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How to work with 3d PDF


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3D PDF files are usually created from U3D or PRC intermediate files. If you manage to get those files then it might be possible to extract geometry with some tools.

Apparently it may be possible to get the geometry out of the PDF again when using the full version of Acrobat and some other tools.

 

This forum topic may give you some information to get started https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat/possible-to-extract-3d-data-from-a-3d-pdf/td-p/8377056?page=1

 

Most CAD software, including VW, can only create 3D PDF files, not import them as geometry.

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Hi Art V,

thank you much for the reply, in the meantime I found similar answers:

3D PDF seems not to be invented for backwards compatibility. Anyway, there must have been a CAD file prior to the 3D PDF from which it was exported. So it ends up to me to ask my clients to send me either 2D PDF or .dwg format out ouf this original file.

 

In the end 3D PDF is only for viewing, but not for working with 3D Geometry.

Edited by halfcouple
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Simlab Composer from Simlabsoft, a 3D rendering program that I used in the past to create 3D PDF files,  might be able to extract the views and geometry as well now that I think of it.

It can import U3D files, and also PRC files if I remember correctly, and then create the 3D PDF. The U3d and PRC files contain the geometry and it may be possible to export that into another editable format like dwg or OBJ etc. But you would need the U3D or PRC files if the obtaining the originating CAD files (in original or intermediate file format) is not possible.

 

Trial versions can be downloaded from their website.

https://simlab-soft.com/

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@halfcouple

Just installed a trial of Acrobat Pro DC to see if it could indeed export the geometry, long story short.... it can't

 

But I came across the following poss swhich seems to confirm my suggestion of looking at Simlab Composer for this

https://answers.acrobatusers.com/how-to-export-a-3D-PDF-into-obj-q209001.aspx

http://www.productdesignforums.com/topic/12373-extract-model-from-3d-pdf/

 

Edited by Art V
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