Generally speaking, children love standard LEGO sets and have a lot of fun with them. But do you want to try something more ambitious? As LEGO’s popularity grows, adults tend to enjoy the fun of LEGO in a more complex and inspiring way, which is completely different from how children traditionally play. Most adults prefer to create their own models, which may differ from the original LEGO sets. Their designs can be inspired by objects and characters observed in real life or by fantastical images and fictional characters from imaginary worlds.

In other words, most adult MOC (My Own Creation) enthusiasts can use their creativity to design and build their highly personalized and unique MOC sets. Alternatively, adult players might take a less complex approach by recreating a replica MOC set that looks similar to official LEGO sets. They need to collect MOC bricks that are very similar to those provided in official LEGO sets to remake various creations. Even if adult players build MOC sets based on existing LEGO models, they can still create their own designs by making modifications to the sets.

This process is enjoyable, inspiring, and fun because it gives us a great opportunity to awaken our imagination and realize our dreams, ultimately leading to a great sense of accomplishment.

Perhaps you’ve heard of LEGO MOC but aren’t quite sure what it is or where to start. You’ve come to the right place today! I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about MOC, what it is, and all the tips and tricks you need to get started. In this guide, you’ll learn where to buy LEGO parts for MOC and how to plan your first MOC build. We’ll also cover how and where to gather ideas for building LEGO MOCs.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

What is a LEGO MOC?

Under the leadership of AFOLs, or Adult Fans of LEGO®, an active culture of building MOCs has emerged.

MOC stands for “My Own Creation.” Therefore, LEGO® MOC means LEGO My Own Creation, which refers to works designed and built by LEGO fans using original LEGO® bricks.

LEGO MOCs are renowned for life-sized replicas of castles and palaces displayed at LEGO fan conventions and model-building exhibitions. These creations are not built according to LEGO’s original designs and official instructions but are instead customized, personalized, and often highly creative, reflecting each builder’s preferences. LEGO MOC enthusiasts can design their own MOC sets, showcasing innovative shapes and conveying novel and imaginative ideas. These designers also create custom LEGO® instructions to build their custom kits. These kits come with all the LEGO® parts and instructions needed for construction. In short, LEGO MOC enthusiasts can step outside the boundaries of official LEGO sets and rely entirely on their imagination and creativity to build new models.

Although “My” is part of MOC, it is used to describe anyone’s custom LEGO creation. Thus, phrases like “your MOC” or “their MOC” are entirely acceptable. In essence, it signifies almost any form of original invention built using LEGO bricks. These creations demonstrate that with a bit of imagination and some LEGO® bricks, you can build anything!

What Is a LEGO MOC Set?

Having just introduced what LEGO MOCs are, I believe understanding LEGO MOC sets will now be much easier.

A LEGO MOC set is a custom-designed kit representing an item or design someone has dreamed up. Each LEGO MOC set is crafted by someone who is passionate about LEGO bricks and knows how to create feasible blueprints for others to use.

Simply put, when it comes to LEGO bricks, your imagination is the only limit. With enough creativity and time, you can create almost anything and make a LEGO version of it. These creations can then be sold or marketed online, along with the blueprints, so other LEGO enthusiasts can build your designs.

What is LEGO Ideas？

In 2008, LEGO launched a website called LEGO Ideas in collaboration with Japan’s Cuusoo Company. This platform encourages players to use their imagination to create new sets and share their creations on LEGO Ideas. These creations then receive votes from players worldwide. Each year, the most popular designs have a chance to become official sets sold the following year, with the original designer earning a 1% royalty.

The LEGO Ideas website has naturally become a hub for many talented MOC designers. On this site, you can freely explore a wide variety of imaginative MOC creations and vote for your favorite designs, helping them potentially become part of next year’s IDEAS series.

What is the significance of MOCs in the LEGO world?

For fans, LEGO MOCs hold immense importance, often surpassing traditional sets. With LEGO MOCs, fans can enjoy LEGO in ways the company never originally envisioned. The individual bricks are far more powerful than the sets themselves because they give fans greater control over what they can create or, indeed, recreate!

