Alternatives to MLCad

Alternatives to MLCad

There are a few programs you can use as an alternative to MLCAD. Two such programs are listed below:

Lego Digital Designer

URL: http://ldd.lego.com/

The official 3D modeling program for Mindstorms. This program is easier to use than MLCAD. For example, the Lego parts snap together: bricks snap on top of each other, axles snap into Lego holes, and wheels slide on the axles. However, it lacks many of the NXT parts, so you'll need the link shown below.

Google SketchUp

URL: http://sketchup.google.com/

For Mindstorms parts:
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/search?q=lego+nxt&btnG=Search&styp=m

Google SketchUp is a general 3D modeling program that can also do Mindstorms. There is a comprehensive collection of Mindstorms parts available for download. Using SketchUp is easy, and gives you more flexibility than the programs specific to Mindstorms since it allows you to model anything, not only Mindstorms pieces.

NXT parts for MLCAD

URL: http://www.philohome.com/nxtldraw/nxtldraw.htm

This add-on pack should give you all the NXT parts for MLCAD.