Questions tagged [software]

Questions about software related to planning models or programming LEGO robots.

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98 votes
8 answers
79k views

Do any programs exist that allow you to build your own LEGO manuals?

What I'm looking for is a program or website/webapp that allows "virtual" building of a LEGO model, step-by-step, and allows you to save these single steps to get a complete building plan in the end. ...
oezi's user avatar
  • 5,603
56 votes
2 answers
16k views

Is there anything like a 'recipe generator' for LEGO models?

For me, most of the fun of LEGO toys, is building new things from the instructions. Rebuilding things can be fun, but if I know I have certain bricks (or even sets), is there somewhere to cross-...
Umber Ferrule's user avatar
23 votes
5 answers
7k views

How can I create synthetic imagery (rendering) of LEGO models?

I'd like to know how I can create computer imagery of my own models or existing models. How can we do photographic quality or cartoon like images?
jfyelle's user avatar
  • 3,242
22 votes
2 answers
45k views

Is there a way to convert a 3D model into a lego sculpture?

After researching this question for a few days, I want to post it here so I can share what I learned in an answer, and hopefully learn some new techniques too. If anyone has found another way to do ...
hmatt1's user avatar
  • 453
21 votes
4 answers
86k views

Where can I download the LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 IDE?

I want to see how well that IDE runs on my old Windows XP laptop. I looked on www.lego.com, but it seems to all be documentation (downloads).
Clay Nichols's user avatar
20 votes
3 answers
24k views

Is there any application to keep an inventory of owned sets and pieces?

I'm looking for a desktop application that keeps track of sets and pieces owned. Ideally something that would look up LEGO databases such as Peeron or others in order to add the pieces in a set ...
Reven's user avatar
  • 1,019
20 votes
1 answer
4k views

How can I automate orders from Lego Pick-a-Brick?

Is there a way to automate the process of ordering from Lego's online Pick-a-Brick? I'd like to be able to go from a .csv with part IDs to a filled cart on their site, or even all the way through to ...
retracile's user avatar
  • 1,569
18 votes
3 answers
7k views

Is it possible to build Lego bricks with a makerbot replicator 3D print?

Is it possible for plates, tiles or small pieces ? Is it possible to use MLCAD with a Makerbot replicator?
john lamarck's user avatar
18 votes
2 answers
9k views

What software was used to create the LEGO Movie?

So I've just seen the LEGO Movie and I was amazed at the such intricate details of all the minifigures and sets. I was wondering if anyone knows what software was used to create the film. Animal ...
A A's user avatar
  • 283
18 votes
4 answers
13k views

LEGO Digital Designer Alternatives

I am been using LDD (LEGO Digital Designer) for my latest NXT project and noticed a major delay in building and making instructions for my Projects (My Mindstorm projects contain well over 500 pieces) ...
iProgrammed's user avatar
18 votes
1 answer
4k views

Explaination of LXFML file contents

I am interested in writing a game that interprets LXF files into worlds (to create a game such as Lego Universe). After finding out how to extract the LXFML file from the LXF archive, I need to know ...
StackUnderflow's user avatar
13 votes
4 answers
10k views

How can I convert an image's pixels to actual LEGO colors?

The LEGO Group released a few "mosaic" sets a while back, which came with clear baseplates and a bunch of 1x1 bricks. I have been wondering recently if it is possible to use an image as a reference ...
Peter Cassetta's user avatar
12 votes
2 answers
2k views

Is there an XML format for Lego?

I've seen some pretty neat applications using customized XML formats. There is a Musical Notation XML so that a user can create sheet music on XML. With the right software, that XML can be converted ...
randomblink's user avatar
11 votes
2 answers
55k views

Building instructions from an LXF file

I've downloaded an LXF file from rebrickable.com. Which software do I need (for Windows and/or Linux) to get the building instructions based on the LXF file?
palacsint's user avatar
  • 648
11 votes
2 answers
7k views

Good LEGO CAD Design Software with Technic elements and animation

I'm taking computer engineering in Gr. 11 right now and our final project is to create a robot with the first version of Mindstorms. My partner and I are making a sumo robot for the class competition. ...
Alex's user avatar
  • 211
11 votes
6 answers
10k views

RCX firmware download problem

I hope someone can help me with a problem with getting an original RCX 1.0 system working with a current PC. I bought the RCX 1.0 system back in (I think) 2000 but its been in storage a long time. In ...
Andy Johnson's user avatar
11 votes
1 answer
568 views

Is there a rock wall generator?

In Lego store, and on many photos on the Internet, I've seen vertical "rocky" walls made of slopes and simple 2x1 bricks. For example this one. Is there a software that would take wall length and ...
Mołot's user avatar
  • 1,409
11 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is 'plate between studs' SNOT supported by one of the LEGO building software?

Do any of the multiple LEGO building software supports 'plate between studs' SNOT assembly?
pcantin's user avatar
  • 13.5k
10 votes
6 answers
33k views

How to fix Mindstorms Error Code 1003

I am using the Lego Mindstorms NXT Education Kit, software version 2.1. Everything was working fine writing programs and downloading them to the robot until all of a sudden when I tried downloading a ...
Raul Agrait's user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
3k views

Is there a way to draw LEGO figures using Blender?

I have some basic experience in Blender. Is there any way to insert pre-drawn LEGO pieces into Blender?
user avatar
10 votes
1 answer
279 views

Do I really need to sign into Stud.io?

I recently installed Stud.io 2.0 on my MacBook. Is it absolutely necessary to sign in, or is that just so that you can save to the cloud and build with friends?
pkbpack18's user avatar
  • 113
10 votes
2 answers
396 views

Is it possible to use EV3 MicroPython with Windows 7?

I have been trying to get python on my EV3 brick using an EV3 MicroPython SD card image as described on the Lego website. The EV3 brick seem fine with its new OS. Instead my problems are at the ...
Danielle's user avatar
  • 101
9 votes
1 answer
325 views

Where does the EV3 software store its crash reports?

I cannot find where the crash reports generated by my EV3 software are stored. I have looked where it tells me to, but I can't find any.
EEk's user avatar
  • 99
8 votes
3 answers
5k views

Does LEGO no longer support NXT 2.0 at all?

I am running Mac OS X 10.15 (Catalina) and the EV3 software can't detect my NXT 2.0 using USB.
user1332148's user avatar
8 votes
4 answers
451 views

Compare part lists between Stud.io models?

I've created a MOC using Stud.io, bought the pieces and built it. Since it was unstable I've changed the model in Stud.io, and now I would like to buy just the pieces I've added. I could compare both ...
Christian's user avatar
  • 333
8 votes
2 answers
691 views

What solutions are there to organising a LUGBULK order?

I'm involved in a LUG that's made orders in each of the LUGBULK programs that have run. Determining what goes into each order has proven to be a nightmare, with all sorts of email-spreadsheet-ad hoc ...
Josh's user avatar
  • 1,133
8 votes
2 answers
5k views

Lego Boost app won't connect. What are my options?

So far, on three devices (Amazon Fire tab, Galaxy tab S2, Galaxy Phone S9), the following when trying to connect to the move hub from the Boost app: all three permissions (Bluetooth, microphone, ...
mart's user avatar
  • 183
7 votes
4 answers
4k views

How to load an RCX from a modern system?

I recently bought a new in box 1.5 Mindstorms kit featuring the RCX. My computer unfortunately does not have a 9-pin connection, and the software does not appear to work on Windows 10. Short of buying ...
Weckar E.'s user avatar
  • 282
7 votes
4 answers
6k views

No software with the EV3 robot?

We bought EV3 robot but it looks like there is no software and we have to pay an additional $99 for the EV3 software. Is this true?
Coach's user avatar
  • 71
7 votes
2 answers
13k views

EV3-specific bricks missing from Lego Digital Designer 4.3.11 (Win)?

I have LDD on my Mac and have used it to create EV3 models (like an FLL robot, or a Lego dot-matrix printer). Recently, I purchased a cheap Windows laptop for use by a FLL team. After twice ...
Kirkman14's user avatar
  • 223
7 votes
2 answers
3k views

How to control a RCX from a Mindstorms NXT

I have both an RCX and an NXT. I would like to control the RCX brick from the NXT (and possibly communicate back to to the NXT from the RCX). I would like to avoid purchasing the Mindsensors RCX to ...
mcqwerty's user avatar
  • 3,518
7 votes
2 answers
8k views

Remote Control option NXT Mindstorms

I bought the NXT Mindstorms education software v2.1 along with a Mindstorms kit (which I don't know the version of). I am trying to remote control a robot I made using bluetooth between my mac and ...
user857's user avatar
  • 71
7 votes
3 answers
3k views

How do I erase all old programs using the new scratch type Education software?

I have 24 Lego Mindstorms EV3 bricks that have old programs and the bricks are named. I want to erase them so they can be used for new students. In the older Mindstorms software I would just reinstall ...
Tool man's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
383 views

Good "freeware" mosaic creator

I need to know of a decent "freeware" program that can take an image and turn it into a full color mosaic. It also needs to have a part count/listing.
JM Kraemer's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
5k views

How can an EV3 motor "remember" it's starting position?

I am currently working on a project that uses large motors. I want the project to return to a "starting position" (0,0,0) at the touch of a button so that it can be used multiple (identical) times. ...
Christopher H's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
370 views

How can I make a mosaic from a given number of 1x1 bricks and a picture?

This question is similar to How can I convert an image's pixels to actual LEGO colors? except that I need to fit a certain number of bricks of a certain colour. For example, I have 20 white, 28 ...
Gnubie's user avatar
  • 853
7 votes
1 answer
2k views

Software to help inventory set

Are there any software applications to help check the inventory of a lego set? Currently I load the set-up as a bricklink wanted list and then delete each part one by one until I have only the ...
Dopa0282's user avatar
7 votes
0 answers
375 views

Digital tool for roller coaster physics

I'm currently working on a roller coaster MOC with a looping. I started physically building the MOC but quickly recognised that it is quite a mess to build something, tear it down rebuild it, etc. ...
Spock's user avatar
  • 639
6 votes
5 answers
28k views

Where can I download the software for old RCX-era Mindstorms sets?

These days I've been coming across a lot of people who've purchased used MINDSTORMS sets from the RCX era, only to find they didn't come with a CD. And in order to use the set, assuming that using an ...
HaydenStudios's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
9k views

What kind of software can I use to design LEGO MOCs?

What kind of software can I use to design LEGO MOCs? I hear the LDD is not so good to use so is there alternative software I can use?
fabian's user avatar
  • 1,285
6 votes
5 answers
4k views

Does the Mindstorms EV3 software run on OS X El Capitan?

El Capitan was released a few days ago, and I want to upgrade. Will there be issues with the software, or will it run nicely on El Capitan? My Mac: Retina MacBook Pro 13", Early 2015
user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
2k views

What are the known software tools for the EV3?

The EV3 is coming in Fall/Summer of 2013 and we tons of unknowns that will come in EV3. I am curious what software EV3 will run and will older generation software run on EV3 (NXT 1.0). And my final ...
iProgrammed's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
524 views

How to visually search for specific parts in a 3D model?

For a missed/loose piece that needs to be reattached, I plan to check all the steps where the piece was used. If I can also get an overview of the possible piece locations from the existing 3D models, ...
prusswan's user avatar
  • 185
6 votes
1 answer
168 views

How to distinguish official LEGO mini movies from non-official movies?

My sons (7 and 4.5 years old) love watching LEGO city mini movies on YouTube. They love watching all kinds of LEGO city mini movies, such as: Arctic Explorers The Escape From Prison Island ...
Eran's user avatar
  • 379
6 votes
1 answer
151 views

What is NXT-G number format?

We've been following this tutorial to connect a NXT 1.0 brick to a PC via Bluetooth. We've been able to set up the communication, send and receive data in ASCII format. However, whenever we try to ...
Cristian Porto's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
2k views

Control Lego Technic Control+ Hub via Python

Is it possible to control the Lego Technic Control+ Hub with Python? I have tried using Pybricks but that didn't work well for me.
user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
272 views

LEGO Dacta Intelligent House

I obtained an LEGO Dacta 9707 Intelligent House set plus the Interface B: By searching on BrickLink for the set, I found out that there was an Activity Pack for use with Control Lab software. If ...
Alberto Santos's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
200 views

How can I find overlapping bricks in LeoCAD?

I've just started using LeoCAD to generate instructions for a model I want to share. I've been able to get it working despite the sparse tutorials. But in looking at my results so far I see that I'...
chicks's user avatar
  • 5,235
6 votes
1 answer
306 views

Where can I find 'Dolphin', the 3D model to LEGO software?

It was created at the École Polytechique Fédérale de Lausanne. But it seems it is no longer available for to download. Does anybody knows what happened?
Victor Victory Xia's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
921 views

Convert 3rd party NXT programming language code to NXT-G program?

Is there a way to convert code from one or more 3rd party programming languages used for programming the NXT into a program that can be loaded up in NXT-G? If not, do any text-based languages provide ...
user124930's user avatar