Lego design software

[Joelbanks5]

So I was wondering if there is any software available that allows me to build large scale Lego projects.

 

if there is I have a few questions.

 

1: can it automatically design an object based on images taken from many angles of an object?

 

2: Is it free? If not how much does it cost?

 

3: if it can't automatically design objects based on images on its own, are there mods or other software that can integrate this feature into it?

[shermantanker]

I know that bricklink (I think) just came out with a new free lego modeling program, but don't know all the capabilities.

[manikyath]

lego themselves has a design program thingy, but they dumbed it down like crazy, and then pretty much ditched the whole party because i dont think it even installs on anything newer than win7.

[dalekphalm]

7 hours ago, Joelbanks5 said:

So I was wondering if there is any software available that allows me to build large scale Lego projects.

 

if there is I have a few questions.

 

1: can it automatically design an object based on images taken from many angles of an object?

 

2: Is it free? If not how much does it cost?

 

3: if it can't automatically design objects based on images on its own, are there mods or other software that can integrate this feature into it?

You're not going to find a program that will automatically design a LEGO build using pictures of the object. That's some pretty advanced programming.

 

Take a look at these, and see which one you like the most:

http://www.topbestalternatives.com/best-lego-building-software/

 

I would start with the official software and see if you need the greater capabilities provided by third party applications:

http://ldd.lego.com/en-us/

[Misanthrope]

Can't you just use Minecraft?

[Joelbanks5]

2 hours ago, dalekphalm said:

You're not going to find a program that will automatically design a LEGO build using pictures of the object. That's some pretty advanced programming.

 

Take a look at these, and see which one you like the most:

http://www.topbestalternatives.com/best-lego-building-software/

 

I would start with the official software and see if you need the greater capabilities provided by third party applications:

http://ldd.lego.com/en-us/

I know things similar to what I'm asking is possible to do with just making a digital model. I remember barnecules nerdgasm getting into a room filled with cameras and got all sorts of pictures taken of him at different angles to make the digital model, his storm trooper suit was made using this. I was just wondering if something similar can be done just with legos.

 

2 hours ago, Misanthrope said:

Can't you just use Minecraft?

No

 

4 hours ago, Kota317 said:

adobe illustrator 

1.  you can trace the outiline of what you want.
2. Adobe Illustrator CS6 ($599 direct; $249 to upgrade from versions CS3 or later
3. not that im aware of

If you need a logo done send me a message.

That's pretty expensive.

[AshleyAshes]

4 hours ago, Kota317 said:

adobe illustrator 

1.  you can trace the outiline of what you want.
2. Adobe Illustrator CS6 ($599 direct; $249 to upgrade from versions CS3 or later
3. not that im aware of

If you need a logo done send me a message.

Illustrator would be terrible for this task.  You'd want a CAD program not a 2D design program.

[dalekphalm]

14 minutes ago, Joelbanks5 said:

I know things similar to what I'm asking is possible to do with just making a digital model. I remember barnecules nerdgasm getting into a room filled with cameras and got all sorts of pictures taken of him at different angles to make the digital model, his storm trooper suit was made using this. I was just wondering if something similar can be done just with legos.

 

No

 

That's pretty expensive.

Oh certainly, 3D scanning software and technology exists. But that will create a 3D model of the object. It won't create a 3D model, then analyze and break it down into LEGO components that will fit.

 

Such a software could be created. But again, that's very advanced programming. I am not aware of any pre-existing software that can do this. And frankly I don't imagine it will happen, since that's a very niche need.

[dalekphalm]

2 minutes ago, AshleyAshes said:

Illustrator would be terrible for this task.  You'd want a CAD program not a 2D design program.

but but but... Adobe! lol yeah something like Sketchup do, or any of the various splits of CAD (TurboCAD, AutoCAD, etc). Sketchup is probably a good place to start since it's free though.

 

Maybe 3D model the object first (Either by modelling it by hand using a CAD software, or by scanning it using a 3D scanner), then using that as a reference design, off to the side, with an actual LEGO builder.

[Joelbanks5]

Just now, dalekphalm said:

but but but... Adobe! lol yeah something like Sketchup do, or any of the various splits of CAD (TurboCAD, AutoCAD, etc). Sketchup is probably a good place to start since it's free though.

 

Maybe 3D model the object first (Either by modelling it by hand using a CAD software, or by scanning it using a 3D scanner), then using that as a reference design, off to the side, with an actual LEGO builder.

 

How would using a 3D model in a cad program for a reference be better than detailed pictures?

[dalekphalm]

14 minutes ago, Joelbanks5 said:

How would using a 3D model in a cad program for a reference be better than detailed pictures?

You can manipulate that 3D object on demand. Turn it around, see whatever angle you want, exactly as you need it.

 

Don't get me wrong, detailed pictures are probably more practical, since that's a hell of a lot of effort to go through just for a reference object. But if you want the best, I would think that would be it.

 

However, in most cases? Detailed pictures are more then sufficient.

[Joelbanks5]

Just now, dalekphalm said:

You can manipulate that 3D object on demand. Turn it around, see whatever angle you want, exactly as you need it.

