6 ms·

LeoCAD 21.03

250 points by app4soft 6y ago

maxerickson 6y ago
Is Lego CAD, website has some pictures: https://www.leocad.org/ https://www.leocad.org/
- amelius 6y ago
  I suppose this would be great with VR goggles.
  - Essometer 6y ago
    I actually build a sort of L**o simulation that uses the LDraw library for pieces in combination with the HTC Vive. You can check it out here: https://essometer.itch.io/virtual-blox https://essometer.itch.io/virtual-blox
    - amelius 6y ago
      Looks great!
  - capableweb 6y ago
    Possible for sure! Get the following software: - Blender - Plugin ImportLDraw - https://github.com/TobyLobster/ImportLDraw https://github.com/TobyLobster/ImportLDraw - Either use Blender latest versions (has built-in VR) or try something like Blender XR I did use ImportLDraw for something a while ago here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk3yrj4FC7E/ https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk3yrj4FC7E/
    - app4soft 6y ago
      Here is good tutorial on ImportLDraw usage.[0,1] [0] https://www.rm-media.net/photo-realistic-rendering-with-leocad-blender-linux-ubuntu/ https://www.rm-media.net/photo-realistic-rendering-with-leoc... [1] https://github.com/beranep/lego_black_knights_castle_6086 https://github.com/beranep/lego_black_knights_castle_6086
- app4soft 6y ago
  LeoCAD uses LDraw Parts Library[0] as a set of "digitallego" bricks. Also, highly recommend all AFOLs look on the "AWESOME LDraw"[1] — a list of useful digitallego resources (not only LDRaw-related, but also in other formats for various software other than LeoCAD). > website has some pictures Here is my latest screenshot[2,3] with my MOC "Micropolis Mallet Locomotive 0-8-8-0".[4,5] [0] https://www.ldraw.org/ https://www.ldraw.org/ [1] https://git.io/digitallego https://git.io/digitallego [2] https://i.imgur.com/tBZ2FCK.png https://i.imgur.com/tBZ2FCK.png [3] https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1371197528197193728 https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1371197528197193728 [4] https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1217201295196663808 https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1217201295196663808 [5] https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1234260641558548482 https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1234260641558548482
  - funkaster 6y ago
    how did you get such a nice render?
    - app4soft 6y ago
      > such a nice render Guess, you mean this one[0,1,2], right? If so, I just: 1) modeled MOC in LeoCAD & saved it as `.ldr`; 2) imported `.ldr` into Blender 2.79 (you may use later version) using ImportLDraw addon[3] & just rendered it in "Cycles" render mode (in later versions of Blender its possible use "Eevee" render mode too); 3) final touches was made using AzPainter[4] image editor. That's all! If you are interested in more LDraw tools and other digitallego resources check the "AWESOME LDraw" list.[5] There is good guide on ImportLDraw usage for realistic rendering.[6,7] [0] https://i.imgur.com/VBLIbUn.png https://i.imgur.com/VBLIbUn.png [1] https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1174490820050849792/photo/1 https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1174490820050849792/phot... [2] https://www.reddit.com/r/lego/comments/d666xd/micropolis_mallet_locomotive_0880/ https://www.reddit.com/r/lego/comments/d666xd/micropolis_mal... [3] https://github.com/TobyLobster/ImportLDraw https://github.com/TobyLobster/ImportLDraw [4] https://git.io/azpainter https://git.io/azpainter [5] https://git.io/digitallego https://git.io/digitallego [6] https://www.rm-media.net/photo-realistic-rendering-with-leocad-blender-linux-ubuntu/ https://www.rm-media.net/photo-realistic-rendering-with-leoc... [7] https://github.com/beranep/lego_black_knights_castle_6086 https://github.com/beranep/lego_black_knights_castle_6086
dang 6y ago
If curious, past threads: LeoCAD – A CAD program for creating virtual Lego models - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14801612 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14801612 - July 2017 (79 comments) LeoCAD software to build Lego models - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9674129 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9674129 - June 2015 (3 comments) The submitted URL this time was https://github.com/leozide/leocad/releases/tag/v21.03 https://github.com/leozide/leocad/releases/tag/v21.03, which is pretty specialized. Since it has been years since the project was discussed, I've changed the URL to its home page.
- app4soft 6y ago
  > I've changed the URL to its home page. It was bad idea, as there are no release notes on LeoCAD home page. Please, @dang, revert news URL back! UPD: Or at least replace it with link to "Version History" page.[0] [0] https://www.leocad.org/docs/history.html https://www.leocad.org/docs/history.html
  - opencl 6y ago
    Maybe https://www.leocad.org/docs/history.html https://www.leocad.org/docs/history.html would be good, contains all the release notes going back to 1998 on one page.
    - app4soft 6y ago
      Its good for general use, but its not an exact release announcement.
  - jacobolus 6y ago
    The main page is much better context for a general discussion. To someone who does not already regularly make models with LeoCAD or intend to do so in the immediate future, and especially to someone who doesn't even know what LeoCAD is, these release notes are not very useful. But here they are: > Added option to draw conditional lines. Added option to draw logos on studs. Added option to draw high contrast studs. Added option to configure edge colors. Added new find/replace widget. Improved Bricklink xml export. Added option to paste parts and keep their original steps. Added model measurements to the Properties Dialog. Load official parts before unofficial parts. Fixed mac retina display issues.
bathtub365 6y ago
