MLCAD - LPub, consecutive step numbers

[xXFoxhound90]

After browsing many tutorials about LPub, MLCAD and trying things out, I haven't found a solution for my problem:

I want to create a model in MLCAD, which has to be built four times (like a substep), but it shouldn't start with step 1, 2..., but with a consecutive step number. I mean: main model (e.g. step 1,2,3) --> model, which has to be built four times (e.g. step 4,5,6) --> main model (e.g. step 7,8,9). If you want to have an example, go to step 43 - 56 from the instructions of 10253 Big Ben: https://www.lego.com/en-us/service/buildinginstructions/search?initialsearch=10253&ignorereferer=true#?text=10253

Thank you in advance!

Edited February 18, 2017 by xXFoxhound90

[1963maniac]

 I use LPUB3D to make my instructions and would just add text there saying something like "4X"  or "steps x-x build 4X". LPUB3D will automatically put the step numbers in your building instructions. Of course you have to create the steps in MLCAD first. You also need  to have all the parts required for the build in MLCAD so that your "bill of materials' in LPUB will be correct. Have you checked the  www.holly-wood.it/mlcad/basic1-en.html and  www.holly-wood.it/mlcad/advanced2-en.htm. these may also help

1. https://forums.ldraw.org/thread-21536-post-21951.html.  Philipe Hurbain https://sites.google.com/site/workingwithlpub/ &  https://sites.google.com/site/workingwithlpub/general/creating-more-complex-instructions/add-the-callout

2. http://news.lugnet.com/cad/mlcad/?n=1474

3. http://www.designer-han.nl/lego/create instructions.htm

 I hope I answered your question.

Edited February 19, 2017 by 1963maniac

[legolijntje]

The continued step numbering is actually something I suggested a little while ago to the author of LPub3D too.
It's not possible at the moment, but back then he said it might be in a future update.

So, for now I think there's not much you can do 

[xXFoxhound90]

@1963maniac: Thank you. I will take a look!

@legolijntje: Ok. That would be nice, if they implemented this update. Thanks!

[xXFoxhound90]

@GREG998: Yes, this would be a possibility! Thank you!

[1963maniac]

In LPUB3D text can be added. You may be able to make things more understandable once you are editing instruction pages in LPUB3D. You could just put "4X' or "build 4x".

[xXFoxhound90]

Yes, it works. But those parts are not shown in the bill of materials. To solve this problem, I created a second file, included all the parts from this build plus the parts, that are used multiple times in the step, saved it and loaded the file in LPub. Afterwards, I inserted a blank paper and added the bill of materials, and exported this page as a picture. Back in my original file, I also inserted a blank paper and imported the bills of material with correct numbers of parts, which are used. It's a little bit complicated, but, at the moment, the only possibility. Hopefully, the author of LPub will implement this feature in the next update.

[xXFoxhound90]

Sorry for double-posting, but I didn't want to create a new topic for this little question regarding LPub:

In my instructions on page 1 there are 4 steps with center placement and a divider, which separates step 1 and 2 on the left side from step 3 and 4 on the right side. Now, I want to move step number 1 to the top-left location relative to the page and step number 2 should also move to the left position, but with a little room to step number 1. The divider should ALWAYS be placed in middle of the page. Step number 3 and 4 should be moved to the right side. I'm not able to move just single steps like if there's only on step on the page. If you want to see a picture, go to page 48 steps 44-47 of Lego's instruction page (Big Ben):

https://www.lego.com/en-us/service/buildinginstructions/search?initialsearch=10253&ignorereferer=true#?text=10253

[1963maniac]

In LPUB3D right click on the image and you should be able to select "display step as rows". That way you can place Step 2 to the right of step 1 and place  step4 to the right of step 3