 

Don't get me wrong, detailed pictures are probably more practical, since that's a hell of a lot of effort to go through just for a reference object. But if you want the best, I would think that would be it.

 

However, in most cases? Detailed pictures are more then sufficient.

 

I think this has enough angles http://www.gamingheads.com/mass-effect-tali-zorah-vas-normandy-statue.html

 

does it do you think?

[Guest]

Lego in the past had some software thingy, you can even model your own lego product and have Lego manufacture it for you so you can order

@manikyath was right but it is obsolete now

[Guest]

10 hours ago, Joelbanks5 said:

So I was wondering if there is any software available that allows me to build large scale Lego projects.

 

if there is I have a few questions.

 

1: can it automatically design an object based on images taken from many angles of an object?

 

2: Is it free? If not how much does it cost?

 

3: if it can't automatically design objects based on images on its own, are there mods or other software that can integrate this feature into it?

http://ldd.lego.com/en-us/ nvm it's still there

[Guest]

3 hours ago, dalekphalm said:

I would start with the official software and see if you need the greater capabilities provided by third party applications:

http://ldd.lego.com/en-us/

God that program existed for like 10 years or so, they used to allow people to even buy their own designs

[Joelbanks5]

Just now, deXxterlab97 said:

http://ldd.lego.com/en-us/ nvm it's still there

How do you get lego to manufacture it for my personal order?

[Guest]

1 minute ago, Joelbanks5 said:

How do you get lego to manufacture it for my personal order?

You no longer can do that. There should be a time machine somewhere

[Guest]

1 minute ago, Joelbanks5 said:

How do you get lego to manufacture it for my personal order?

http://ldd.lego.com/en-us/subpages/designbyme

[Joelbanks5]

Just now, deXxterlab97 said:

http://ldd.lego.com/en-us/subpages/designbyme

Ok, so you can purchase the bricks and what not individually.

Just now, deXxterlab97 said:

You no longer can do that. There should be a time machine somewhere

 

15 minutes ago, dalekphalm said:

You can manipulate that 3D object on demand. Turn it around, see whatever angle you want, exactly as you need it.

 

Don't get me wrong, detailed pictures are probably more practical, since that's a hell of a lot of effort to go through just for a reference object. But if you want the best, I would think that would be it.

 

However, in most cases? Detailed pictures are more then sufficient.

 

So since I know I can't scan an object in, and that I'm generally pretty bad at this kinda stuff. Is there any way to get some professional help or something similar to help me along? Or maybe just outsource this completely if I can't seem to get a hold on making it look nice?

[dalekphalm]

14 minutes ago, Joelbanks5 said:

I think this has enough angles http://www.gamingheads.com/mass-effect-tali-zorah-vas-normandy-statue.html

 

does it do you think?

If you're intending on creating a LEGO model of that statue? Yeah those are probably enough angles to work with. How big are you intending to make it? It's gonna have to be pretty large to have very much detail. A space ship or machinery tends to be "boxy" enough to work on smaller scales. But that thing will need to be 12"+ tall to really start to have much detail.

[dalekphalm]

1 minute ago, Joelbanks5 said:

Ok, so you can purchase the bricks and what not individually.

 

So since I know I can't scan an object in, and that I'm generally pretty bad at this kinda stuff. Is there any way to get some professional help or something similar to help me along? Or maybe just outsource this completely if I can't seem to get a hold on making it look nice?

Oh well I'm certain you could outsource it to someone who specializes in that sort of thing. You'd have to do research into that though.

[Guest]

2 minutes ago, Joelbanks5 said:

Ok, so you can purchase the bricks and what not individually.

 

So since I know I can't scan an object in, and that I'm generally pretty bad at this kinda stuff. Is there any way to get some professional help or something similar to help me along? Or maybe just outsource this completely if I can't seem to get a hold on making it look nice?

I don't think you can purchase bricks individually, you might have to purchase lego sets. But I think there should be places that sell specific lego bricks for your need for cheaper

[minibois]

5 hours ago, Kota317 said:

adobe illustrator 

1.  you can trace the outiline of what you want.
2. Adobe Illustrator CS6 ($599 direct; $249 to upgrade from versions CS3 or later
3. not that im aware of

If you need a logo done send me a message.

LEGO, not logo.

[Joelbanks5]

Just now, deXxterlab97 said:

I don't think you can purchase bricks individually, you might have to purchase lego sets. But I think there should be places that sell specific lego bricks for your need for cheaper

 

https://shop.lego.com/en-US/Pick-a-Brick#suppressXlink

Just now, dalekphalm said:

If you're intending on creating a LEGO model of that statue? Yeah those are probably enough angles to work with. How big are you intending to make it? It's gonna have to be pretty large to have very much detail. A space ship or machinery tends to be "boxy" enough to work on smaller scales. But that thing will need to be 12"+ tall to really start to have much detail.

 

Plan on making it life-size.

 

Based on the prices in the pick a brick service, how much do you think it will cost?

[Guest]

1 minute ago, Joelbanks5 said:

https://shop.lego.com/en-US/Pick-a-Brick#suppressXlink

Plan on making it life-size.

 

Based on the prices in the pick a brick service, how much do you think it will cost?

Did not know bout that, been too long since I did any lego