There’s also Bricklink Studio, which I’ve found to be easy to use with a decent built-in renderer (https://www.bricklink.com/v3/studio/download.page https://www.bricklink.com/v3/studio/download.page). How does LeoCAD compare?
- app4soft 6y ago
  > How does LeoCAD compare? Bricklink Studio is proprietary — LeoCAD is fully free & opensource. Bricklink Studio's `.io` format is closed — LeoCAD's uses LDraw's `.ldr` format which is fully open & well documented. Briclink Studio available only for Windows & macOS — LeoCAD available for Linux, macOS, Windows and could be compiled for any platform which support Qt (including *BSD, Haiku OS, RaspberryPi, Arduino, etc.)
cybervegan 6y ago
Just gave this a try... why is it that when you rotate a brick, the x,y,z movement also rotates with it? What I mean is that once you have rotated a 2x4 brick 90 degrees clockwise, when trying to position that part, moving the mouse left moves the part forwards, moving it forwards moves the part right and so on. That makes no sense - surely it's a bug?
- app4soft 6y ago
  > why is it that when you rotate a brick, the x,y,z movement also rotates with it? Hardly to say what exactly you mean without seeing some sreenrecord. I may just guess that you should learn a little about "Relative" and "Absolute" coordinates in LeoCAD (see menu "Edit > Transform", "Transform" buttons on main toolbar and on "Properties" widget).[0] > That makes no sense - surely it's a bug? I'm not sure. UPD: Follow related issue thread[1]; alternatively use rotation arrows[3] for rotate (click on each rotation arrow with mouse and move it) [0] https://i.imgur.com/7sdt8yC.png https://i.imgur.com/7sdt8yC.png [1] https://github.com/leozide/leocad/issues/655 https://github.com/leozide/leocad/issues/655 [2] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26458863#26464346 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26458863#26464346
cies 6y ago
I had to search a bit to find it's GPLv2 licensed. https://www.leocad.org/docs/license.html https://www.leocad.org/docs/license.html Did some 3D lately and used TinkerCAD, which runs from the browser. Very intuitive and had more than enough features to achieve what I needed. https://www.tinkercad.com https://www.tinkercad.com
- app4soft 6y ago
  > TinkerCAD, which runs from the browser. Very intuitive... TinkerCAD is proprietary software by AutoCAD... And we remember what has happen[0] with its another 'free' app - Fusion360 (RIP). Thanks, but no. BTW, LeoCAD is a much better choice for kids and AFOLs. [0] https://twitter.com/MvdH74169613/status/1369334245043404815 https://twitter.com/MvdH74169613/status/1369334245043404815
  - cies 6y ago
    good point!
  - snoopen 6y ago
    I don't understand this reaction. Fusion360 continues to be free (as in beer) for personal. Not only that but startups can apply for a free licence each year.
    - app4soft 6y ago
      > I don't understand this reaction. You may get a better explanation from FreeCAD team on Twitter. [0] https://twitter.com/FreeCADNews https://twitter.com/FreeCADNews
      - haswell 6y ago
        Is there a particular tweet you’re trying to highlight? As a casual bystander, this comment isn’t helpful...
        6y ago
bananicorn 6y ago
I just gave this a try, and I would honestly love to have a traditional cad software that is so intuitive and easy to use. (Except for the stuff with the rotation, that was a little hiccup for me) I could just get into it, drag, drop rotate and make some stuff - it's actually _fun_ to use! Does anyone know of a cad program which uses a similar approach? I'd love to be able to build smooth models with such a software...
- app4soft 6y ago
  > Except for the stuff with the rotation, that was a little hiccup for me Please, report any issues to issues tracker.[0] [0] https://github.com/leozide/leocad https://github.com/leozide/leocad
  - bananicorn 6y ago
    The issue already seems to be there[0], but honestly I immediately resorted to using the arrows to move the pieces around and from there on out it didn't disturb me anymore. I'm really glad you're putting such an emphasis on beginner friendliness though, that's really cool! [0]https://github.com/leozide/leocad/issues/655 https://github.com/leozide/leocad/issues/655
- galfarragem 6y ago
  Architect here: nothing beats SketchUp on intuitiveness. > traditional cad software that is so intuitive and easy to use Autocad is the Emacs for CAD - you can even script it with Lisp. It's not intuitive at all, but once you master it, is unbeatable.
  - app4soft 6y ago
    > Architect here: nothing beats SketchUp on intuitiveness Try latest SolveSpace.[0] > Autocad is the Emacs for CAD - you can even script it with Lisp. It's not intuitive at all, but once you master it, is unbeatable. LeoCAD is CAD for kids in the first place. And this HN thread is mostly about CADs which are kids-friendly — usable just with its GUI elemnts & mouse/keyboard shortcuts (SolveSpace also one of such), without any needs in scripting at all. [0] https://git.io/SolveSpace3x https://git.io/SolveSpace3x
neskiredk 6y ago
This is very cool, glad to see an opensource version of brick building. As a Dane (Lego's Danish), I'm impressed that you manage to navigate the numerous pitfalls with copyright infringement and the like. Also glad to see it being GPLv2 licensed.
- hda111 6y ago
  Hm still their logo is used in one of the model screenshots. I cannot imagine this will be tolerated.
  - app4soft 6y ago
    > I cannot imagine this will be tolerated. LeoCAD & LDraw follows LEGO's Fair Play[0] policy, so all is OK here. See LeoCAD's License > Disclaimer.[1] FTR, Studs logo by default is turned off in LeoCAD, but user may turn in on in the preferences. [0] https://www.lego.com/en-us/legal/notices-and-policies/fair-play/ https://www.lego.com/en-us/legal/notices-and-policies/fair-p... [1] https://www.leocad.org/docs/license.html https://www.leocad.org/docs/license.html

