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.
Commission buyers
How do I request a custom commission?
Open a seller profile and use the commission request action when commissions are open. Sellers can also share a direct commission link, usually in the form /c/username. You need to be signed in so the request can open a direct message thread with that seller.
What should I include in my request?
Give the seller a clear title, brief, budget, desired deadline, and useful reference links. Explain the scale, style, parts constraints, and files you expect. You can also choose whether the seller may publish the finished commission as a public listing after completion.
What happens after I send a commission request?
OpenStuds creates or reuses a direct message thread with the seller. The seller can discuss the scope, accept with a quote, decline the request, or cancel later while the workflow allows it. A request is not accepted until the seller sends quote terms through OpenStuds.
How do commission quotes and payments work?
When a seller accepts, they set the final price, an optional starting payment from 0% to 80%, whether that starting payment is credited toward the final payment or charged as an extra start fee, an expected delivery date, and an acceptance note. Read those terms before paying.
When do I get the commissioned files?
If the quote has a starting payment, pay it first so the seller can begin. The seller then uploads the commissioned MOC files privately and marks the commission ready. Your final payment unlocks access to the private commissioned files.
Are commission payments refundable?
Starting payments are non-refundable by default once paid, except where required by law or where OpenStuds chooses an admin support remedy. Final payments follow the normal digital-goods refund approach once file access is granted. For non-delivery, broken files, fraud, duplicate payment, or a serious mismatch, message the seller and contact info@openstuds.com.
Can the seller publish my commission publicly?
Only if you allow it. You can allow public release when sending the request, or the seller can ask again after completion. If you do not approve public release, the delivered MOC stays private to the commission workflow.
Selling and uploads
How do I sell on OpenStuds?
Log in, complete seller onboarding with Stripe from My account, then open Upload MOC (/edit-moc). Only sellers who finished onboarding can publish.
Why can’t I upload without a Stripe account?
We require seller onboarding through Stripe before uploads because self-serve listings need a basic layer of trust. It helps us verify that the person uploading is a real seller and gives us a cleaner starting point for marketplace safety.
That requirement also stays in place for free MOCs. We still use Stripe in the checkout flow, so the seller setup behind the listing is the same whether the price is paid or free.
Start from My account if you want to enable uploads.
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.
Can I save drafts, delete listings, or restore archived MOCs?
Yes. New listings can be saved as drafts before you submit them for review. Drafts stay private and do not appear on public browse pages.
If you remove a listing that has no prior buyers, it can be permanently deleted. If buyers already downloaded it, the listing is archived instead: it is hidden from public purchase, but you and prior buyers can still access it. Archived MOCs can also be restored later from the listing dashboard.
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.
Commission sellers
How do I open commissions?
Complete seller onboarding first, then open My account and enable Accept commission requests in your profile settings. Once enabled, buyers can use your profile button or your shareable commission request link.
How do I accept and quote a commission?
In the commission message card, choose Accept and set the final price, starting percent, starting payment mode, expected delivery date, and acceptance note. Use the acceptance note to confirm important scope, timeline, file, revision, and rights details before the buyer pays.
What fees apply to commission payments?
OpenStuds applies the normal platform fee to both the starting payment and the final payment. Stripe processing fees are separate and are handled through your connected seller account.
How do I deliver a commissioned MOC?
After the commission is in progress, use the Upload files action in the commission message card. The upload flow creates a private commissioned MOC with images, instructions, and XML files. These files stay private until the buyer completes the final payment.
When should I mark a commission ready?
Mark the commission ready only after the delivery files are uploaded and the buyer should make the final payment. The ready state prompts the buyer to pay the final amount and unlocks private access after checkout succeeds.
Can I publish a completed commission as a normal listing?
Yes, but only with buyer permission. If the buyer allowed public release in the original request, you can publish after completion. Otherwise, request public release from the commission thread and wait for the buyer to approve before publishing it as a normal marketplace MOC.
What if I cannot finish a commission?
Tell the buyer in the message thread as soon as possible. If the workflow still allows cancellation, cancel it from the commission controls. If money has already changed hands or the situation needs support review, contact info@openstuds.com.
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?
OpenStuds digital purchases are generally non-refundable once file access has been granted, except where required by law or where we choose to resolve a verified issue such as broken files, duplicate payment, or material misdescription. For the full rule, read our Terms of Service refund section. For a specific order, email info@openstuds.com.