Macintosh-Compatible LDraw Software

This is an inventory of Macintosh compatible LDraw software. Everyone is encouraged to contribute updates, clarifications, and corrections to this page. The objective is to compile and maintain a definitive list of the tools Mac users have at their disposal to work with the LDraw system.

Editors

These programs can be used to create LDraw models.

• Bricksmith: Arguably the premier Macintosh LDraw editor. Features a minifig editor, a flexible part browser, and more.
• ldglite: Keyboard oriented editor with numerous options; most faithful to the original LDraw and LEdit experience.
• Mac Brick CAD: Multiple iterations of this editor are available. [1]
• BrickDraw3D: Features drag-and-drop part insertion and movement.
• LEGO Digital Designer: Limited translation between LDraw and LDD format is possible.

Viewers

These programs are primarily intended to view existing LDraw models.

• LDView: Robust viewer with fly-through mode, automatic part downloading, and numerous rendering options.
• LCX: Experimental viewer with BFC tools and a rudimentary text-based editor.

Utilities

Some of these utilities are command line programs that may require familiarity with the Terminal to employ.

• LSynth and LSynth Service: Synthesize flexible elements like hoses and chains. [2]
• L3P and L3P Launcher: Convert LDraw files to POV-Ray format for high-quality rendering. LGEO parts can be substituted. [3]
• PreL3P: Convert newer color codes to a format understood by L3P.
• txt2dat: Generate textual LDraw stickers.
• Isecalc: Compute part intersections.
• Linetrim: Clip lines against surfaces.
• TextWrangler LDraw Kit and ldlocate: Improve TextWrangler's ability to edit LDraw files.
• LDraw-mode for Emacs: Adds functionality for working with LDraw files to the Emacs editor. [4]
• img2sticker: Convert images to optimized LDraw stickers. [5]
• LDLink: Reversibly merge separate part libraries.
• LDMerge: Improved successor to LDLink.
• l2rib: Convert LDraw models to RenderMan format.

Web

These online services are not strictly Macintosh oriented, but they are accessible to Mac users.

• Anton's LDraw Converter: Convert LDraw files to POV-Ray format; used for numerous impressive animations.
• Bitsticker: Convert images to LDraw stickers.
• txt2dat online: Generate textual LDraw stickers.
• Isecalc online: Compute part intersections.