3D PDF

[dgizzim0]

Some time ago, I used Adobe Reader (the basic one) to view and rotate a 3D model from Autocad. Yes, I know that I can export a Revit model into a DWFX and view it in Design Review, but that requires a ferr Design Review download. Some clients don't have administrator rights, are too lazy, don't have the computer savy to install, etc..., so a PDF 3D model would be nice.

---Is this possible with Revit?

---Is this possible with Autocad?

I have Adobe X Pro where I can enable this if Revit and CAD have the ability to print a 3D PDF.

[Anonymous]

I too would like to see a utility to export to a 3d PDF, but Autodesk seem to just try and push DWF and don't care that 3d PDF is much more universal. I see that Tetra 4D is releasing a 3d pdf converter for Adobe Pro x this month, What I don't understand is the compatibility chart. Does anyone know what tessellation and BREP mean in terms of conversion to 3d PDF?  

[augidomeo]

I love freewheel,

can you try pls,

http://freewheel.labs.autodesk.com/email.aspx?path=ADSKFW%3A%2F%2F23%5C6a%5C76%5C72%5C1a%5C47%5Cbc%5...

[Anonymous]

You used to be able to do this in Revit/AutoCAD, until Autodesk abandoned Open GL in favor of Direct 3D. 

If you have 3ds max there is a work-a-round, for Revit at least. 

1. From Revit export to FBX. 

2. Import that FBX file to 3ds max.

3. Export all that from 3ds max to 3ds (not max). 

4.Open Adobe Pro, drop that 3ds file into the Adobe workspace. 

5. Save your 3D PDF

[dgizzim0]

I called Adobe support and I was told that "Adobe 9 Pro Extended" can import Autocad models but not the latest "Adobe 10 X Pro". Funny though. So I guess I need to go back to my reseller to bitch & moan.Then I can export Revit models to Autocad so Adobe can pick this up.

Can anyone validate this statement?

[Anonymous]

yes, Adobe are going with a 3rd party plugin (Tetra 4D)  that you will need for Acrobat pro X that will cost you $400. Isn't that nice

[dgizzim0]

Maybe so, but that's version 10 "X Pro". Version 9 "Pro Extended" should do this and it still may be available.

Any confimations?

[kathryn.langan]

I do not have Acrobat Pro to verify, but I believe it will open IFC files, correct? I know 9 could - http://blogs.adobe.com/spartacusacrobat/2008/08/acrobat_and_building_informati.html.  If so, you can just export your Revit model to IFC to be opened in Acrobat.

[Anonymous]

Hi there,

During my online research of CAD users requirements of PDF, I stumbled across this forum and some interesting questions. As CTO at Tetra 4D, and responsible for the roadmap relative to the abilities to support 3D PDF creation questions such as these drive a lot of value relative to the software future direction.

3D PDF Converter for Acrobat X Pro, is the next generation solution for converting 3D CAD data to rich interactive 3D PDF documents. It replaces the capabilities that were available as part of the "Pro Extended" Acrobat 9 product.

With respect to the Autocad products we currently support the IFC format for translation to PDF. 3D PDF Converter also supports, using the native acrobat libraries, DXF, DWG and DWF.

However, Revit is one format that we are very interested in understanding the market need for.

Is this something that would be of value to Revit users?

If so, what would be an acceptable work flow, the author using 3D PDF Converter to create a 3D PDF to send to someone with a free Acrobat Reader, or the ability to send a Revit file to someone with 3D PDF Converter??

If you interested in knowing more about 3D PDF Converter - jump over to www.tetra4d.com.

Thanks

Craig

[Anonymous]

Also - Tessellation is the ability to reduce the polygon count of a model, there by reducing the size of file and increasing visual performance. Obviously it is very complicated, but on the surface you can think of it like compressing a JPG.

B-Rep is a boundary representation of the 3D Definition. It allows the mathematical definition to be defined, associated to the PDF, so that other CAD or CAE system can read in the exact definition.

By having both a tessellated and B-Rep definition, you can create a small file, suitable for high performance visualization, yet still have the mathematical definition, which allows actions like precise measurements to be take of the data.

I hope this helps.

Craig

[dgizzim0 · Accepted solution]

Being able to convert an Autocad or Revit model to a 3D PDF is so valuable. 3rd party pluging are worthless beacause:

     1)  they need to be installed

     2)  they cost money

     3)  you need administrator priviledges

     4)  time to configure & learn

     5)  clients are not willing to jump through hoops

     6)  fear of installing something new on a company laptop.

With Adobe 9 Extended Pro, it is as easy as:

     1)  exporting from Autocad or Revit to IFC.

     2)  opening up Adobe and importing IFC

     3)  creating PDF and saving

     4)  opening up new PDF and "enabling" so the basic Adobe Reader can have all the "bels & whistles". Then saving again.

I managed to get a copy and it is so worth it and valuable. It's really priceless!!

[Anonymous]

Excuse my ignorance, (and not to steer this thread away from it's 3D.pdf purpose) but what is 4D ?

Thanks,

Hank

[dgizzim0]

I guess I'm unobservant. Someone was talking about 4D and I didn't catch that. I'm just dealing with 3D, but, 4D is a 3D model that has intellegent information along with it, such as the ability to access schedules and quantities.

[Anonymous]

Oh.  So it's the information extrapolated from the 3D model then. 

Thanks,

Hank

[luke.johnson]

Here is a free and easy way:

http://whatrevitwants.blogspot.com/2011/09/create-3d-pdf-files-from-autodesk-revit.html

[Anonymous]

Jim Merry here from Tetra 4D. We at Tetra 4D are ex-Adobe folks who spun out with the 3D Converstion technology formerly available in Acrobat Pro Extended version 9 (APEX 9).  APEX 9 cost about $899 and I believe you can still buy it but the 3D converters are stale; they were last updated in fall of 2009 and will not be updated any further. Tetra 4D's 3D PDF Converter is built on the Adobe APEX 9 core technology but it has been updated it and improved. We sell it as a plug-in for Acrobat X Pro. The combination of Acrobat X Pro + Tetra 4D's 3D Converter is in the same ballpark as APEX 9 cost.

[Anonymous]

This workflow of Revit > FBX > 3DSMax > 3DS mesh > 3DPDF

requires Adobe Acrobat Pro EXTENDED version 9, not Acrobat Pro. Acrobat Pro only reads U3D and PRC 3D formats. You need the extended version to get the 3D conversion capabilities. (Also - APEX v9 supported 3D DWG.)

If you are using Acrobat X Pro, you will need our 3D PDF Converter (from Tetra 4D www.tetra4d.com). Also - we have a labs release of an Add-in for Revit that exports from Revit to 3D PDF directly.

[luke.johnson]

You can still download versions of Acrobat that include the 3D functionality: What Revit Wants: Download old school Adobe Acrobat with 3D powers

[Anonymous]

i too have this probelm. but i am managing with microstation. it can convert dgw 3d file to pdf 3d file & with beeter quality than the autocad

[MichaelSchell8453]

Why i like 3D!

3D technology can offer a interactive experience which stimulates my interest with my model presentations to my clients. You have the ability to show and apply concepts more easily with your customers with software communication. Any interactive content that I can use gains power when it gains a dimension. Let your customer experience the different dimensions when applying 3D technology and modeling to your design.. 

To follow further post I like to use 3D PDF for Revit plug-in for sharing to my colleges and customers. You can download trial at www.3dasystems.com