How to Read a MOC Parts List: Sorting and Sourcing Guide
Bottom line first: the parts list is the first document you should read before building, and a proper list carries three pieces of information per line — part number, color name and quantity. Sorting 500 parts according to the list takes about 40 minutes, and sorting done well can more than double your building speed.
Step 1: Understand the three elements of a parts list
Every drawing on brickplan ships with a parts list, and each row contains three key items: the part number (3001, for example, is the standard 2x4 brick), the color name and the quantity you need. Take an 800-piece model as an example — its list usually runs 40 to 60 lines, so scan the whole thing once first and confirm there are no unusual parts before you place any orders.
The parts list is viewable directly on the brickplan detail page, and after downloading the drawing you can usually export it as a CSV table. Open that in Excel and you can sort by color, filter by price and turn it straight into your own buying list. While you check it over, note a purchasing strategy next to each part: plates and basic bricks can be bought as used loose pieces for roughly one third of the new price, while transparent parts and special elements are better bought new, since scratches will show on the finished model.
Step 2: Sort parts by color, then by type
The recommended sorting order is "color first, type second": put all parts of the same color into one box, then subdivide that box into plates, bricks and special elements. Buy a batch of 9-compartment storage boxes and label each one — 500 parts can be sorted in 40 minutes. Count quantities as you go, and write down immediately anything that comes up short against the list.
Bag parts by build order rather than list order: pull out the parts needed for the first bag of steps first, then put the rest back by color. Write each storage box label in a "color + type" format, such as "white - plates" or "red - bricks", so you never have to dig through boxes to find something. When sorting turns up a shortage, record it in your phone's notes app right away instead of thinking you will deal with it later — forgetting is the norm.
Step 3: Check for missing parts and fill the gaps
Missing parts are not scary; the key is finding them early. Compile the missing part numbers and quantities into a list. When the shortage rate is under 2%, first confirm the numbers on brickplan's parts reference page, then search by number to buy replacements — a single part usually costs only a few tenths of a yuan, and orders around 20 yuan generally ship free.
Before ordering replacements, check whether a substitute will do. Rare colors can be swapped for similar colors with little visual difference and a much lower price; load-bearing positions, however, are no place to save — mixing genuine and compatible parts there produces loose connections. When you order, watch the minimum sale quantity and the shipping fee. It pays to accumulate shortages and order 20 to 30 parts at once: spreading the shipping over a larger order can cut total cost by around 30%, far cheaper than buying one piece at a time.
Step 4: Manage the remaining parts while you build
Building is not a matter of using every part in one go. Bag the step images in groups of 20 steps each, and open the next group only after finishing the previous one, so parts never get mixed up and lost. If extras turn up halfway through a build, first check the list to confirm you did not put a part in the wrong place; MOC drawings occasionally contain list errors, and 1 or 2 extra pieces is normal.
FAQ
Q: How do I view the parts list for a MOC drawing? A: The parts list is right on the drawing's detail page on brickplan. After purchase or download you can also export a PDF print version, and some drawings support CSV export so you can organize your own parts shopping list.
Q: How do I look up the numbers on a parts list? A: The numbers are LEGO's official part IDs. Enter a number in the brickplan parts library to see the name, colors and reference price, or look it up on BrickLink.
Q: Can I buy missing parts individually? A: Yes — search the part number on any e-commerce platform. Single parts range from a few tenths of a yuan to a few yuan. Pay attention to whether you are buying genuine or LEGO-compatible spec, because mixing the two affects how well parts grip.
Q: What is the difference between genuine and compatible parts? A: Genuine parts have high precision, tight connections and stable color. Compatible parts are cheaper but have slightly looser tolerances. Compatible parts are fine for cosmetic and decorative elements, but genuine parts are the safer choice for load-bearing structure.