Lego Digital Designer
Encyclopedia
LEGO Digital Designer, or LDD, is a free
computer program produced by the LEGO Group
as a part of LEGO Design byME. It is available for Mac
and Windows
platforms. The program allows users to build models using virtual LEGO
bricks, in a computer-aided design
like manner. Through January 16, 2012, these can be uploaded, along with instructions and a box design, to the LEGO Design byME website, from where the models can be ordered for delivery as a real, packaged set. Users can also take "screenshots" of their models and store
the models on their computer in a .LXF File.
LDD can generate build instructions automatically.
Freeware
Freeware is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee, but usually with one or more restricted usage rights. Freeware is in contrast to commercial software, which is typically sold for profit, but might be distributed for a business or commercial purpose in the...
computer program produced by the LEGO Group
Lego Group
The LEGO Group is a family-owned company based in Billund, Denmark, and best known for the manufacture of Lego-brand toys.The company was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen...
as a part of LEGO Design byME. It is available for Mac
Mac OS
Mac OS is a series of graphical user interface-based operating systems developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh line of computer systems. The Macintosh user experience is credited with popularizing the graphical user interface...
and Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
platforms. The program allows users to build models using virtual LEGO
Lego
Lego is a line of construction toys manufactured by the Lego Group, a privately held company based in Billund, Denmark. The company's flagship product, Lego, consists of colorful interlocking plastic bricks and an accompanying array of gears, minifigures and various other parts...
bricks, in a computer-aided design
Computer-aided design
Computer-aided design , also known as computer-aided design and drafting , is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer...
like manner. Through January 16, 2012, these can be uploaded, along with instructions and a box design, to the LEGO Design byME website, from where the models can be ordered for delivery as a real, packaged set. Users can also take "screenshots" of their models and store
Data storage device
thumb|200px|right|A reel-to-reel tape recorder .The magnetic tape is a data storage medium. The recorder is data storage equipment using a portable medium to store the data....
the models on their computer in a .LXF File.
Features
Only a subset of the bricks made by LEGO are available for use in LDD.LDD can generate build instructions automatically.
End of customized model delivery service
On November 9, 2011, Lego announced that the Design byME service will end on January 16, 2012, citing its complexity and failure to meet the company's quality expectations. A replacement is promised, but has not been announced. In its absence, custom brick orders will have to be made via the Pick a Brick service. The closing of Design byME will not affect the ability of LDD users to print custom instructions for their models.External links
- LEGO Design byME website
- Pick-A-Brick
- LEGO Digital Designer Site
- Eurobricks LDD forum for bug reports and feedback