Getting Started - Linux: Difference between revisions

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This article details installation procedures for the LDraw parts library and various applications for it.
The information has been validated and tested using Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. Any related information referencing Red Hat distributions such as Fedora have also been validated throughout regular use of the Fedora 20 OS release.
==Download and Install the LDraw parts Library==
==Download and Install the LDraw parts Library==


Basic setup (applies to any Linux distribution or operating system - Recommended approach):
Basic setup (applies to any Linux distribution or operating system - Recommended approach):
Line 7: Line 10:
*Extract the <code>complete.zip</code> archive in the directory of your choice - your home directory is recommended (<code>~/ldraw/</code>) to avoid any file permission conflict or having to tamper with your system as 'root'.
*Extract the <code>complete.zip</code> archive in the directory of your choice - your home directory is recommended (<code>~/ldraw/</code>) to avoid any file permission conflict or having to tamper with your system as 'root'.


'''Tip:'''<br>
=== rpm package ===
'''To avoid cluttering your home directory and potentially or mistakenly deleting your LDraw parts database, we suggest making the 'ldraw' directory hidden by appending a period ('.') to the directory name like so: <code>$ mv ldraw .ldraw</code>'''<br>
Note: This method will unpack the parts library into <tt>/usr/share/ldraw</tt>, which is only modifiable via root access.
'''Feel free to move the LDraw parts directory to a 'safer' location, such as a separate partition or a different part of your system to prevent any such unwanted changes: the library is portable and any editor, viewer, renderer or utility can be directed to its location on your system.'''<br>


* Download the latest (2013-02) version of the parts library packaged by Eli Carter from the [https://retracile.net/blog/2014/05/31/17.00 Retractile blog page].
* Install <code>ldraw_parts-creativecommons-201302-ec4.noarch.rpm</code> using your preferred package manager.


Updating your parts list:
== Install an editor ==


If, for any reason you have decided to alter the original parts directory (<code>~/ldraw/parts.lst</code>), Nathanel Titane has made a Linux native 'mklist.exe' equivalent: 'make-list'.
=== LeoCAD ===
The make-list utility operates exactly like its Windows counterpart, and generates a 'parts.lst' file that can be either sorted by part number or part description.
*Download the [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nathaneltitane/scripts/master/ldraw/make-list make-list] utility (right click: 'Save link as...')
*Save the utility as 'make-list' to your LDraw parts library directory (<code>~/ldraw/</code>).
*Run the utility like so: <code>$ ./make-list</code> and follow the prompts.


'''Note:'''<br>
LeoCAD is readily available for install for both Debian and Red Hat based distributions. You can install the editor by looking for and installing the <tt>leocad</tt> package using your distribution's package manager.
'''Make sure that the file is set as executable before attempting to run it: <code>$ sudo chmod +x make-list</code>'''<br>
* Install LeoCAD:
'''If present, the previous version of the 'parts.lst' file will be backed up.'''<br>
** deb: <code>$ sudo apt-get install leocad</code>
** rpm: <code>$ sudo yum-install leocad</code>
* Run LeoCAD and point it to the LDraw parts library:
** Go to View > Preferences... and set your library directory by either typing it in the field or browsing to it via '...'. Make sure to select the topmost directory (normally 'ldraw') that contains the 'parts' directory.


LeoCAD can use either a zip file or a regular folder as its parts library directory. You can start Leocad with a different library setup using: <tt>$ leocad -l <library directory path></tt>
LeoCAD also supports setting the library path as a system environment variable like so: <tt>set LEOCAD_LIB=<library directory path></tt>


