for a clone trooper torso)

3. I don't think that's possible, only Superkalle knows. But it would require having LDD Manager being able to translate an HTML page into a list of LDD parts.

4. I do believe the search function is new.

5. It's a matter of personal preference. I just place the bricks right into their final positions on the model, as I would with a physical set. It doesn't really matter since there's no difference in the final product. Use what's easiest for you.

[uitzetter]

Okay, I think I get it now.

1. A lot of times, the printing required won't exist. Use the recoloring tool to get as close as you can, and use a similar torso print if you want. (e.g., using a snowtrooper print for a clone trooper torso)

3. I don't think that's possible, only Superkalle knows. But it would require having LDD Manager being able to translate an HTML page into a list of LDD parts.

4. I do believe the search function is new.

5. It's a matter of personal preference. I just place the bricks right into their final positions on the model, as I would with a physical set. It doesn't really matter since there's no difference in the final product. Use what's easiest for you.

Hey Brickdoctor,

Thank you so much for helping, again.. Lol. Sorry, I'm such a noob

1. As for my first question. I can understand why you didn't understand me now, lol. I didn't put it very clearly. What I meant was, since I cannot replicate the minifigs exactly due to the printing required and since the set contains spare parts, which are no part of the actual 'construction', how do you guys insert it in a ldd model? I just colored them red so I would know that there is something with these pieces let's say, one year from now. So in one year i know, ok, those are the spare parts included in the original set and the minifig is red because the printing isn't exactly how it is supposed to be. Do you understand? I do not know how to explain it otherwise. Anyway, how do you guys do this? Incorperate spare parts and incorrect or incomplete minifigs?

3. I will have to ask Superkalle then. I thought I read it somewhere, but cannot seem to find it again...

4. Agreed, in Superkalle's interview (see his thread) it was confirmed. Both on the new search functionallity and the building guide.

5. Agreed. If you cannot manipulate the building manual by building in a specific manner or order, then it's all just personal preferences. In small sets one could easilly just find all the parts first, but in modular building, pfffew. Not such a great idea! Lol.

Anyway, thank you for helping me again

[Brickdoctor]

No problem.

1. Minifigs are also a matter or personal preference. Some like to put them the way they're displayed on the box art, or 'in action', some like to line them up next to the model. Spares are generally omitted, since they're not really part of the model.

[Superkalle]

Hi there

Welcome to the LDD forum. Sorry I could not answer before. I've been busy with a certain interview

I see Brickdoctor has helped you with most questions. I'll try with the one remaining.

3. A feature to import BL part lists is under way in LDD Manager. Should be ready wihtin a week.

Well, that was quick

Don't hesitate to ask more questions, but perhaps not so many at a time. It's easier to handle fewer at a time.

[uitzetter]

Hi there

Welcome to the LDD forum. Sorry I could not answer before. I've been busy with a certain interview

I see Brickdoctor has helped you with most questions. I'll try with the one remaining.

3. A feature to import BL part lists is under way in LDD Manager. Should be ready wihtin a week.

Well, that was quick

Don't hesitate to ask more questions, but perhaps not so many at a time. It's easier to handle fewer at a time.

Hi Superkalle,

So nice to hear from you!

Yep, I know about the interview, very nice work! And this feature you're working on, that would be so great! I can't wait to test it and put it to work . It should save a great deal of time.

And your'e right. Brickdoctor has been a teriffic help! And thanks for letting me know that spare parts are omitted in general. I will leave them out then... .

One question for you Superkalle, if you don't mind, since you are the programmer and creator of LDD Manager. I did describe the way I worked on my first "test-set" in point 2. Is this the way you normally would use LDD Manager together with LDD?

[Superkalle]

One question for you Superkalle, if you don't mind, since you are the programmer and creator of LDD Manager. I did describe the way I worked on my first "test-set" in point 2. Is this the way you normally would use LDD Manager together with LDD?

Well, I would normally do like this:

1) Start building the set and color the bricks as you go along. You pretty soon learn which colors in LDD correspond to which color in BrickLink.

2) Once you are done (or half-way), import into LDD Manager to see if you made a mistake by coloring a brick that doesn't exist in that color. It's not a fool proof test, but it's somthing.

However, LDD Managers color checker is mostly usable if you are making a MOC. You build it in LDD, but a) you're not sure if a brick exists in a certain color, or b) before you get ready to order the bricks from BL, you wan't to check if they exist in that color. Note that you can also click the [+] to expand each line in LDD Manager

But personally, I use LDD Manager to upload wanted lists in BrickLink once I've made a MOC.

[uitzetter]

Well, I would normally do like this:

1) Start building the set and color the bricks as you go along. You pretty soon learn which colors in LDD correspond to which color in BrickLink.

2) Once you are done (or half-way), import into LDD Manager to see if you made a mistake by coloring a brick that doesn't exist in that color. It's not a fool proof test, but it's somthing.

However, LDD Managers color checker is mostly usable if you are making a MOC. You build it in LDD, but a) you're not sure if a brick exists in a certain color, or b) before you get ready to order the bricks from BL, you wan't to check if they exist in that color. Note that you can also click the [+] to expand each line in LDD Manager

But personally, I use LDD Manager to upload wanted lists in BrickLink once I've made a MOC.

Hey, thanks! That is exactly what I was looking for...