Is there a way to draw LEGO figures using Blender?

Question

I have some basic experience in Blender. Is there any way to insert pre-drawn LEGO pieces into Blender?

Answer 1

First note that this question is a possible duplicate of Do any programs exist that allow you to build your own LEGO manuals? With that, here is the answer:

1. (optional) Create a model in LEGO digital designer or LDraw and export it as a LDraw (*.ldr) file.
2. Install LeoCAD, and either open the model that you made in LDD/LDraw (recommended) or create your model directly in LeoCAD.
3. Export your model in LeoCAD as a 3D studio (*.3ds) file and import that in Bender.

I learned this technique from this very site less than a week ago and have already tried it out. So far, it works great and has given me loads of ideas.

Edit: The Linux version of LeoCAD currently does not export to the *.3ds file format, so you can not set up a pipeline that way; I know this from experience.

Answer 2

For a general introduction to Lego characters (humanoid figures) modeled directly in Blender you might like to view http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWfS82EOa4A&list=EC3F4C5FF0451A92D9 which is a tutorial on modeling a Lego man. I have just begun to analyse this tutorial to see if I can make an expanded PDF version that will incorporate the correct proportions for this figure but when I will complete this task and if I will publish it depends on too many factors to predict.