Installer package approach (applies to any Red Hat or Debian based Linux distribution, provided packages exist and are maintained:<br>
=== LDCad ===


deb:<br>
* Go to [http://www.melkert.net/LDCad/download LDCad's download page]
*To be determined - Online queries do suggest that a new package for Debian based systems is being created and submitted for approval via the [https://ftp-master.debian.org/new/ldraw-parts_1302+ds-1.html Debian package overview server page]
* Select and download the latest generic archive of the LDCad editor.
rpm:<br>
* Extract the archive in the directory of your choice - your home directory is recommended to avoid any file permission conflict or having to tamper with your system as 'root'.
*Download the latest (2013-02) version of the parts library packaged by Eli Carter from the [https://retracile.net/blog/2014/05/31/17.00 Retractile blog page].
* Run LDCad, follow the prompts and point it to the LDraw parts library. Make sure to select the topmost directory (normally 'ldraw') that contains the 'parts' directory.
*Install <code>ldraw_parts-creativecommons-201302-ec4.noarch.rpm</code> using your preferred package manager or command package management tool (yum, rpm).


'''Note:'''<br>
LDCad uses so GTK libraries so make sure you have installed the required GTK packages.
'''This method will unpack the parts library under a more conventional system directory (<code>/usr/share/ldraw</code>) that is only modifiable via 'root' access.'''<br>


==Install an editor==
=== MLCAD via Wine ===
* Install [http://www.winehq.org/ Wine] via your distribution's package manager or application repository.
** deb: <code>$ sudo apt-get install wine</code>
** rpm: <code>$ sudo yum-install wine</code>
* Download the [http://mlcad.lm-software.com/MLCad_V3.40.zip MLCad archive] and extract it.
* Run MLCad by selecting <code>MLCAD.exe</code> and follow the usual prompts (LDraw parts library directory location and file type registration setup)
* Select Wine as the default method to open an executable on your system and proceed with the previously mentioned steps.


Hybrid setup - Installing MLCad via Wine:<br>
MLCAD runs exceptionally well with Platinum status on the Wine's [http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=application&iId=1354 AppDB] scale.


*Install [http://www.winehq.org/ Wine] via your distribution's package manager or application repository.
=== LDGLite ===
**deb: <code>$ sudo apt-get install wine</code>
**rpm: <code>$ sudo yum-install wine</code>
*Download the [http://mlcad.lm-software.com/MLCad_V3.40.zip MLCad archive].
*Extract the <code>MLCad_V3.40.zip</code> archive in the directory of your choice - your home directory is recommended to avoid any file permission conflict or having to tamper with your system as 'root'.
**Run MLCad by selecting <code>MLCAD.exe</code> and follow the usual prompts (LDraw parts library directory location and file type registration setup)
**Select Wine as the default method to open an executable on your system and proceed with the previously mentioned steps.


'''Note:'''<br>
LDGLite is only available as a standalone 64bit binary for Linux.
'''MLCad runs exceptionally well (Platinum status on the Wine's [http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=application&iId=1354 AppDB] scale) provided similar instructions are provided on the [http://mlcad.lm-software.com/Linux.htm MLCad website].'''<br>
* Download the [http://ldglite.sourceforge.net/ldglite1_2_3beta64bit.gz LDGLite binary archive]
'''The author of this Wiki, Nathanel Titane, has been running MLCad as his main LDraw editor on Linux for over 8 years without a single issue.'''<br>
* Extract the archive in the directory of your choice - your home directory is recommended to avoid any file permission conflict or having to tamper with your system as 'root'.
'''Any encountered problem, whatever it may be, should be troubleshooted or reported to the Wine developers as they are responsible for maintaining Wine's underlying code base that makes running Windows executables on Linux distributions possible.'''<br>
* Run LDGLite, right click on its background to get started.


This specific standalone requires libraries such as the dri accelerated opengl libraries, glut, glu, libpng and zlib to be installed.


Linux native editors:
== Related applications ==
=== LDView ===
LDView is a real-time 3D viewer for displaying LDraw models using hardware-accelerated 3D graphics. It is an essential tool in the creation of a model as it can be used to view and debug, in real-time and with full 3D graphics capacity, the model currently being edited. It can also generate snapshots of the displayed content or of specific selected views of the given model. LDView is native to the Linux platform and is readily available for install for both Debian and Red Hat based distributions.


