Convert 2d cad drawings, Capturing 3d models, Preparing for 3d capture – Adobe Acrobat 8 3D User Manual
Page 402: Capture a 3d model in a pdf
395
ADOBE ACROBAT 3D VERSION 8
User Guide
Convert 2D CAD drawings
If a CAD file includes 2D drawings, you can convert them to PDF by using Acrobat Distiller. By using the Print
command with the Adobe PDF printer from your application, you can convert the file to PDF in Distiller without
manually starting Distiller.
Rather than sending a separate 2D drawing to communicate specifications, include Product Manufacturing Infor
mation (PMI) with your 3D CAD file: In the Acrobat 3D Conversion Settings diaolog box, select 3D PMI (Text,
Notes, GD&T) on the Import tab.
See also
“Create PDFs by printing to file” on page 70
Capturing 3D models
Preparing for 3D capture
When using Acrobat 3D to capture 3D models from CAD applications, refer to these guidelines to achieve the best
possible results:
•
Make sure that the 3D CAD application is set to use OpenGL. Note that some 3D applications don’t support
OpenGL. Most applications support more than one rendering method, but capture works only with OpenGL.
•
Prepare the 3D model for capture by removing unwanted parts and adding lighting or other effects. Remove any
artifacts, such as compasses, product trees, or XYZ coordinates from the 3D model. In some cases, these artifacts
are captured. In addition, disable backface culling and use a plain background.
•
When capturing 3D models in Microsoft Windows, Acrobat 3D creates a preset with the correct settings for tested
applications (applications tested by Adobe). When capturing from untested applications, you may need to change
OpenGL capture settings. These settings are on the OpenGL tab of the 3D Capture Settings dialog box that
appears when you choose Create PDF > From 3D Capture and click Settings.
•
Similarly, when capturing on a UNIX platform, you may need to change OpenGL capture settings. These settings
appear in the Acrobat 3D Capture Utility when you choose Tools > Options and click Edit Settings.
For more information about changing settings in 3D CAD applications to get the best capture results, see
.
Capture a 3D model in a PDF
1
Open the 3D model in the original application in which the 3D model was created, or in another application.
2
In Acrobat 3D, choose File > Create PDF > From 3D Capture.
Note: The first time you capture from a particular CAD application, you must restart the CAD application before you
can capture.
3
(Optional) Click the Settings button, click the OpenGL tab, and set the capture units to match the 3D model. Edit
other 3D capture settings as necessary, and then click OK.
4
Click the window containing the 3D model to make it active, and then press the Print Screen key.
5
Switch to Acrobat 3D, edit the capture settings in the Acrobat 3D Conversion dialog box as needed, and then click OK.