LeoCAD 21.03

250 points by app4soft 6y ago

maxerickson 6y ago

Is Lego CAD, website has some pictures: https://www.leocad.org/ https://www.leocad.org/

amelius 6y ago
I suppose this would be great with VR goggles.
- Essometer 6y ago
  I actually build a sort of L**o simulation that uses the LDraw library for pieces in combination with the HTC Vive. You can check it out here: https://essometer.itch.io/virtual-blox https://essometer.itch.io/virtual-blox
  - amelius 6y ago
    Looks great!
- capableweb 6y ago
  Possible for sure! Get the following software: - Blender - Plugin ImportLDraw - https://github.com/TobyLobster/ImportLDraw https://github.com/TobyLobster/ImportLDraw - Either use Blender latest versions (has built-in VR) or try something like Blender XR I did use ImportLDraw for something a while ago here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk3yrj4FC7E/ https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk3yrj4FC7E/
  - app4soft 6y ago
    Here is good tutorial on ImportLDraw usage.[0,1] [0] https://www.rm-media.net/photo-realistic-rendering-with-leocad-blender-linux-ubuntu/ https://www.rm-media.net/photo-realistic-rendering-with-leoc... [1] https://github.com/beranep/lego_black_knights_castle_6086 https://github.com/beranep/lego_black_knights_castle_6086
app4soft 6y ago
LeoCAD uses LDraw Parts Library[0] as a set of "digitallego" bricks. Also, highly recommend all AFOLs look on the "AWESOME LDraw"[1] — a list of useful digitallego resources (not only LDRaw-related, but also in other formats for various software other than LeoCAD). > website has some pictures Here is my latest screenshot[2,3] with my MOC "Micropolis Mallet Locomotive 0-8-8-0".[4,5] [0] https://www.ldraw.org/ https://www.ldraw.org/ [1] https://git.io/digitallego https://git.io/digitallego [2] https://i.imgur.com/tBZ2FCK.png https://i.imgur.com/tBZ2FCK.png [3] https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1371197528197193728 https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1371197528197193728 [4] https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1217201295196663808 https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1217201295196663808 [5] https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1234260641558548482 https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1234260641558548482
- funkaster 6y ago
  how did you get such a nice render?
  - app4soft 6y ago
    > such a nice render Guess, you mean this one[0,1,2], right? If so, I just: 1) modeled MOC in LeoCAD & saved it as `.ldr`; 2) imported `.ldr` into Blender 2.79 (you may use later version) using ImportLDraw addon[3] & just rendered it in "Cycles" render mode (in later versions of Blender its possible use "Eevee" render mode too); 3) final touches was made using AzPainter[4] image editor. That's all! If you are interested in more LDraw tools and other digitallego resources check the "AWESOME LDraw" list.[5] There is good guide on ImportLDraw usage for realistic rendering.[6,7] [0] https://i.imgur.com/VBLIbUn.png https://i.imgur.com/VBLIbUn.png [1] https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1174490820050849792/photo/1 https://twitter.com/app4soft/status/1174490820050849792/phot... [2] https://www.reddit.com/r/lego/comments/d666xd/micropolis_mallet_locomotive_0880/ https://www.reddit.com/r/lego/comments/d666xd/micropolis_mal... [3] https://github.com/TobyLobster/ImportLDraw https://github.com/TobyLobster/ImportLDraw [4] https://git.io/azpainter https://git.io/azpainter [5] https://git.io/digitallego https://git.io/digitallego [6] https://www.rm-media.net/photo-realistic-rendering-with-leocad-blender-linux-ubuntu/ https://www.rm-media.net/photo-realistic-rendering-with-leoc... [7] https://github.com/beranep/lego_black_knights_castle_6086 https://github.com/beranep/lego_black_knights_castle_6086