* Download the latest binary package from LDView's [http://ldview.sourceforge.net/Downloads.html downloads page].
* Install LDView by using distribution's package manager.


LeoCad:
On Debian-based systems, your system may complain about either missing packages or unresolved dependencies. You may resolve these by forcing an install fix: <tt>sudo apt-get -f install</code>'''</tt>


Leonardo Zide's LeoCAD is readily available for install for both Debian and Red Hat based distributions. You can install the editor by looking for and installing the <code>leocad</code> package using your preferred package manager or command package management tool (apt, dpkg / yum, rpm).
For rpm-systems, there is a [http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/pbartfai/ LDView repository] for binaries, from which you can get the latest LDView version, provided you add the yum repository information as follows:'''
*Install LeoCAD:
**deb: <code>$ sudo apt-get install leocad</code>
**rpm: <code>$ sudo yum-install leocad</code>
*Run LeoCad and point it to the LDraw parts library:
**Go to View > Preferences... and set your library directory by either typing it in the field or browsing to it via '...'. Make sure to select the topmost directory (normally 'ldraw') that contains the 'parts' directory.


'''Note:'''<br>
sudo cat > /etc/yum.repos.d/ldview.repo << FILE
'''LeoCAD can use either a zip file or a regular folder as its parts library directory.'''<br>
[ldview]
'''You can start Leocad with a different library setup using: <code>$ leocad -l <library directory path></code>'''<br>
name=LDView Repository
'''LeoCAD also supports setting the library path as a system environment variable like so: <code>$ set LEOCAD_LIB=<library directory path></code>'''<br>
baseurl=http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/pbartfai/Fedora_$(rpm -E %fedora)/
gpgkey=http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/pbartfai/Fedora_$(rpm -E %fedora)/repodata/repomd.xml.key
enabled=1
gpgcheck=0
FILE


The variable <code>"$(rpm -E %fedora)"</code> refers to rpm's way (on the Fedora distribution) of finding the current version and attributing the proper number to the URL.'''


LDCad:
The OpenSUSE build server automatically generates the configurations for upcoming or newer versions of any supported Red Hat distribution, ONLY when those distribution versions are stable and public.


*Go to [http://www.melkert.net/LDCad/download LDCad's download page]
=== LPub ===
*Select and download the latest generic archive of the LDCad editor.
*Extract the archive in the directory of your choice - your home directory is recommended to avoid any file permission conflict or having to tamper with your system as 'root'.
*Run LDCad, follow the prompts and point it to the LDraw parts library. Make sure to select the topmost directory (normally 'ldraw') that contains the 'parts' directory.


'''Note:'''<br>
LPub is an LDraw building instruction editor. It enables the creation of highly detailed, professional looking instructions. It uses external rendering applications to generate the model's step thumbnails to be included in the document, with both LDView and LDGLite supported.
'''LDCad assumes you are running on a GTK based or compatible desktop environment such as gnome. Make sure you have installed the required packages and libraries to avoid any issues.'''<br>


The port was generated by Eli Carter in 2009 and has been updated to enable the compilation and packaging of the latest revision of the software for Linux based distributions.


LDGLite:
For Debian-based distributions:
* Download the latest installer package from Nathanel Titane's latest [https://github.com/nathaneltitane/lpub/tree/master/2014-06-03 LPub Github repository].
* Install <code>lpub.deb</code> using your preferred package manager or command package management tool (apt, dpkg).
* Your system may complain about either missing packages or unresolved dependencies. You may resolve these by forcing an install fix: <code>sudo apt-get -f install</code>'''<br>


