How to make a 3D PDF

[Anonymous]

How do I create a 3D PDF using AutoCAD? All I want is a way to create a PDF and then rotate the model in a PDF when done. I have Adobe Creative Cloud, Bluebeam Revu CAD and Autodesk Design Suite Premium, surely I can do this without another 3rd party plugin? Also, seems like other Autodesk products are capable of exporting different formats, but not AutoCAD, I'm confused, please help.

[socnandan]

As far as exporting your 3D drawing in 3D PDF is concerned AutoCAD is NOT capable of doing it, yes you certaily need third party plugins.

Adobe acrobat pro extended

Tetra 4D

these are some the third party plugins that you can use to convert drawing into 3D pdf but they have a price tag attached which you need to pay once trail period is over.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply socnandan.

I have Adobe Acrobat XI Pro, I tried testing it and was getting an error when it was generating. Is the Adobe Pro Extended different, or is there a plugin with it? I know some of the other programs in Autodesk can EXPORT to other formats that Bluebeam may handle to create a 3D PDF.

I just can't fathom sinking more money in, when I'm not even sure if some of these options will work or not.

I just wish Autodesk would come out with a solution especially a program as long standing as AutoCAD, that worked and had a top notch free, offline viewer to support, with all the bells and whistles that they keep putting in to A360. Give people the options.

I've looked at the DWFx briefly too, but it wasn't turning out as smoothly as I hoped.

https://360.autodesk.com/Viewer

(3DM, 3DS, ASM, CAM360, CATPART, CATPRODUCT, CGR, DAE, DLV3, DWF, DWFX, DWG*, DWT, EXP, F3D, FBX,
G, GBXML, IFC, IGE, IGES, IGS, IPT, JT, MODEL, NEU, NWC, NWD, OBJ, PRT, RCP, RVT**, SAB, SAT, SESSION,
SIM, SIM360, SKP, SLDASM, SLDPRT, SMB, SMT, STE, STEP, STL, STLA, STLB, STP, WIRE, X_B, X_T, XAS, XPR)

This seems to be one of the better solutions, I emailed someone to see if this could be available offline, they said no. But it handles 50 file types which is very impressive, which also tells me Autodesk is capable, I'd just like sometimes these options for scenario's other than online.

[socnandan · Accepted solution]

unfortunately Acrobat Pro can only convert U3D ECMA 1 file formats to 3d to convert 3d files of other formats like DWG, CATPART etc you need acrobat pro 9 extended, adobe is NOT including 3d conversion tools from version 10 onwards. so in order to convert 3d cad into pdf you need adobe acrobat pro 9 extended or third party software like tetra 4d.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help socnandan.

[socnandan]

Glad to help you Riseball 🙂

[R.Gerritsen4967]

I have been using Bentley View v8i for the past few months to make 3D PDF's from a 3D DWG.

You can download and use it for free (http://www.bentley.com/nl-NL/Free+Software/bentley+view.htm)

Once you install the program, just open a DWG file with it and click the 'print to PDF' button in the file menu.

Be sure to check the 'Print to 3D' checkbox in the window that appears.

I am amazed at how small the 3D PDF's turn out. I'm very happy with it.

[dgorsman]

Check your AutoDesk suite content.  If it include Navisworks Simulate then you are on your way, albeit with a different path than PDF.  You can use Simulate to publish an NWD file which can be viewed using the free Navisworks Freedom program (yes, thats available offline).  I've found NWD's to be much more reliable than 3D PDF, not to mention Simulate can directly read a host of different 3D file formats (and counts - we've had entire process plants from grade to instruments loaded up).

[john_daues]

That link is dead. I've emailed Bentley to see if the converter is still around.

[Anonymous]

Gents,  please find attched 3d PDF plot file for Bentley Microstation

[john_daues]

I'n unclear on the purpose of your post.

[bleon]

The Bentley View link may have changed:

https://www.bentley.com/en/products/product-line/modeling-and-visualization-software/bentley-view

Just installed & tried it. It works quite well. Print to PDF, and select the box "3D Print". Bingo!

[LyleHardin]

Bluebeam CAD (not Standard) includes an AutoCAD plug in for 3D PDFs. It should be in your Add-Ins tab. Works great for us.

---- edit ----

Sorry. That Add-In is for Revit, not AutoCAD. 

[duboseaQKQPV]

Quite baffled the "download" doesn't appear to actually go to a download.  It's either misleading or broken link. 

Any help is much appreciated.