Adobe Acrobat 8 3D - Manual (Page 395)

388 ADOBE ACROBAT 3D VERSION 8
User Guide
Converting 3D models
About supported 3D file formats
Acrobat 3D can utilize a variety of file formats, including many types of 3D models. A list of the supported file
formats appears in the Preferences dialog box (Edit > Preferences, and select Convert To PDF under Categories). You
can bring supported file formats directly into PDFs using the following methods.
Converting Uses 3D files to create PDFs that have one or more pages. This method retains the original file structure,
including part names and hierarchies.
Inserting Brings a 3D file into an existing PDF as a new page.
Adding with the 3D tool Places a 3D model on an existing page of a PDF.
Converting gives you the most options for representing the 3D model and preserves the original file’s structure. For
example, you can reduce the number of polygons, remove small objects and duplicate parts, and decrease the overall
file size. Relationships between parts, subparts, and assemblies look the same as in the original 3D file.
If a 3D model is in a format that Acrobat 3D doesn’t support, you may be able to open it in Acrobat 3D Toolkit and
save it in a supported format, such as U3D or RH.
If a 3D model is in a format that Acrobat 3D and Acrobat 3D Toolkit don’t support, and you have access to the
original application that created the 3D model, you can open the file in that application and capture it. Capturing
does not preserve the file structure of 3D models but lists all parts under a single assembly.
Convert 3D files into PDFs
You can convert 3D and CAD files in supported formats to PDFs that have one or more pages. The default preset
works best for most types of conversion; however, you can change these settings or select a different preset during
conversion. (To view 3D conversion settings before you convert a file, choose Edit > Preferences, select Convert To
PDF on the left, select a file format, and click Settings.)
3D files are converted as either PRC or U3D data streams and then stored in the resulting PDF file. The file format
of the 3D file determines whether PRC or U3D settings (or both) are available in the Acrobat 3D Conversion dialog
box, and it determines which entities you can import to the PDF.
If your Windows computer uses an integrated video card, upgrade your video card driver to help ensure that the 3D
content renders correctly. You can get the latest driver from the video card or computer manufacturer.
See also
“About PRC and U3D conversion formats” on page 390
“Customize a conversion preset for a 3D file type” on page 394
Convert 3D files
1 Select the 3D CAD files you want to convert:
• To create a single-page document, choose File > Create PDF > From File. Select the 3D file, and click Open.
• To create a multipage document in which each 3D file is on a separate page, choose File > Create PDF > From
Multiple Files. Click the Add Files button to select the 3D files, click Next, review the files, and then click Create.
2 In the Acrobat 3D Conversion dialog box, select the preset or individual settings you want to use, and click OK.