LDglite is only available as a standalone 64bit binary for Linux. Compared to the other editors, it does pale in comparison to the amount of features present on the more modern ones.
For Red Hat-based distributions:
If for curiosity's sake you still want to install it, proceed as follows:
* Download the latest installer package from Eli Carter's [https://retracile.net/blog/2014/05/31/17.20 blog page].
*Download the [http://ldglite.sourceforge.net/ldglite1_2_3beta64bit.gz LDGLite binary archive]
* Install <code>lpub4-4.0.0.14-20140514.ec3.x86_64.rpm</code> using your preferred package manager or command package management tool (yum, rpm).
*Extract the archive in the directory of your choice - your home directory is recommended to avoid any file permission conflict or having to tamper with your system as 'root'.
*Run LDGlite, right click on its background to get started.


'''Note:'''<br>
=== Buf3D (Android) ===
'''Make sure that the binary is set as executable before attempting to run it: <code>$ sudo chmod +x ldglite</code>'''<br>
'''This specific standalone requires libraries such as the dri accelerated opengl libraries, glut, glu, libpng and zlib to be installed.'''
'''If, for whatever reason LDGlite fails to start by clicking on the binary, you may run it via a terminal and verify its output, like so: <code>./ldglite</code>'''


Buf3D is an application aimed at bringing the most actual developments of OpenGL technology for model viewing purposes to the Android mobile platform. Amongst many of its supported file formats and model viewing features it includes the ability to view LDraw models. It will prompt you to make use (online) or download of the official LDraw parts library.


Konstruktor:
You can find and install this application via the [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cimplus.buf3d Google Play Store]
 
Konstruktor, created by Park Joon Kyu, is one of the latest attempts to develop a modern, fully integrated and platform independant LDraw model editor. It features a fully modular panel interface as well as full HD POV-Ray rendering capabilities of the model being edited.
There is no ETA as to when it will be ready, although development continues, to provide a premium alternative to other editors, if those fail to satisfy.
You may visit the temporary webpage [http://konstruktor.influx.kr/ here] or skip directly to its [https://github.com/segfault87/Konstruktor GitHub repository] to test it out, file bugs or help with its development in any other way.
 
 
==Related applications==
 
 
LDView:
 
LDView, by Travis Cobbs, is a real-time 3D viewer for displaying LDraw models using hardware-accelerated 3D graphics. It is an essential tool in the creation of a model as it can be used to view and debug, in real-time and with full 3D graphics capacity, the model currently being edited (using the auto-update polling preference). It can also generate snapshots of the displayed content or of specific selected views of the given model. LDView is native to the Linux platform and is readily available for install for both Debian and Red Hat based distributions.


*Download the latest installer package from LDView's [http://ldview.sourceforge.net/Downloads.html#Linux4200B1  downloads page].
=== Updating your parts list ===
*Install LDView by using your preferred package manager or command package management tool (apt, dpkg / yum, rpm).


'''Note:'''<br>
If, the parts directory has been altered (such as by upgrading), the parts.lst file needs to be updated:
'''deb: Your system may complain about either missing packages or unresolved dependencies. You may resolve these by forcing an install fix like so: <code>$ sudo apt-get -f install</code>'''<br>
* The stock mklist.exe can be run with Wine
'''rpm: LDView's Linux maintainer, Peter Bartfai, has an [http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/pbartfai/ LDView repository] set up using the OpenSuse build server system, from which you can get the latest LDView version, provided you add the yum repository information as follows:'''<br>
* A native Linux alternative called 'make-list' can be found on github: https://github.com/nathaneltitane/scripts