There are outstanding MOC creation companies around the world. Veteran fans, like those at Chubbybots, have consistently demonstrated through their creations that no single LEGO brick should go to waste. You must save it, as it might become an essential part of your next LEGO MOC.

Categories of LEGO MOCs

Just like LEGO’s own product lines, MOCs come in many different categories. I’ll briefly introduce some of them below.

Technic MOCs

These MOCs are built using LEGO® Technic elements. LEGO® Technic is a series that uses different components to create more complex and functional structures. With rods, axles, gears, and mechanical components, you can create intricate structures like functional gearboxes!

Architecture MOCs

The LEGO® Architecture theme features a very distinct micro-scale style. MOCs in this category attempt to achieve the same style through various builds, such as this MOC inspired by the Harry Potter universe.

Automaton MOCs

LEGO® Automaton MOCs are some of the most intriguing. They often combine regular and Technic LEGO® elements to recreate a sort of “life scene.”

Star Wars MOCs

Star Wars MOCs have seen a rapid rise in popularity in recent years. Many international MOC masters have their own impressive creations. The reason for this trend, besides the decades of enthusiastic support from fervent Star Wars fans, is largely due to LEGO’s recent policy of reissuing discontinued Star Wars sets. This practice has disappointed many Star Wars LEGO fans, leading them to say, “If we can’t get the products we want, we’ll just design them ourselves.”

How to build a LEGO MOC?

LEGO MOCs are sets built by numerous LEGO enthusiasts. They order the bricks from online brick/part stores and then start creating. Essentially, a LEGO MOC is made from individual LEGO bricks designed from scratch by the creator. There are two ways to make a LEGO MOC: you can visit websites that sell fan-made MOC sets, or you can try making one yourself.

Before you begin, let’s take a closer look at some tips and tricks on how to start a LEGO MOC and how beginners can construct their own LEGO MOCs.

Learning and Researching Online

First, it’s important to gain basic knowledge about LEGO® MOCs and learn building techniques. Watching tutorials on construction techniques is highly recommended. Also, time-lapse videos or speed builds can be very informative and inspiring, as they showcase the MOC building process at a faster pace.

Visiting LEGO or model building exhibitions can also be interesting, though it requires more time. On LEGO forums and Reddit, you can exchange ideas with other builders and seek advice.

Know The Basics: Bricks

The first thing you need to understand is the classification of LEGO bricks, so you can start thinking about how to piece them together. Let’s begin with the sizes.

The size of the bricks depends on the number of studs they have. A 1×2 brick is 1 stud wide and 2 studs long. A 2×4 brick is 2 studs wide and 4 studs long, and so on. This is easy enough to grasp. What’s more challenging is understanding the types of bricks you’re using. Here are the names of the different types so you can look into them further to better understand each one and their purpose in a build:

• Bricks
• Round bricks
• Modified bricks
• Technic bricks
• Plates
• Modified plates
• Rods
• Technic linkers
• Wedges
• Technic beams
• Curved slopes
• Slopes

Get to Know Your Sets

When it comes to LEGO sets, the first step in creating a LEGO MOC is mastering the LEGO sets. As you build following the instructions provided by LEGO, take a moment to analyze why certain bricks are used at specific times. How do they affect the design and functionality of the finished product? By asking these questions, you can learn the building techniques needed when you start creating your own LEGO MOC.

Alternate Builds – Set Aside the Instructions

Now that you’ve mastered LEGO sets, you can begin learning how to create LEGO MOCs, but the first stage is really just experimenting. Take the LEGO set you’ve just assembled and try improving it. Take those pieces and use them to enhance the set in front of you. Add decorations, make it bigger, and create more scenes.

This practice is called Alternate Builds. Alternate Builds are MOCs that can be made using only the parts found in a single LEGO set.

If you’re interested in making your own LEGO® MOCs, I recommend trying out some LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 sets. Build the three models, then try creating variations using only the parts in the box. This part limitation is a great way to practice design flexibility, allowing you to incorporate techniques from other models into your MOC.

Why Start with Alternate Builds?

For LEGO newcomers, in-set MOCs can significantly reduce the difficulty of MOC building for two reasons:

1. Most LEGO MOC creations use rare or specialized parts. If you haven’t seen these parts before, it can be challenging to replicate them without a blueprint. In-set MOCs allow you to work without needing extensive knowledge of LEGO parts.
2. In-set builds use a fixed set of parts. By familiarizing yourself with the parts from a particular set and using trial and error, you can simplify the building process.

