Make instructions from an LXF file?

[SNIPE]

Hi,

how can I make good instructions for an LXF model , is there some generator out there that can do it.

The instructions in LDD are not very good.

[Calabar]

I suggest you to read the related topics that are linked in the section index.

[Alasdair Ryan]

One of the simplest ways of making good quality instructions with LDD is to simply take a photograph at every step, then insert all of those pictures into a Microsoft Powerpoint document (or similar software).

You are then able to add arrows,step numbers and backgrounds to your instruction file.

[SNIPE]

sorry I should have explained this, the instructions/steps in LDD can be really hard to see as sometimes it puts two bricks together and puts it in the model, since the model is complicated you cant really see it.

I wish LDD would build one thing at a time instead of half building say a gearbox then go the rest later.

Even if you build it in a certain order it still does this

Half the time this means that parts/sections of a model are not really attached just floating there

Edited April 19, 2013 by SNIPE

[Alasdair Ryan]

Your problem is quite common especially for technic builders,I would recommend trying out my suggestion found in my first reply.

[SNIPE]

Your problem is quite common especially for technic builders,I would recommend trying out my suggestion found in my first reply.

i'll give it a shot, wish me luck

[hrontos]

I used groups and subgroups as a way to enter "steps" into LXF file. After that I converted the "groups" into BI steps. But working with groups is quite annoying because it is not possible to insert group between existing groups so good planning is required.

[Calabar]

@hrontos

The discussion where you illustrate your technique is linked in the section index.

I'd like to create a unique thread speaking of various techniques to create instructions with LDD, could you create a good-simple-schematic guide for your technique?

[Superkalle]

In my experience, the best way to get the automatically BI algorithm in LDD to produce good results is to remove SNOT-bricks (put them to the side of the model) For example the wheels of a vehicle. With SNOT pieces removed, the BI is actually very good. And since the SNOT:ed assemblies are put to the side, they will most oftenly be be treated as separe assemblies and will get their own "assembly" instructions.

The only thing you need to do manually is to in the end assemble all parts to the complete model. Then make BI generation and skip to the last image (where the entire model is assembled . Then do a Ctrl-K (note that you can rotate the model also in BI mode) from various angles. This final images you insert into the BI document and add some explanatory arrows as to show where the SNOT sub-assemblies go.