I found a thread from 2015 where connectivity was discussed. I also know that both stud.io and LDcad encode connectivity.

Would LDraw files benefit from having connectivity metadata?

There are a relatively small number of connection types. More than LDcad uses, but small enough to be enumerated.
Studs go into stud holders, antistuds go into antistud holders, clips (bar holders) can be radial or axial when attached to bars.

The majority of snapping connections can be described by a point and a direction vector, so effectively the same as a LDraw type 1 line. The type of connector can be in the subfile argument. If the connector types match and the directions vectors align, then the connection can snap into place, meaning that the points are made to overlap by adjusting one.

Sliding connectors (bars) need two points, which can be encoded as a point and a vector or similar to type 2 lines. Bar holders come in two flavors; those that attach radially (c-clips) and those that attach axially (o-clips and bar holes). The c-clips require another direction vector.

Hinge connectors also need a point and an axis of rotation, which can be encoded as a type 1 line. If an additional direction vector is available, then the hinge halves can be made to not overlap one another.

Ball connectors need a point and would benefit from knowing which way (direction) is definitively inappropriate (directional vectors must not overlap).

Many generic clipping connectors are adequately described by a single point.

Gears are a challenge, because there are two things to consider; the distance between rotational axes, and the toothing. Some gear pairs can connect slightly too close to each other and some gear pairs can connect very loosely without loosing function. So, snapping to a "perfect" distance is not an option. The software must calculate if any two gears interact or not.

As for the rotation, the minimum information is a point for the axis, an axial vector, and a reference point on the teethed perimeter.

Sometimes gears do not connect to other gears, but toothed shapes. The teethed path can be described by a set of line segments. The direction of the teeth can be described by a vector. The position of teeth relative to the line can be described by a reference point along that line.

The above is the information needed for each of the parts that interact. It is then up to the software to use that information to calculate the nature of the interaction.

Would someone be able to grab the new hair/hat molds and Zoro's mouth katana?

At first, I thought it was a helix, then maybe a half helix. It seems the shape is something not quite anything mathematical.
Is the mesh available from BI?

https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/cat...P=54073px1

The part has a rectangular indentation on the handle. The injection point is on that rectangular area. Should the rectangular are be modeled or is it part of the injection point?

One end of the handle is intended to fit inside a hollow stud7. Is there a prim for it?

The LDraw.org main page shows "Parts Update 2025-07" instead of the 08 for the most recent package. The number of parts included appears correct.

LDConfig made from the one in the LDraw.org 2025-08 Parts Update.
This is a LDConfig file that includes the "Render Only" colours from Bricklink Studio.
(Without LUMINANCE values, I might change that in future updates)
To use it do the following:

1. Download it: 
     LDConfig_plus_bl_studio_colours.ldr (Size: 68.61 KB / Downloads: 4)
   
2. Move it to your LDraw folder
   
3. Rename "LDConfig.ldr" to LDConfig_default.ldr(or something else)
   
4. Rename "LDConfig_plus_bl_studio_colours.ldr" to "LDConfig.ldr"
   

Are s00 allowed for non-assembly parts as a regular subpart? I thought subpart numbering starts from 01.

The 2025-08 LDraw Parts Update has been released. This update adds 964 new files to the core library, including 532 new parts and 57 new primitives.

Thanks are due to all the part authors who created or corrected parts for this release. The small, but dedicated, band of reviewers also play an important role in keeping files moving through the Parts Tracker and deserve just as much credit. This update wouldn't have been possible without their dedication and attention to detail.

This update finally releases the train track switches which have been on the tracker since 2009! It also contains the first batch of Modulex parts.

You can preview the new parts in 2025-08 here, and download the zip-file update or Windows install package here.

Thank you to all the testers and parts authors who continue giving feedback on the PT software. This project would not be what it is without your help.

Orion Pobursky
Magnus Forsberg
Gerald Lasser
LDraw.org Parts Library Admins

I'll be at BrickCon in the Seattle area from 4-7 Sep. If you're attending come find me and we can chat. I'm also giving a presentation on Sep 7 at 3 pm. 

P.S. We can still chat if you come as a member of the public, but please let me know when you'll be there as I usually hang out in the non-public areas during public hours.

Orion

Would it be worthwhile to create a vote/mark in addition to "hold" for the purpose of highlighting imperfections that are not ground for a hold?

A reviewer could use it to mark parts that they have processed and found wanting, to prevent it from appearing on self-made todo-lists. A kind of "hide this part" from me until changes have been made to it.

I see two possible uses of such an in-between vote:

1. "Hide this part - I don't want to review it."
   
2. "Signal the author that the part could be improved, yet leaving other reviewers the possibility to certify the part without any changes."
   

How can I search for my (sub)parts that contain rect-primitives on the tracker?