Whatever you can think of, give it a try. Sit down and think about the steps needed to create something. This is the first skill you need to practice before moving on to completely original designs. Practice makes perfect, so keep improving until you’re confident in your ability to combine LEGO bricks to create valuable works. Build larger, better, more colorful, or more decorated scenes.

Use Your Knowledge to Design Your Own Sets

Another approach is to replicate real objects, much like painters, illustrators, and other artists do. These can be buildings, vehicles, plants, characters, or anything you desire. Next, you’ll need to use LEGO bricks from previous sets to build something similar but unique. Suppose you have many Harry Potter-themed sets, but you want to reimagine what a different wizarding school might look like. Take parts from the Harry Potter sets and design something entirely unique.

Remember, every creative endeavor starts rough, so your first few builds might not be great. All you need to do is keep going, take it apart, start over, refine your steps, and think more deeply about the purpose of each brick you place. Eventually, you’ll create an MOC that makes you proud.

By leveraging your experience with LEGO sets, you should have some ideas on how to build something completely original that closely resembles the LEGO sets you’ve been building, incorporating some favorite styles or themes. The next stage is to construct your own original designs but to replicate these styles. Think about what LEGO would create if they had no design constraints, and then build it.

Final Stage: Completing Your Own Design

Now, you are no longer thinking about LEGO sets, how to improve them, or even how to build things in the LEGO style. Instead, you are coming up with your own original ideas or looking online for inspiration, designing a set, and building it yourself. , but remember, with careful design and some experimentation, anything is possible with LEGO!

Generally, MOC creation can be done manually or using design software. Let me introduce you to both methods.

Building LEGO MOC Without Design Software

If you design manually, you’ll need a large stockpile of parts. You also need to keep in mind the types and quantities of parts you have in reserve and where they are located. Additionally, in the early stages of design, you should adjust the color scheme as you go, since aesthetics are a key factor in determining the success of a MOC. Once these conditions are met, you need to patiently design manually piece by piece. Of course, if you want to make changes later, it’s best to simultaneously build manually and digitally to keep track of your design.

Building LEGO MOC With Design Software 

Currently, there are two main software options for creating LEGO MOCs. One is LEGO’s official software, LEGO Digital Designer (LDD), and the other is Studio, a popular choice among fans, developed by the well-known parts marketplace BrickLink.

Additionally, other commonly used software includes LDCad, LDView, MLCad, and LPub3D. Regardless of which software you choose, it generally takes about two weeks of practice to become proficient in using it.

LEGO Digital Designer

LEGO Digital Designer is an official product from LEGO. Although LEGO no longer supports updates for this software, it remains a popular choice for many beginner MOCers due to its simple interface and ease of use.

Bricklink Studio

Bricklink Studio is a software developed by the Bricklink website. It offers a wide range of features that cater to the needs of MOC (My Own Creation) enthusiasts. Since LEGO acquired Bricklink, the software is expected to receive more support, as LEGO encourages MOC creations.

Bricklink Studio, which is free to use, is ideal for designing MOCs. It allows you to virtually design and build, as well as import existing MOCs. You can use various LEGO parts during the design process. Once completed, the software automatically generates building instructions and enables you to purchase the necessary bricks via the Bricklink marketplace.

Every AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO) knows that LEGO® parts can be expensive. Using programs like Bricklink Studio can save a lot of money by allowing you to virtually build your MOC, export parts lists, and even create instruction manuals. The best part is that it’s completely free, so don’t hesitate to give it a try!

LEGO MOC Inspiration

As mentioned earlier, there are many ways to develop MOC ideas. Besides YouTube videos or LEGO® forums, sites like Eurobricks, Discord, and Telegram groups are also gathering places for LEGO enthusiasts. These platforms not only feature numerous MOC creations but also provide the latest LEGO news and discussion threads. They are frequented by seasoned LEGO builders and offer a space for interaction with other LEGO enthusiasts, making them essential websites for LEGO fans. Additionally, Bricksafe is another excellent site with a vast collection of downloadable instructions, offering a wealth of content and high practicality.

