Lego Digital Designer Explained

LEGO Digital Designer
Collapsible:Yes
Released:[1]
Discontinued:yes
Latest Release Version:4.3.12
Latest Release Date:[2]
Operating System:Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or Windows 11
mac OS X 10.1 or higher
Size:276 - 285 MB
Language:English, German
Genre:Computer-aided design
License:Closed source (Freeware)

Lego Digital Designer is a discontinued CAD software made by Qube Software and the Lego Group. It allows people to design a virtual model using a selection of virtual Lego bricks. These models could be saved locally as uploaded to the Lego website for sharing and ordering as a physical product.[3] [4] It is available for macOS and Windows, but only as a 32-bit application, which means that it no longer runs on current versions of macOS. The program allows users to build models using virtual Lego bricks, in a computer-aided design like manner. Until 16 January 2012, these could be uploaded, along with instructions and a box design, to the Lego Design byME website, from where the models could 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 an .LXF file. On 9 November 2011, Lego declared that the Design byME service was going to end on 16 January 2012, due to its failure to meet quality expectations and for being too complex. In its absence, custom brick orders have had to be made via the Pick a Brick service. The closing of Design byME has not affected the ability of users to print custom instructions for their models.[5]

On 21 January 2016, Lego announced the project had been defunded, and would not receive additional updates.[6] However, in March 2016, a new updated version, 4.3.9, was uploaded.[7] The latest version, 4.3.12 was uploaded in late 2019. As of 2023, Lego Digital Designer is unavailable to download from Lego's website, with its former page redirecting to the download page for BrickLink Studio.

A special version of Lego Digital Designer (Hollywood Edition) was used in the making of the Lego Movie franchise.[8] The Hollywood Edition has also been used in the creation of Forza Horizon 4 - Lego Speed Champions.[9]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Qube Software . 25 February 2024 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20030731150050/http://qubesoft.com/ . 31 July 2003 . 24-Jul-2003 – LEGO Digital Designer ships !.
  2. Web site: LEGO Digital Designer 4.3.12.0 Download for Windows / Old Versions / FileHorse.com . www.filehorse.com . 2 June 2020.
  3. Web site: Lego.com Digital Designer Virtual Building Software - Download. © 2011 The Lego Group. 2012-01-20. 2011. 2012-01-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20120121181517/http://ldd.lego.com/en-us/download. dead.
  4. Web site: The Lego Group Lego Digital Designer 2.0 - reviews - Software and Services - Education - PC World Australia. © 2011 IDG Communications. ABN 14 001 592 650. 2012-01-20. 2011.
  5. Web site: Changes to Design byME in January. Lego. 2011-11-17. 2011-10-09. 2011-10-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20111029171142/http://designbyme.lego.com/en-US/news/default.aspx?id=302930. dead.
  6. News: Lego Digital Designer officially defunded and unsupported [News]]. 2016-01-21. The Brothers Brick. 2018-08-07. en-US.
  7. Web site: Lego Digital Designer 4.3.9 available now!. 2021-02-27. thebrickblogger.com.
  8. Web site: The Lego Movie Complete B-ROLL (2014) - Will Ferrell, Nick Offerman Movie HD. Movieclips Coming Soon. 2021-01-01. 2014-01-27.
  9. Web site: Forza Horizon 4 - Lego Speed Champions Behind the Scenes Part 3. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/T_CV7OrEzGg . 2021-12-21 . live. Forza. 2021-01-01. 2019-06-13.