<code> $ sudo cat > /etc/yum.repos.d/ldview.repo << FILE<br>
== Notes ==
[ldview]<br>
* The LDraw parts directory can be moved to another location, such as a hidden folder or a separate partition or a different part of your system to prevent any such unwanted changes. The library is portable and any editor, viewer, renderer or utility can be directed to its location.
name=LDView Repository<br>
* A new package called <tt>ldraw-parts</tt> for Debian based systems is being created and submitted for approval for the Debian project: https://ftp-master.debian.org/new/ldraw-parts_1302+ds-1.html
baseurl=http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/pbartfai/Fedora_$(rpm -E %fedora)/<br>
* Konstruktor is an in-development CAD that aims to feature a fully modular panel interface as well as full HD POV-Ray rendering capabilities of the model being edited. You may visit the temporary webpage [http://konstruktor.influx.kr/ here] or its [https://github.com/segfault87/Konstruktor GitHub repository].
gpgkey=http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/pbartfai/Fedora_$(rpm -E %fedora)/repodata/repomd.xml.key<br>
enabled=1<br>
gpgcheck=0<br>
FILE<br>
</code>


'''Tip:'''<br>
== Dive in ==
'''The variable <code>"$(rpm -E %fedora)"</code> refers to rpm's way (on the Fedora distribution) of finding the current version and attributing the proper number to the URL.'''<br>
'''Note:'''<br>
'''The OpenSuse build server team automatically generates the configurations for upcoming or newer versions of any supported Red Hat distribution, ONLY when those distribution versions are finalized, stable and made available to the public.'''<br>
 
 
LPub:
 
LPub is Kevin Clague's LDraw building instruction editor. This tool is extremely powerful as it enables the creation of highly detailed, professional looking instructions. It uses external rendering applications to generate the model's step thumbnails to be included in the document. Both LDView and LDGlite are supported.
 
The port was generated by Eli Carter in 2009 and have been updated (2014) to enable the compilation and packaging of the latest revision of the software for Linux based distributions.
 
You may install LPub as follows:
 
deb:<br>
*Download the latest installer package from Nathanel Titane's latest [https://github.com/nathaneltitane/lpub/tree/master/2014-06-03 LPub Github repository].
*Install <code>lpub.deb</code> using your preferred package manager or command package management tool (apt, dpkg).
rpm:<br>
*Download the latest installer package from Eli Carter's [https://retracile.net/blog/2014/05/31/17.20 blog page].
*Install <code>lpub4-4.0.0.14-20140514.ec3.x86_64.rpm</code> using your preferred package manager or command package management tool (yum, rpm).
'''Note:'''<br>
'''deb: Your system may complain about either missing packages or unresolved dependencies. You may resolve these by forcing an install fix like so: <code>$ sudo apt-get -f install</code>'''<br>
 
 
Buf3D (Android)
 
In the likes of LDView, Buf3D, developed by Antonio Cortes, is an application aimed at bringing the most actual developments of OpenGL technology for model viewing purposes to the Android mobile platform. Amongst many of its supported file formats and model viewing features, it includes, of course, the capacity to view LDraw models. Whether they are downloaded to your device or viewed through online access via other represented galleries, the application detects the loading of LDraw compatible file formats (.ldr, .dat and .mpd) and will prompt you to make use (online) or download (highly recommended) of the official LDraw parts library.
 
You can find and install this application via the [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cimplus.buf3d Google Play Store]
 
'''Note:'''<br>
'''The author of this wiki, Nathanel Titane, has contacted the application developer to help enhance the application and bring it to the latest Android and LDraw compatibility standards. The current version is highly efficient in displaying models, though it can still benefit much improvement in the likes of parts database updating and OpenGL shader display functions. Stay tuned!'''
 
