Lego Digital Designer: virtual brick-building fun - TimeWaster

I've always enjoyed assembling models and contraptions out of Lego, and my four-year-old son is becoming quite a fan, too. Unfortunately, dad's stash doesn't always have all the fancy bricks required to meet his design requirements.

Thankfully, the good folks at Lego offer the Digital Designer, a 22mb free download that offers a rich, 3D program for crafting creations on your Windows PC.

We've been using it for quite a while, and the latest version sports a more polished interface, wider selection of pieces and backdrops, and reduced CPU and memory loads. It runs beautifully on my Frankenlaptop, a Core2 T5200 with integrated Intel video.

The interface is easy to understand, and several "starter kits" are included. They're a good way to see Digital Designer's impressive capabilities at work.


To my wife's delight, there's no sound effect that replicates the horrible "digging through a Rubbermaid full of bricks" that has caused so much cringing in my house.

There is, however, a button that will blast your creation into a thousand pieces and then reassemble it. It's much more entertaining than watching your hard work go down the drain when your clumsy dog tramples your replica of the Ghostbuster's Fire Station (for example).

Once your custom creation is complete, you can print it, save it as an image, or order an actual build kit from Lego. Prices are reasonable, about what you'd pay for a similar boxed set at the store. There's even a toolbar button that will provide you with an estimate in your local currency.

Lego Digital Designer is a fun, creative program that kids and parents will both enjoy. Both Windows and Mac versions are available.

Tags: cad, freeware, fun, lego, time-waster, timewasters