Welcome to LDraw.org's new books page! We're excited that the LDraw community
has grown to the point we're starting to not only see books that use the software
to create instructions in them, but now we're seeing books specifically on LDraw topics!
We've put this page up to inform you about what's out there, and we hope it helps you
grasp the sometimes challenging concepts the various tools present.
Here are the books available for learning the various LDraw tools. Find below a
description of each, along with links to reviews if available.
Virtual LEGO®:
The Official LDraw.org Guide to LDraw Tools for Windows
By: Tim Courtney, Steve Bliss, and Ahui Herrera
Available Now!
The definitive guide to Windows-based LEGO model-building software from the maintainers of LDraw.org.
Virtual LEGO introduces you to a suite of software that allows you to create and document
computer-generated LEGO models. Written by maintainers of LDraw.org, the official hub of
LDraw-based LEGO model-building software, the book includes coverage of popular tools such
as LDraw, MLCad, L3P/L3PAO, LSynth, LPub, POV-Ray, MegaPOV, and LDDesignPad. You'll learn
how to use these software packages to build you own creations, make 3D scenes, and create
building instructions. The CD-ROM contains all the software readers need to get started,
all available LEGO parts models, templates for building instruction layouts, a collection
of custom models by LEGO builders worldwide, and a gallery of beautifully rendered scenes
created by various LEGO fans using the advanced techniques in the book's POV-Ray chapters.
LEGO Software Power Tools
Including LDraw, MLCAD, LPub, and LSynth
By: Kevin Clague, Miguel Agullo (Technical Reviewer Lars C. Hassing)
Available Now
LEGO freeware applications are an important aspect of the LEGO community. Until now these
tools, which are created to assist LEGO fans in their building adventures, have been difficult
to find, and even more difficult to configure to work with one another. Here, in one book,
readers will find steps for installing and using some of the most popular and successful
LEGO freeware applications, as well as a CD that contains all of the applications in one
simple-to-install program that will let users have them all up and running on their computer
in a matter of minutes.
LDraw.org's Book Policies
This document is a work in progress, and is subject to change as needed.
Please bear with us as we try to resolve these policies to the benefit of the community.
Due to the unique nature of the LDraw community, we think it necessary to put forth some
guidelines and criteria regarding our support and recognition of publications that use or
teach tools that are based on the LDraw file format and parts libraries.
The LDraw System is essentially an open project, built upon a file format conceived by
the late James Jessiman. The James Jessiman estate owns the copyright for the original DOS
software, still distributed under the release ldraw027.exe.
All DOS/Windows installations of the tools still require the original package to this day,
as it contains James' original LDraw parts. Many developrs have built their own tools
which use the format and libraries, and this is the System we know today.
LDraw.org is the Official web site for governing the LDraw Parts Library, and the central
site for the LDraw System of Tools. LDraw.org is governed by its core volunteers; the people
who provide the website space, administrate the website, coordinate the website content,
and administrate the Official Parts Updates. These individuals continue to distribute James's
LDraw release under the consent and trust of his family, with whom the volunteers maintains
regular contact. The volunteers of LDraw.org make all final decisions with regard to what
book(s) are considered Official, what book(s) are and are not recognized or Endorsed, and
what criteria are established to determine either designation.
LDraw.org has established the LDraw.org Publications Committee, which consists of the members
of the core team plus two advisors. The members of the LDraw.org Publications Committee are (in alphabetical order):
Jacob Sparre Andersen
Steve Bliss
Tim Courtney
Don Jessiman
Larry Pieniazek
This committee will review each potential publication and determine its status.
Endorsed Publications
Endorsed Publications are books that have been reviewed by the publications committee, and
they meet the following guidelines:
Proper perimssions have been obtained for ALL software featured in or distributed with the book.
If the book distributes software via CD-ROM or other media, the James Jessiman estate must be
fully aware of the authors' intentions and as the copyright holders must either permission to
the author(s) and publisher to distribute the essential ldraw027 archive, or the inclusion of
the software must be in full compliance with the
LDraw license, subject to LDraw.org's examination.
Proper consideration has been given to the document
Preserving the Integrity of the LDraw Name,
and the text of the book reflects the guidelines in that document.
The book meets subjective quality standards in the sole judgment of the committee.
Official Publications
Official Publications are books that are developed by or in conjunction with the core team of
LDraw.org from their inception, designed to inform and recruit new users, and which carry the
vision of the LDraw community. A book cannot be submitted for consideration of Official status after
completion. Official books are discussed and conceived in conjunction
with the team. Official books meet all of the guidelines of endorsed publications plus:
The main subject of the publication must be LDraw compatible tools.
The publication must respect and focus on the original LDraw file
format and the extensions to it, as decided upon by the LDraw community.
The publication must extend and supplement the LDraw.org website in a constructive way.
If you are considering writing a book on an aspect of the LDraw System, and would like to see
it considered official, contact a member of the LDraw.org Publications Committee to discuss the
possibilities. Official books will be allowed to carry the LDraw.org logo, and representatives
of LDraw.org may make themselves available to supply book content, aid in obtaining permissions
from software authors, review works-in-progress, write introductions, or supply cover quotes.
LDraw Related Books and Respecting the Jessiman Family
Due to the nature of the informal arrangement between the Jessiman family, LDraw.org, and the
LDraw community, we, the core team of LDraw.org, consider respecting the Jessiman family in all
business dealings of utmost importance.
signed,
The LDraw.org Publications Committee
