Emailing LDD files

[LEGO Shop Girl]

I've been asked to formally submit my ideas for a series of sets, I could simply do this in writing but I feel I'd have a much better reaction if I could also send completed LDD builds to show roughly what I'm interested in doing.

Is there a way to save LDD files so that they can be emailed as attachments?

[Zerobricks]

Just email them like any other files...

[P4trickvH]

I have no problems attaching *.lxf files with outlook to an e-mail. If the size is a problem you can try to use the windows build in zip tool or winrar to compress the file.

But i think you could also just send screen captures (print screen) of your models. Also saver for you so they can't steel your idea's. You can use the same tools noted above to compress the images and decrease the size of the attachment.

When you are in LDD and have your model opened you can use CTRL+K to make a nice screen capture with white background.

[Superkalle]

I have no problems attaching *.lxf files with outlook to an e-mail. If the size is a problem you can try to use the windows build in zip tool or winrar to compress the file.

The LXF-file is itself a zip-file, so zipping it will not decrease size. Only reason to zip would be to add the .zip ending for those mailprograms that does not support or filter out non standard files.

[LEGO Shop Girl]

My main issue is with the receiver being able to view the full 3D image and get the whole impression of what I'm trying for. This project has been consuming my (admittedly small amount of) mental stability; I can't afford to lose any sleep over worries of possible misinterpretations.

As for them "stealing" my idea; 1. when I was hired as a sales associate I had to sign a waiver essentially stating LEGO owns my creative ideas, and 2. at this point so long as I get to build the display sets for my store when they come out I don't care about who owned them, I get to look at them and know I had the idea and I helped at least in part to make it a reality.

[Calabar]

My main issue is with the receiver being able to view the full 3D image and get the whole impression of what I'm trying for.

If you want the receiver will be able to see a 3D model he can manipulate, you have to:

- create the model using LDD software, then save it in an lxf file.

- send to the recipient the lxf file (usually a small file)

- the software Lego Digital Designer have to be installed on the computer where the receiver want to see the model. Obviously the computer have to be enough powerful to manage the model.

If you want simply to show how the model appears once assembled, you have to:

- create the model using LDD software.

- take one or more screenshot of the model (ToolBox -> Take a Screenshot or CTRL+k)

- send the screenshot(s) to the recipient. Note that usually these are bigger files than lxf ones.

- The recipient will see the model as he usually see images on his/her computer.

[Superkalle]

My main issue is with the receiver being able to view the full 3D image and get the whole impression of what I'm trying for. This project has been consuming my (admittedly small amount of) mental stability; I can't afford to lose any sleep over worries of possible misinterpretations.

As for them "stealing" my idea; 1. when I was hired as a sales associate I had to sign a waiver essentially stating LEGO owns my creative ideas, and 2. at this point so long as I get to build the display sets for my store when they come out I don't care about who owned them, I get to look at them and know I had the idea and I helped at least in part to make it a reality.

I think Calabars second proposal is the way to go:

If you want to make sure that the receiver gets the right impression and doesn't have to install LDD, learning the controls etc, I'd take screenshots (Ctrl-K) from various angles, and import those into PowerPoint. One slide per image. Add some titles and call-outs and you've got yourself a nice presentation format that most computers can read. You can even go on to create a PDF out of the Powerpoint to make it truly universal.

PS: Don't forget to turn on outlines and advanced shading to get that pro look

[LEGO Shop Girl]

I'm sending the file to LEGO Brand Retail's Southeastern Regional Manager, from previous conversations with her I know she already has LDD on her computers, so that's not a concern, so long as I keep my files to LDD and not some other non-official program.