Here’s How Your Kids Can Digitally Create Lego Models and Then Buy Their Own Creations
The best way to introduce your kids to Lego is to hand them the Lego tub and say, “Here, come on!” But in the end, they may want to think even wider and work with more bricks than they have. This free tool allows them to create virtual Lego models from about 10,000 different parts and then buy bricks to assemble their creations in real life if they want (and yes they do).
LeoCAD , developed by Leonardo Zide, is a CAD software that allows new users to start creating without spending too much time learning a new application. They start with an empty base and then search the constantly updated part library for the blocks they need. After they have selected a piece, they can select its color and then drag it to the construction area, where they can rotate it and lock it in place. As they are created, they can see how their model comes together from different perspectives:
It’s a pretty straightforward setup with a basic guide to get them started.
Once they have mastered the basics, they can move on to larger models. Here is Tower Bridge, the official Lego set with over 4,000 pieces:
After your builder creates a virtual model, there are several ways to purchase the required Lego bricks. You can find them right on the Lego website, although it could take ages (see the 4000-piece tower). Or LeoCAD can export XML-file that you can import to the trading platform BrickLink Lego, and from there you can start shopping.