Freedom251 › 3D modeling software
LeoCAD
What LeoCAD is
LeoCAD is a free, open-source desktop CAD application for designing virtual models from LEGO bricks. It runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, with an interface intended to help new users begin without a long learning period. Users can browse and search the LDraw parts library, which contains over 10,000 parts and continues to receive updates, then add, move, rotate, and organize pieces into model steps. LeoCAD reads and writes LDR and MPD files and follows the LDraw Standard. It can create building instructions with multiple steps and submodels, print them, or generate an HTML page through command-line options. Rendering can produce images, while command-line export supports Wavefront OBJ, 3DS, and COLLADA. Texture-mapped primitives use the LDraw TEXMAP extension, and custom libraries can be supplied as ZIP files or folders. Ray-traced images require POV-Ray. Tutorials and documentation cover basic and advanced use. LeoCAD is licensed under GPL version 2.
Who it suits
LeoCAD suits people designing virtual brick models on desktop systems. It is useful for users who need LDraw compatibility, custom libraries, model instructions, or command-line exports.
What it does well
- Free and open source under GPL version 2
- Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS
- LDraw library has over 10,000 parts
- Creates multi-step building instructions
- Exports OBJ, 3DS, and COLLADA
What to know first
- Ray-traced images require POV-Ray
- Desktop access only
- LEGO does not sponsor or endorse LeoCAD
- No security certifications stated
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free and open-source | Windows, Linux, and macOS versions · LDraw-compatible parts library · GPLv2 license | Free |
| LeoCAD | Free and open source · GPL version 2 | Free |
As leocad.org lists them, read 22 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
LeoCAD provides a free desktop workflow for virtual brick design, instructions, rendering, and exports. Its reliance on LDraw and POV-Ray for ray tracing are important considerations.
Facts from LeoCAD's own pages
- Animation tools
- Yes · leocad.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Building instructions
- Users can create building instructions with multiple steps and submodels. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Editing tools
- The basic tutorial covers browsing and searching the parts library, adding pieces, moving and rotating them, and creating model steps. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · leocad.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Instructions output
- The command-line options include creating an HTML page for a model, and the tutorial says users can print instructions. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Interface
- The interface is designed to help new users start creating models without spending too much time learning the application. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Library compatibility
- LeoCAD is compatible with LDraw's parts library and can use a custom library supplied as a ZIP file or regular folder. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Model formats
- LeoCAD reads and writes LDR and MPD files and is compatible with the LDraw Standard and related tools. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Notable limitation
- The tutorial says ray-traced images can be created if POV-Ray is installed. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Parts library
- LeoCAD uses the LDraw parts library, which the site says contains over 10,000 parts and continues to receive updates. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Platform access
- desktop · leocad.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- LeoCAD is a CAD application for designing virtual models made from LEGO bricks. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Render engine
- both · leocad.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Rendering and export
- LeoCAD can generate images and export models to Wavefront OBJ, 3DS and COLLADA formats from the command line. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Security and warranty
- The official pages opened provide a GPL v2 license and its no-warranty terms, but do not state security certifications or compliance claims. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Support and learning
- The site provides a basic tutorial and documentation for getting started and more advanced topics. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Texture mapping
- LeoCAD supports texture-mapped primitives through the LDraw TEXMAP extension. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Trademark disclaimer
- The site says LEGO is a trademark of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse LeoCAD. · leocad.org, 12 Oct 2026
Where LeoCAD stands on Freedom251
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