Frequently Asked Questions
Expand a question below for a short answer; many entries link to longer wiki guides.
OpenStuds basics
New here? How to use this FAQ and get started
These entries give short answers about buying, downloading, and selling MOC instructions on OpenStuds. When you need more detail, use the links inside each answer.
New to custom builds? Get started with brick MOCs. We usually say bricks instead of naming one manufacturer; that wiki article explains the wording and trademarks.
What is OpenStuds?
OpenStuds is a marketplace for digital MOC instructions and parts lists. You can discover independent designers and buy downloads to build with your own compatible parts.
What is a MOC?
MOC means “My Own Creation”: a fan-designed model with instructions and parts data, not an official retail boxed set.
How is OpenStuds different from BrickVault?
OpenStuds is an open community marketplace with self-serve uploads and a wide catalog. BrickVault is our sister site with a smaller, hand-curated lineup. Many people use both.
Why do you say “bricks” instead of a single brand name?
We describe the whole hobby—compatible parts, many tools, many designers—not one company’s products. That keeps language accurate and respects others’ trademarks.
Buying and downloads
What exactly am I buying?
A digital download : instruction files and parts list data (such as XML) as described on the product page. You are not buying physical parts or a retail set.
How do I get my files after I pay?
If you’re logged in, complete checkout and use the download flow on the site (for example the Download action on the listing). If you checked out as a guest, we email you a download link. If you later create an account with the same email address, purchases made with that email are linked to your account so you can access downloads from your profile.
Why does a free MOC still go through checkout?
We need your email to tie the download to you and to support watermarking on files. The flow matches paid checkouts. We do not use that email for advertising or promotional mailings.
Do I get lifetime access or updates?
After purchase you get instant download access. We also intend for buyers to keep access to updates to the files for that listing over time, as shown on product pages.
How do I buy the actual parts?
Use the parts list (often BrickLink XML) with BrickLink or your usual parts sourcing workflow. OpenStuds does not ship bricks.
What if checkout fails or I can’t download?
Try again in a moment. If you bought as a guest, check your spam folder for the email. If it still fails, contact us at info@openstuds.com and we’ll help.
Selling and uploads
How do I sell on OpenStuds?
Log in, complete seller onboarding with Stripe from My profile, then open Upload MOC (/edit-moc). Only sellers who finished onboarding can publish.
What files do I need to list a MOC?
Typically: preview images (including a thumbnail), instruction files as PDF or Studio .io, and a parts list as XML. The upload form shows accepted types, counts, and size limits. Studio .io files are not watermarked the same way some PDF workflows are—see the form and wiki for detail.
What happens after I submit a listing?
Your MOC goes into review. Staff check guidelines and may contact you if something needs fixing. The site shows success or error feedback after submit.
What fees do sellers pay?
OpenStuds charges a platform commission on sales (currently 12%, with the possibility of lower rates as your reputation grows). Stripe’s payment processing fees are separate and are charged to you as the seller. Listing free MOCs does not add a platform upload fee.
What are site-wide sales or discounts?
You can opt in to platform promotions so buyers see sale pricing without you constantly editing your base list price. Details and fee context are explained with commissions.
What is the piracy scanner?
A tool that uses AI-assisted search across major marketplaces to help spot possible copies of your design. It isn’t perfect. To keep costs manageable, you can only start a new scan after a cooldown: it begins at once every four weeks, and shorter intervals unlock as your reputation grows (for example down to every two weeks, then every week at higher reputation tiers). Each run focuses on one MOC you select.
Should I sell here or only on my own shop?
Marketplaces bring traffic and handle checkout and payouts; you pay a fee and your storefront is a page inside a catalog. Your own site offers more control but more operations work. Many designers use both over time.
Account, payments, and policies
Do I need an account to buy?
No. You can complete checkout without registering. If you sign up later with the same email you used at checkout, your purchases can be tied to your account for downloads from your profile.
Who processes payments?
Stripe handles payments for buyers and seller payouts. Fee details for sellers are summarized in our commission article.
What about refunds, returns, or chargebacks?
Digital goods and disputes depend on the situation and applicable terms. Please read our Terms of Service (including any linked return or refund policies). For a specific order, email info@openstuds.com.