You can also draw inspiration from everyday life. Think about the things you encounter while conducting business, watching TV or movies, playing games, or during your daily life and holidays. Do you like cars? Look at the vehicles on the highway. Interested in architecture? Take a walk around your neighborhood and observe the buildings. Fascinated by spaceships or castles? Pay close attention to the designs in your favorite movies and TV shows. Ask yourself, “How can I build that shape with LEGO bricks?” and start considering the pieces in your collection that might form that shape. Soon, you might find yourself waking up in the middle of the night with a great idea that you just have to build!

Before creating your own MOC set, take some time to browse online and attend LEGO conventions to see the works of other AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO). Look for inspiration in their creations. Or join a LUG (LEGO Users Group). Post pictures of your builds online. Even if you think your creations are “not good enough,” remember that there are always people who haven’t gone as far as you, and they might think your work is amazing. Compare your builds with others to gain inspiration.

When you see other people’s creations, ask yourself, “How did they do that?” Trying to reverse-engineer someone else’s work is a great way to develop critical thinking skills and discover new and better techniques. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so if possible, give credit where it’s due when showcasing your creations.

Remember, design is an iterative process. At each step, ask yourself, “How can I make this better?” and then do it. Few creations come together perfectly from start to finish. You’ll often encounter dead ends and have to step back and try different approaches. There’s always a way to improve.

MOC Builders

For MOC builders, official LEGO sets mainly provide parts and new building techniques rather than complete models to display. Their LEGO worlds are filled with their own creations rather than official LEGO sets.

Each MOCer develops their own storytelling and themes. You can find their designs on specialized MOC websites like Rebrickable or their personal websites. These platforms are global hubs for MOC builders, where the latest MOC designs and instructions are frequently posted. Browsing these sites daily has become a routine for many MOCers. I highly recommend these places to anyone looking to get more inspiration.

Some LEGO® MOC designers submit their builds to the LEGO® Ideas program, hoping their designs will become official LEGO® sets. However, this process is lengthy and challenging, so most keep it as a hobby or sell their instructions online.

Many popular MOCers are also approached by LEGO®-compatible brands like CaDA or Mork to license their sets for official release. These sets are then much more affordable than buying all the individual pieces of a MOC separately.

Buying LEGO MOC

Where to buy LEGO MOCs

If you’re not a designer, the best approach is to order existing MOC (My Own Creation) kit instructions from one of the many websites that offer such products.

Platforms like BrickLink, Rebrickable, MocsMarket, buildamoc, Custombricks, and WeBrick allow you to purchase MOC instructions and rebuild the MOC, which can serve as inspiration for your own creations.

On these websites, you will find numerous MOC sets, including buildings, cars, houses, and even movie scenes. While the bricks or parts that make up these MOCs are typically not as finely packaged as those produced by LEGO, that’s what makes our unique LEGO MOCs special.

Where to buy LEGO pieces for MOC?

Once you have the instructions ready, you need to ensure you can find the specific bricks required. Buying bulk LEGO bricks can often seem daunting, but there are several top online stores for bulk bricks that can help you easily find the pieces you need for your LEGO MOCs.

Buildamoc

BuildaMOC.com specializes in selling MOCs (My Own Creations) designed by LEGO fans. Each kit comes with genuine LEGO bricks and detailed building instructions. All MOCs are individually packaged and non-returnable.

One-Stop Service
BuildaMOC provides all the original LEGO® pieces and detailed instructions you need, simplifying the process and avoiding the hassle of sourcing parts yourself.

Simplified Purchasing Process
Typically, buying an MOC requires visiting multiple websites to find the necessary parts, which is time-consuming and costly. With BuildaMOC, you can order everything you need in one go. You’ll receive all the pieces and instructions in one package, making it easy to start building right away.

Rebrickable

Rebrickable is a dedicated platform for LEGO MOC (My Own Creation) instructions. It provides detailed parts lists and cost estimates but does not sell LEGO bricks directly. Through Rebrickable, you can find a wide variety of MOCs designed by other LEGO enthusiasts and follow their instructions to build these creations, helping you gain experience and confidence.