 
==Dive in==


Learning how to use your new editor or understanding the LDraw file format may be a challenge, but with a little practice you will get the hang of it. Take a look at the tutorials [[:Category:Tutorials|on the wiki]] or [http://www.ldraw.org/article/58.html on the main website] for further help.
Learning how to use your new editor or understanding the LDraw file format may be a challenge, but with a little practice you will get the hang of it. Take a look at the tutorials [[:Category:Tutorials|on the wiki]] or [http://www.ldraw.org/article/58.html on the main website] for further help.
==Help==


Forums are also a great way to discuss techniques, issues or features of editors or applications used to create or edit your LDraw model files. If you require any further help with any of this content, please visit the [http://forums.ldraw.org LDraw.org Forums], sign up, and ask a large group of users for help.
Forums are also a great way to discuss techniques, issues or features of editors or applications used to create or edit your LDraw model files. If you require any further help with any of this content, please visit the [http://forums.ldraw.org LDraw.org Forums], sign up, and ask a large group of users for help.
==Disclaimer==
The information above has been validated and tested using Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. Any related information referencing Red Hat distributions such as Fedora have also been validated throughout regular use of the Fedora 20 OS release. Please take care in understanding that most OS development cycles and releases do modify the library or system requirements and thus, will require the user to proceed in new software compilation, installation or external library inclusions. The author of this Wiki hereby releases himself of any responsibility consequent of the actions taken by any user outside of the specified information and steps listed within this Wiki.


[[Category:Linux]]
[[Category:Linux]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]

Revision as of 23:12, 24 June 2014

This article details installation procedures for the LDraw parts library and various applications for it.

The information has been validated and tested using Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. Any related information referencing Red Hat distributions such as Fedora have also been validated throughout regular use of the Fedora 20 OS release.

Download and Install the LDraw parts Library

Basic setup (applies to any Linux distribution or operating system - Recommended approach):

  • Download the latest complete.zip from LDraw.org download page.
  • Extract the complete.zip archive in the directory of your choice - your home directory is recommended (~/ldraw/) to avoid any file permission conflict or having to tamper with your system as 'root'.

rpm package

Note: This method will unpack the parts library into /usr/share/ldraw, which is only modifiable via root access.

  • Download the latest (2013-02) version of the parts library packaged by Eli Carter from the Retractile blog page.
  • Install ldraw_parts-creativecommons-201302-ec4.noarch.rpm using your preferred package manager.

Install an editor

LeoCAD

LeoCAD is readily available for install for both Debian and Red Hat based distributions. You can install the editor by looking for and installing the leocad package using your distribution's package manager.

  • Install LeoCAD:
    • deb: $ sudo apt-get install leocad
    • rpm: $ sudo yum-install leocad
  • Run LeoCAD and point it to the LDraw parts library:
    • Go to View > Preferences... and set your library directory by either typing it in the field or browsing to it via '...'. Make sure to select the topmost directory (normally 'ldraw') that contains the 'parts' directory.

LeoCAD can use either a zip file or a regular folder as its parts library directory. You can start Leocad with a different library setup using: $ leocad -l <library directory path> LeoCAD also supports setting the library path as a system environment variable like so: set LEOCAD_LIB=<library directory path>

LDCad

  • Go to LDCad's download page
  • Select and download the latest generic archive of the LDCad editor.
  • Extract the archive in the directory of your choice - your home directory is recommended to avoid any file permission conflict or having to tamper with your system as 'root'.
  • Run LDCad, follow the prompts and point it to the LDraw parts library. Make sure to select the topmost directory (normally 'ldraw') that contains the 'parts' directory.

LDCad uses so GTK libraries so make sure you have installed the required GTK packages.

MLCAD via Wine

  • Install Wine via your distribution's package manager or application repository.
    • deb: $ sudo apt-get install wine
    • rpm: $ sudo yum-install wine
  • Download the MLCad archive and extract it.
  • Run MLCad by selecting MLCAD.exe and follow the usual prompts (LDraw parts library directory location and file type registration setup)
  • Select Wine as the default method to open an executable on your system and proceed with the previously mentioned steps.

MLCAD runs exceptionally well with Platinum status on the Wine's AppDB scale.

LDGLite

LDGLite is only available as a standalone 64bit binary for Linux.

  • Download the LDGLite binary archive
  • Extract the archive in the directory of your choice - your home directory is recommended to avoid any file permission conflict or having to tamper with your system as 'root'.
  • Run LDGLite, right click on its background to get started.