dang 6y ago

If curious, past threads: LeoCAD – A CAD program for creating virtual Lego models - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14801612 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14801612 - July 2017 (79 comments) LeoCAD software to build Lego models - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9674129 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9674129 - June 2015 (3 comments) The submitted URL this time was https://github.com/leozide/leocad/releases/tag/v21.03 https://github.com/leozide/leocad/releases/tag/v21.03, which is pretty specialized. Since it has been years since the project was discussed, I've changed the URL to its home page.

app4soft 6y ago
> I've changed the URL to its home page. It was bad idea, as there are no release notes on LeoCAD home page. Please, @dang, revert news URL back! UPD: Or at least replace it with link to "Version History" page.[0] [0] https://www.leocad.org/docs/history.html https://www.leocad.org/docs/history.html
- opencl 6y ago
  Maybe https://www.leocad.org/docs/history.html https://www.leocad.org/docs/history.html would be good, contains all the release notes going back to 1998 on one page.
  - app4soft 6y ago
    Its good for general use, but its not an exact release announcement.
- jacobolus 6y ago
  The main page is much better context for a general discussion. To someone who does not already regularly make models with LeoCAD or intend to do so in the immediate future, and especially to someone who doesn't even know what LeoCAD is, these release notes are not very useful. But here they are: > Added option to draw conditional lines. Added option to draw logos on studs. Added option to draw high contrast studs. Added option to configure edge colors. Added new find/replace widget. Improved Bricklink xml export. Added option to paste parts and keep their original steps. Added model measurements to the Properties Dialog. Load official parts before unofficial parts. Fixed mac retina display issues.

bathtub365 6y ago

There’s also Bricklink Studio, which I’ve found to be easy to use with a decent built-in renderer (https://www.bricklink.com/v3/studio/download.page https://www.bricklink.com/v3/studio/download.page). How does LeoCAD compare?

app4soft 6y ago
> How does LeoCAD compare? Bricklink Studio is proprietary — LeoCAD is fully free & opensource. Bricklink Studio's `.io` format is closed — LeoCAD's uses LDraw's `.ldr` format which is fully open & well documented. Briclink Studio available only for Windows & macOS — LeoCAD available for Linux, macOS, Windows and could be compiled for any platform which support Qt (including *BSD, Haiku OS, RaspberryPi, Arduino, etc.)

cybervegan 6y ago

Just gave this a try... why is it that when you rotate a brick, the x,y,z movement also rotates with it? What I mean is that once you have rotated a 2x4 brick 90 degrees clockwise, when trying to position that part, moving the mouse left moves the part forwards, moving it forwards moves the part right and so on. That makes no sense - surely it's a bug?

