3D pdf files

[cparnell]

I have searched this forum for a way to create 3D pdf files directly from Inventor or other "free" software but have not found anything that works very well. Today I found an answer, it is by using the Bentley Viewer.  I had to "Save Copy As" my Inventor .iam file to "AutoCAD DWG Files.dwg". Then open it up inside the Bentley Viewer, go to the "Print pdf" button and select the "Print to 3D" button. It will even show some colors.

Edited by
Discussion_Admin

[IraRod]

You may have missed the fact the tetra4D provides Autodesk plugins that allow you to create exceptional 3D PDFs directly from Inventor without having to save as, or export out a .iam, or dwg..

It’s very easy to use.

Edited by
Discussion_Admin

[cparnell]

I did not miss the fact that one has to pay for Tetra4D. From $500.00 to $1000.00 depending on if you have Acrobay XI Pro.

Bentley View is free.

[swhite]

I've always just exported it to DWF and used autodesks free dwf viewer. Gives you an actual 3D model you can rotate, select different parts, measure, etc. Never needed to print from it, so don't know how well it handles that.

[cparnell]

The problem that we have is that some of our customers employees are not allowed to download software from the internet which they would have to do with Design Review. I would have to say that practacally every PC computer comes with Acrobat Reader. I have read of this problem with other companies a number of times.

[tsreagan]

I know Autodesk and Microsoft were working together to get dwfs to be natively viewed in windows,  I am not sure the status on that, maybe someone can elaborate.

T.S.

[rdyson]

And Mac's     which can't install Design Review (unless something's change recently)

[tsreagan]

Mac... did he say... Mac...

Ok,  I'm not going there 🙂

T.S.

[karthur1]

Its a joke that we have to jump through these hoops, just to get 3d pdf files from Inventor.  Hopefully there is some progress being made here with AD.  At least the ideastation "3D PDF" has been accepted.

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Inventor-IdeaStation/3D-PDF/idi-p/3738852

But, I know that does not help you any right now.

[swhite]

I used macs for 10 years doing graphic design, and I tell you now, they can't be beat for graphic applications. But since they are now basically windows, I can't attest to if they would still be better. A mac you hook it to the netwrok and you are done, no need to fiddle with all the settings, it does it for you. Hook a new printer to the network, it shows up immediately. I miss my mac 😞

[tsreagan]

Sorry for almost going there,  I'm an oldschool warrior from the IBM - Mac wars. 🙂

Though Lookin back, I wish Mac would have won,  then all the virus problems would be concentrated on macs, as hackers tend to target the system that has the largest market share, in order to do the greatest damage.

T.S.

[swhite]

Nah, they don't target macs becasue everyone that uses a Mac loves it, including the hackers 🙂 They just hate windows 🙂

[tsreagan]

In the effort of maintaining the lasting peace... I will refrain 🙂

T.S.

[mrattray]

Just don't bring up phones....

[swhite]

LOL, OK, PEACE 🙂

[IraRod]

 the Inventor plugin is Autodesk Certified, in addition, it will be up on the Exchange very soon, until then, you can go to the website and download the 21 day trial.

Edited by
Discussion_Admin

[cparnell]

I am not gravely mistaken that the Bentley Viewer is FREE, and it is FREE after 90 days.

[stephengibson76]

just saveas DWFx from inventor, then you can drag and drop the file into IE or Chrome

both free! and everyone has an internet browser

[cparnell]

I have tried that on other computers that have no CAD software and it did not work.

[stephengibson76]

was it a DWF or DWFx? If iE doesnt work, try Chrome... or it might be a browser plugin missing