MLCad

Free plan LinuxWindows

What MLCad is

MLCad is a free CAD system for creating LEGO-style models and step-by-step building instructions. It reads and writes LDraw-compatible files, including MPD, and uses drag-and-drop editing to add, copy, and move parts. Finished models can be printed, turned into part lists, or used to create pictures of building steps. MLCad exports images in BMP, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and PNG formats. It can also produce pseudo models from fractal landscapes or pictures. The version history lists generators for minifigs, rubber belts, flexible hoses, springs, arrows, and baseplates, along with LSynth support. The information page identifies version 3.40 as current. Listed systems include Linux and older Windows releases: Windows 95/98/ME, NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. Installation requires the LDraw/LEdit package and its part definitions first. The free plan is listed as free.

Who it suits

MLCad suits people designing LEGO-style models or preparing visual building instructions. It is relevant to users working with LDraw files on the listed Linux or older Windows systems.

What it does well

Free plan listed as free
LDraw and MPD file compatibility
Drag-and-drop part editing
Prints models and generates part lists
Exports BMP, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and PNG

What to know first

Requires LDraw/LEdit and part definitions first
Listed Windows support covers older releases
Third-party language add-ons are not supported

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
MLCad	Create LEGO style models and building instructions · requires LDraw parts definitions	Free

As lm-software.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

MLCad provides model editing, instruction output, generators, and image export without a listed purchase cost. Check the required LDraw installation and the older supported operating systems before using it.

Facts from MLCad's own pages

Additional modeling: MLCad can create pseudo models from fractal landscapes or pictures. · lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026
Editing: The program supports drag and drop for adding, copying, and moving LEGO parts. · lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026
File compatibility: It reads and writes files compatible with LDraw. · lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026
File import and export: LDraw-compatible files; MPD; image export: BMP, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, PNG · lm-software.com, 24 Sept 2026
Free plan: Yes · lm-software.com, 24 Sept 2026
Generators: The version history lists minifig, rubber belt, flexible hose, spring, arrow, and baseplate generators. · lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026
Installation dependency: The download page says to install the LDraw/LEdit package and part definitions before MLCad. · mlcad.lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026
Integration: The version history lists LSynth support. · lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026
Notable limit: The download page says the maker does not support the third party language add-on files listed there. · mlcad.lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026
Output: Users can print models, generate part lists, and create pictures of building steps. · lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026
Purpose: MLCad is a CAD system for creating step by step building instructions for LEGO models and creations. · lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026
Security related behavior: The version 3.40 history says MLCad no longer writes to its installation path, including for network installations and Windows Vista and later. · lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026
Support: The maker invites comments, suggestions, and bug reports at [email protected]. · mlcad.lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026
Supported platforms: Windows 95/98/ME, NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Linux (as listed on the download page) · lm-software.com, 24 Sept 2026
Supported systems: The download page lists Windows 95/98/ME, NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Linux as software requirements. · mlcad.lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026
Version stated: The information page identifies version 3.40 as the current version. · lm-software.com, 11 Oct 2026

Where MLCad stands on Freedom251

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