How do I create U3d Files?

[_Nick_F_]

Is it possible to create u3d files within Acrobat3D?

I would like to include 3D elements in my PDF training documentation. I have looked into this a little and it seems the only 3D application that export (converts) to u3d is Right Hemisphere. Is this correct and does this mean I need to spend $500 to do this?

It seems a little weak.

Thanks in advance.

[Steve Small]

Hi Nick,

You don't have to have a U3D file to create 3D PDF. There are many supported 3D file types. U3D is just one of them. For a list of supported file types, go to:

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat3d/supportedformats/

Acrobat 3D will convert a supported 3D file type to either U3D or PRC upon conversion into the PDF.

[peters64032090]

Link is broken, and Acrobat doens't have the auto convert function any more 😞

[JR Boulay]

There was a plugin for Acrobat Pro provided by Tetra4D, I don't know if it still exists:

https://tetra4d.com/products-2/

[_Nick_F_]

Hi Thanks for the reply.

Sorry for the lame post. I have just done a test with a .obj and imports no problem. That will teach me to take someone else's word for it.

Thanks again.

[meyste]

I have found a free 3D application "MeshLab"

With Meshlab you can convert many 3D formats in the famous .U3D format !

http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/

[Silkrooster]

I realize this is an old thread. But since acrobat pro supports 3d objects, the only way I found to use u3d files is to use photoshop CS5, that format was removed for CS6 and CC I don't know why, you would think they would have kept it, until acrobat supported other formats.

[M_arv]

I have PhotoShop CS6 with 3D support (not sure what that version is called specificaly) and the U3D export is still there.

[JR Boulay]

You should see this site, it's all about 3D PDF: https://www.3dpdfmaker.com/

[jgke]

Using the software Agisoft Metashape (even the free or trial version), you can also import your textured 3D models and export as u3d filetypes for Adobe Acrobat. Aside from using meshlab, which in my opinion can be a tempermental and not very user-friendly, this is the best free option. Steps to doing this are below:

Import your model:

File -> Import -> Import Model

Export as u3d:

File -> Export -> Export Model -> Save as Type -> Select "U3D models (*.u3d)"

[adbDiscmarc]

I still try to find a method to import/convert my 3d files* into 3d pdfs 

(*any file format that can be exported from "blender", "Cinema4d", "Sketchup" ).

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"Meshlab"

I could only generate .tex u3d files with "Meshlab" (holding texture information – not 3d data).

Do i need an additional plug-in?

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U3D, PRC Converters

- Are u3d and prc the only formats to generate 3d pdf's?

- are there any free and working converters available (besides free trial versions)?

- will there be any converters or plug-ins on behalf of Adobe (e.g. "Adobe Substance for acrobat" )?

....................................

I look forward to hearing from you - any link or idea is highly appreciated!

[JR Boulay]

- Are u3d and prc the only formats to generate 3d pdf's?

Yes, see: https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/adding-3d-models-pdfs-acrobat.html?x-product=Helpx%2F1.0.0&x-p...

[adbDiscmarc]

Thank you for the link!

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MY "RESEARCH"

So far I learned that there are just relatively exotic or expensive converting options

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APPS

outdated PSD Versions, Adobe Substance & Stager, 
Solidworks, Vectorworks, Autocad, Archicad, 

Meshlab's U3d exported files did produce texture- but no mesh files,
Blender Plugins did not work with my hardware*

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PROVIDERS

3dpdf, simlab-soft, tetra4d 

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FORMAT

Is U3d a compressed version of the USD format?
It comes as export version with many 3d programs but without any USD-to-U3d option

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* MY "HARD-SOFTWARE LAB"

Apple 14.4.1 Sonoma
Meshlab 2020.03, Blender 2.81a 

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I hope that there is a Software PlugIn or converter (already searched via Google, Github, Stackexchange, Blender user groups);
something similar to "imagetostl.com/convert", BabylonJS or alike.

Please let me know if you have any additional ideas - 3d pdf is such a handy 3d presentation tool;
it is a pity that Adobe orphanises it.

[adbDiscmarc]

brief update:

Conversion (at least .obj to .u3d file) works with meshlab version 2023.12 –

just tested it ... finally 😉 !

[adbDiscmarc]

... another free program that exports to .u3d files: DAZStudio