On the Rebrickable website, you can browse and download instructions for different themed MOC sets, such as Star Wars, sports cars, and famous buildings. These guides will lead you step-by-step through the building process. While MOC set parts need to be purchased separately, Rebrickable offers convenient tools to find and compare prices from various online LEGO stores.

Rebrickable showcases the endless possibilities of LEGO. You can recreate various designs or invent your own MOCs. Visit the Rebrickable website to access both free and paid MOC instructions and embark on your LEGO creative journey.

Webrick

Webrick is a LEGO alternative brand designed specifically for MOC (My Own Creation) enthusiasts who are often frustrated by high costs and poor shopping experiences. With its professional international logistics center, Webrick offers convenient and fast one-click ordering services. Boasting over 2,000 parts in a wide array of colors, Webrick parts are compatible with most MOC sets, including those with more than 10,000 pieces, with compatibility rates exceeding 90%. Customers can easily purchase the majority of the parts they need for their MOC sets directly from the Webrick website.

Webrick is committed to providing powerful tools that make ordering parts simple and efficient. Its one-click matching tool supports various parts list formats, including Rebrickable .csv, bricklink .xml, studio .csv; .ldr; .xml, and LEGO Digital Designer .lxf; .BOM; .dr. This allows users to conveniently upload their parts lists and immediately check stock availability. For out-of-stock items, Webrick provides a shortage list to keep customers informed and help them plan future purchases.

The main features of the matching tool include:

1. Timeliness: Traditional purchasing methods often involve lengthy back-and-forth communication between buyers and sellers, typically taking several days. Webrick’s matching tool delivers search results within seconds and allows for immediate ordering.
2. Convenience: Customers no longer need to manually search for MOC parts. By simply importing their parts list and clicking the purchase button, they can complete their orders with ease, saving significant time and money.

The Webrick website offers a wide variety of parts and miscellaneous accessories, enabling customers to purchase most of the parts they need for their builds in one place. Whether you’ve discovered a MOC set you’ve always wanted but it’s missing some parts, or you need to replenish or replace broken pieces, Webrick’s matching tool provides the perfect solution to help you realize your building dreams.

BrickLink (Studio) 

BrickLink is an invaluable platform that can help you set up the perfect MOC (My Own Creation) and ensure you have all the necessary bricks for your design.

Start with BrickLink’s Studio tool. Studio allows you to design your own sets and forces you to consider the types, sizes, and colors of the bricks, helping you create something both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Once you’ve completed your design, you can create a wishlist on BrickLink, which will guide you on where to buy the parts you’re missing.

Before making any purchases, it’s a good idea to check your own inventory. You may already have many of the pieces from sets you’ve built over the years. After using and displaying certain sets, break them down and sort the bricks by size and type (rather than by color), making it easier to see if you already have the parts you need for your MOC.

Once you’ve gathered all the bricks from your inventory or through BrickLink, you can start building your MOC to see if it works as planned!

LEGO MOC on eBay

If you’re interested in buying a finished Lego MOC, online marketplaces like eBay are worth checking out. Occasionally, Lego enthusiasts sell their MOCs there. However, it’s important to note that these enthusiasts typically act as private sellers, so you won’t have the right to exchange or return items.

Lighting for LEGO MOC

To make the most of your MOC, there’s one final step you need to take: lighting! Adding lights to your Lego creations is also a fantastic MOC idea. It’s the best way to make them stand out and showcase your creativity to any guests in your home. Trust us, MOCs are impressive, but a glowing MOC is simply stunning!

How has LEGO MOC affected your lifestyle?

This hobby adds many layers to your creative life. At first, you might not know where to get parts or how to build a LEGO MOC, but over time, you learn a lot from everyone you meet and eventually become skilled at it. It’s mainly about finding your passion, and once you do, it’s about honing your skills and perfecting them through practice.

Many fans start from humble beginnings but achieve amazing life accomplishments through relentless effort and dedication. For example, Justin Chua, known for Lioncity MOCs, initially took on small commissions related to LEGO MOCs, but now he has turned his passion into a successful small business.

Alright, that wraps up today’s introduction. Now it’s your turn. Is there anything else you’d like to know about LEGO MOC? Have you built your own MOC before? Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts!