Getting Started – Step 1

Obtain and install the base software

Although the LDraw package consists of several tools from different sources, by far the easiest way to install everything you need is to use the LDraw “All In One Installer”. This is a single package which takes you through the installation of each tool in turn, and makes sure they are all correctly configured to talk to each other.

To get the All In One Installer, go to

http://www.ldraw.org/GetStarted-Win.html

Read through the brief introduction, to understand what you are getting into, then continue to download and install the software following the comprehensive instructions given there. Either select the “Intermediate” installation option, or select the “Advanced” option to pick and choose the components. You may choose to install any or all of the optional tools that you think may be useful, and you can always return to the LDraw site to add others later. Note, however, that to create the high-quality Minibrix images you will need the following minimum set:

The LDraw Parts Library.
This will always be installed, whichever option you choose. You may never use all the Lego parts this gives you, but you will need many of the primitive sub-components contained in the library, since they are used in the definitions of the Minibrix parts as well.

MLCad
This is the construction tool you need to build the models. It’s about as close as you can get to the real thing but using a computer. It is an easy-to-use 3D editor, offering full drag and drop support for adding, copying and moving Minibrix parts, a parts inventory feature for your models, creation of steps for building instructions, and much more.

L3P
This is the program that converts MLCad models into the input format for creating ray-traced images. It is used to set up the backgrounds, camera angles, the lighting, and various other rendering options. It is a command-line program with lots of parameters, so, unless you are very keen on typing exercises, you should also install...

L3PAO
...a graphical interface that generates all the parameters for L3P without all those frustrating typing mistakes and incompatible options.

LGEO
This is a set of primitives and parts defined in POV-Ray format (see below) rather than in LDraw format. They produce much higher-quality renderings than just line-by-line conversions of the LDraw originals. The parts in LGEO are not required for Minibrix rendering, only for Lego. However, many of the primitives are, such as smoother curves and cylinders. Most importantly, the LGEO library will contain the Minibrix colour definitions needed to produce the final ray-traced images. Without it, everything will coloured black!

POV-Ray
This is an industry-standard ray-tracing program that renders very high quality images. It is produced by “Persistence of Vision” (POV) independently of LDraw, but is bundled with the LDraw installer for convenience. You will need version at least 3.1 to render Minibrix models. (The rubber texture will not render correctly in earlier versions, and will give program errors.) Unless you have some other need on an old version, I recommend you install the latest version offered, which is currently 3.6.

Finally, you might optionally wish to install:

LDView
This is a simple 3D browser for models created in MLCad. It can be a useful tool for quickly examining and checking your models without all the trouble of converting and rendering the file (which, for very large models, can take 30 minutes or more.)

Next...

Step 2: Download and install the Minibrix add-on.

Page last updated 26 October 2007

	The LDraw Parts Library. This will always be installed, whichever option you choose. You may never use all the Lego parts this gives you, but you will need many of the primitive sub-components contained in the library, since they are used in the definitions of the Minibrix parts as well.
	MLCad This is the construction tool you need to build the models. It’s about as close as you can get to the real thing but using a computer. It is an easy-to-use 3D editor, offering full drag and drop support for adding, copying and moving Minibrix parts, a parts inventory feature for your models, creation of steps for building instructions, and much more.
	L3P This is the program that converts MLCad models into the input format for creating ray-traced images. It is used to set up the backgrounds, camera angles, the lighting, and various other rendering options. It is a command-line program with lots of parameters, so, unless you are very keen on typing exercises, you should also install...
	L3PAO ...a graphical interface that generates all the parameters for L3P without all those frustrating typing mistakes and incompatible options.
	LGEO This is a set of primitives and parts defined in POV-Ray format (see below) rather than in LDraw format. They produce much higher-quality renderings than just line-by-line conversions of the LDraw originals. The parts in LGEO are not required for Minibrix rendering, only for Lego. However, many of the primitives are, such as smoother curves and cylinders. Most importantly, the LGEO library will contain the Minibrix colour definitions needed to produce the final ray-traced images. Without it, everything will coloured black!
	POV-Ray This is an industry-standard ray-tracing program that renders very high quality images. It is produced by “Persistence of Vision” (POV) independently of LDraw, but is bundled with the LDraw installer for convenience. You will need version at least 3.1 to render Minibrix models. (The rubber texture will not render correctly in earlier versions, and will give program errors.) Unless you have some other need on an old version, I recommend you install the latest version offered, which is currently 3.6.