app4soft 6y ago
> why is it that when you rotate a brick, the x,y,z movement also rotates with it? Hardly to say what exactly you mean without seeing some sreenrecord. I may just guess that you should learn a little about "Relative" and "Absolute" coordinates in LeoCAD (see menu "Edit > Transform", "Transform" buttons on main toolbar and on "Properties" widget).[0] > That makes no sense - surely it's a bug? I'm not sure. UPD: Follow related issue thread[1]; alternatively use rotation arrows[3] for rotate (click on each rotation arrow with mouse and move it) [0] https://i.imgur.com/7sdt8yC.png https://i.imgur.com/7sdt8yC.png [1] https://github.com/leozide/leocad/issues/655 https://github.com/leozide/leocad/issues/655 [2] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26458863#26464346 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26458863#26464346

cies 6y ago

I had to search a bit to find it's GPLv2 licensed. https://www.leocad.org/docs/license.html https://www.leocad.org/docs/license.html Did some 3D lately and used TinkerCAD, which runs from the browser. Very intuitive and had more than enough features to achieve what I needed. https://www.tinkercad.com https://www.tinkercad.com

app4soft 6y ago
> TinkerCAD, which runs from the browser. Very intuitive... TinkerCAD is proprietary software by AutoCAD... And we remember what has happen[0] with its another 'free' app - Fusion360 (RIP). Thanks, but no. BTW, LeoCAD is a much better choice for kids and AFOLs. [0] https://twitter.com/MvdH74169613/status/1369334245043404815 https://twitter.com/MvdH74169613/status/1369334245043404815
- cies 6y ago
  good point!
- snoopen 6y ago
  I don't understand this reaction. Fusion360 continues to be free (as in beer) for personal. Not only that but startups can apply for a free licence each year.
  - app4soft 6y ago
    > I don't understand this reaction. You may get a better explanation from FreeCAD team on Twitter. [0] https://twitter.com/FreeCADNews https://twitter.com/FreeCADNews
    - haswell 6y ago
      Is there a particular tweet you’re trying to highlight? As a casual bystander, this comment isn’t helpful...
      - 6y ago

bananicorn 6y ago

I just gave this a try, and I would honestly love to have a traditional cad software that is so intuitive and easy to use. (Except for the stuff with the rotation, that was a little hiccup for me) I could just get into it, drag, drop rotate and make some stuff - it's actually _fun_ to use! Does anyone know of a cad program which uses a similar approach? I'd love to be able to build smooth models with such a software...

app4soft 6y ago
> Except for the stuff with the rotation, that was a little hiccup for me Please, report any issues to issues tracker.[0] [0] https://github.com/leozide/leocad https://github.com/leozide/leocad
- bananicorn 6y ago
  The issue already seems to be there[0], but honestly I immediately resorted to using the arrows to move the pieces around and from there on out it didn't disturb me anymore. I'm really glad you're putting such an emphasis on beginner friendliness though, that's really cool! [0]https://github.com/leozide/leocad/issues/655 https://github.com/leozide/leocad/issues/655
galfarragem 6y ago
Architect here: nothing beats SketchUp on intuitiveness. > traditional cad software that is so intuitive and easy to use Autocad is the Emacs for CAD - you can even script it with Lisp. It's not intuitive at all, but once you master it, is unbeatable.
- app4soft 6y ago
  > Architect here: nothing beats SketchUp on intuitiveness Try latest SolveSpace.[0] > Autocad is the Emacs for CAD - you can even script it with Lisp. It's not intuitive at all, but once you master it, is unbeatable. LeoCAD is CAD for kids in the first place. And this HN thread is mostly about CADs which are kids-friendly — usable just with its GUI elemnts & mouse/keyboard shortcuts (SolveSpace also one of such), without any needs in scripting at all. [0] https://git.io/SolveSpace3x https://git.io/SolveSpace3x

neskiredk 6y ago

This is very cool, glad to see an opensource version of brick building. As a Dane (Lego's Danish), I'm impressed that you manage to navigate the numerous pitfalls with copyright infringement and the like. Also glad to see it being GPLv2 licensed.

hda111 6y ago
Hm still their logo is used in one of the model screenshots. I cannot imagine this will be tolerated.
- app4soft 6y ago
  > I cannot imagine this will be tolerated. LeoCAD & LDraw follows LEGO's Fair Play[0] policy, so all is OK here. See LeoCAD's License > Disclaimer.[1] FTR, Studs logo by default is turned off in LeoCAD, but user may turn in on in the preferences. [0] https://www.lego.com/en-us/legal/notices-and-policies/fair-play/ https://www.lego.com/en-us/legal/notices-and-policies/fair-p... [1] https://www.leocad.org/docs/license.html https://www.leocad.org/docs/license.html