This specific standalone requires libraries such as the dri accelerated opengl libraries, glut, glu, libpng and zlib to be installed.

Related applications

LDView

LDView is a real-time 3D viewer for displaying LDraw models using hardware-accelerated 3D graphics. It is an essential tool in the creation of a model as it can be used to view and debug, in real-time and with full 3D graphics capacity, the model currently being edited. It can also generate snapshots of the displayed content or of specific selected views of the given model. LDView is native to the Linux platform and is readily available for install for both Debian and Red Hat based distributions.

  • Download the latest binary package from LDView's downloads page.
  • Install LDView by using distribution's package manager.

On Debian-based systems, your system may complain about either missing packages or unresolved dependencies. You may resolve these by forcing an install fix: sudo apt-get -f install

For rpm-systems, there is a LDView repository for binaries, from which you can get the latest LDView version, provided you add the yum repository information as follows:

sudo cat > /etc/yum.repos.d/ldview.repo << FILE
[ldview]
name=LDView Repository
baseurl=http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/pbartfai/Fedora_$(rpm -E %fedora)/
gpgkey=http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/pbartfai/Fedora_$(rpm -E %fedora)/repodata/repomd.xml.key
enabled=1
gpgcheck=0
FILE

The variable "$(rpm -E %fedora)" refers to rpm's way (on the Fedora distribution) of finding the current version and attributing the proper number to the URL.

The OpenSUSE build server automatically generates the configurations for upcoming or newer versions of any supported Red Hat distribution, ONLY when those distribution versions are stable and public.

LPub

LPub is an LDraw building instruction editor. It enables the creation of highly detailed, professional looking instructions. It uses external rendering applications to generate the model's step thumbnails to be included in the document, with both LDView and LDGLite supported.

The port was generated by Eli Carter in 2009 and has been updated to enable the compilation and packaging of the latest revision of the software for Linux based distributions.

For Debian-based distributions:

  • Download the latest installer package from Nathanel Titane's latest LPub Github repository.
  • Install lpub.deb using your preferred package manager or command package management tool (apt, dpkg).
  • Your system may complain about either missing packages or unresolved dependencies. You may resolve these by forcing an install fix: sudo apt-get -f install

For Red Hat-based distributions:

  • Download the latest installer package from Eli Carter's blog page.
  • Install lpub4-4.0.0.14-20140514.ec3.x86_64.rpm using your preferred package manager or command package management tool (yum, rpm).

Buf3D (Android)

Buf3D is an application aimed at bringing the most actual developments of OpenGL technology for model viewing purposes to the Android mobile platform. Amongst many of its supported file formats and model viewing features it includes the ability to view LDraw models. It will prompt you to make use (online) or download of the official LDraw parts library.

You can find and install this application via the Google Play Store

Updating your parts list

If, the parts directory has been altered (such as by upgrading), the parts.lst file needs to be updated:

Notes

  • The LDraw parts directory can be moved to another location, such as a hidden folder or a separate partition or a different part of your system to prevent any such unwanted changes. The library is portable and any editor, viewer, renderer or utility can be directed to its location.
  • A new package called ldraw-parts for Debian based systems is being created and submitted for approval for the Debian project: https://ftp-master.debian.org/new/ldraw-parts_1302+ds-1.html
  • Konstruktor is an in-development CAD that aims to feature a fully modular panel interface as well as full HD POV-Ray rendering capabilities of the model being edited. You may visit the temporary webpage here or its GitHub repository.

Dive in

Learning how to use your new editor or understanding the LDraw file format may be a challenge, but with a little practice you will get the hang of it. Take a look at the tutorials on the wiki or on the main website for further help.

Forums are also a great way to discuss techniques, issues or features of editors or applications used to create or edit your LDraw model files. If you require any further help with any of this content, please visit the LDraw.org Forums, sign up, and ask a large group of users for help.