TODO: remove everything here which duplicates http://www.ldraw.org/help/getting-started.html

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<img class="right" src="/uploads/images/SiteIcons/MacOSLogo.png" /> This section will help you set up the files you need to get started with LDraw. The installation process is not complicated, but it does require a working knowledge of computers.

Step 1:

<a href="/article/96">Download and install original LDraw Package</a>
The original LDraw package contains the parts libraries needed to get started creating LDraw models. Clicking <a href="/article/96">Step 1</a> will take you to the download and installation instructions. Be sure to follow them carefully! This step cannot be skipped.

Step 2:

Choose a Second Generation Editor
Second Generation Editors are new programs which allow you to design models using the oringinal LDraw file format and parts libraries.

<a href="http://bricksmith.sourceforge.net/" target="_top">Bricksmith</a>
Bricksmith is a full-featured model editor for Mac OS X 10.3 or later. Bricksmith provides a spinnable 3D model view, a fast, comprehensive part browser, easy access to the full color palette, and inspectors to tweak part components. It also supports submodels (MPD), steps, and primitives, as well as the usual features you expect in a Mac application (undo, copying, scrolling, and drag-and-drop reordering of file contents). And it is open source.

To download, visit the <a href="http://bricksmith.sourceforge.net/" target="_top">Bricksmith</a> site, click the download link at the top of the page. Note: the Bricksmith site distributes a version of Bricksmith that includes an LDraw parts library. If you followed step 1, be aware you do not need to download another parts library.

<a href="http://ldglite.sourceforge.net/" target="_top">Ldglite</a>
Editor and viewer of LDraw files. Full 3D hardware acceleration available through OpenGL. The GUI is a bit difficult to use at first, but it can quickly edit LDraw files if you turn off the stud rendering and after you learn how to use it. It is often best to use this in combination with another editor (such as MBC) and use each for the features that they excel in. Mac OS 8.6 to Mac OS X. The Mac OS X version is the most current. Mac OS 8.6 requires <a href="http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=120000">OpenGL extensions.</a>

To download, visit the <a href="http://ldglite.sourceforge.net/" target="_top">Ldglite</a> site, click the download link in the section "Get it here". The Mac OS 8.6 to 9 version is listed in the "Somewhat older stuff" section.

Step 3:

Dive in!
Learning how to use your new editor may be a challenge, but with a little practice you will get the hang of it.

Step 4:

<a href="/download/start/introutil.shtml">Introduction to LDraw Utilities</a>
There is a lot you can do with LDraw files beyond just creating LEGO models! Many contributors have developed utilities to make the most of the LDraw file format. Learn about them here. Note: on the Mac, the only utilities are POV-Ray and L3P related.

Step 5:

<a href="http://www.ldraw.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=Downloads&file=index">Download Software</a>
Check out LDraw.org's list of software packages to download which supplement the standard editors. Download programs like L3P or L3P Launcher, and POV-Ray. You can also convert LDraw files into Anton Raves' POV-Ray library format with <a href="http://www.antonraves.com/converter.php">Anton's POV-Ray converter</a>.

Help!

Need help with any of this? Check out <a href="/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index&catid=&topic=8">LDraw.org's Help Section</a>, or check out the <a href="http://news.lugnet.com/cad/" target="_top">lugnet.cad</a> discussion group and ask a large group of users for help. If you have a very Mac specific problem, post to the <a href="http://news.lugnet.com/cad/dev/mac/" target="_top">lugnet.cad.dev.mac</a> group or email: mac at nospam ldraw dot org.

Getting Started - Mac

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