Incorrect color shown in 3D PDF

[Mile38453233exp4]

I made a 3D model with CAD software and xonvert it into 3D PDF. But the color shown in 3D PDF is different from what I render in the CAD software.

What should I do in order to show the correct correct in 3D PDF ?

[Luke Jennings3 · Accepted solution]

The color between the CAD screen shot and the pdf are actually not that different, when a black background is added. The pdf is showing increased shading which is probably making it look darker. I don't think it's an RGB issue, although RGB blue and CMYK blue can look similar. Your Output preview tool should look like my screen shot above. Here is an Adobe link with instructions how to use it: https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/previewing-output-acrobat-pro.html

[Luke Jennings3]

What settings do you use to export to pdf from CAD? You may be converting to cmyk. To check the color space of your pdf content, go to Tools> Print Production> Output Preview, change the Simulation profile to Apple RGB (or one of the other RGB profiles), and Show: RGB, this will hide any elements that are not RGB.

[Mile38453233exp4]

Thanks for you answer. But there is no reply on clicking "Use Print Production"  ( plz see the attached image )

Also , if it is really related to CMYK , is it possible to change PDF setting to change it to RGB ?

[Luke Jennings3]

I am using the old user interface, I don't know where the Output Preview tool is in the new interface, but you can use the search tool to find it. (you can switch to the older interface, if you want). What settings do you use to export to pdf from CAD? Can you show a screen shot? A "print" setting may be converting your pdf to CMYK. If it is CMYK, you won't see much improvement converting it back to RGB, as RGB has a much wider color gamut (can show more colors).  So if this is your issue, exporting to RGB from CAD would be best practice. Can you attach a sample pdf using the round button below? or a screen shot from CAD and a screen shot of the same area on a pdf?

[Mile38453233exp4]

Output Preview is under "Print Production". But it doesn't have any reaction when I click on "use print production" in the list of "All tools". For CAS setting on PDF exporting , it doesn't show any information about RBG / CMYK. And please have a check on the attached comparison image between CAD & 3D PDF eported.

[Luke Jennings3 · Accepted solution]

The color between the CAD screen shot and the pdf are actually not that different, when a black background is added. The pdf is showing increased shading which is probably making it look darker. I don't think it's an RGB issue, although RGB blue and CMYK blue can look similar. Your Output preview tool should look like my screen shot above. Here is an Adobe link with instructions how to use it: https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/previewing-output-acrobat-pro.html

[Mile38453233exp4]

Actually I can find "unit production" but it does not response after clicking it. Is it related to the Adobe version ? My Adobe reader is the basic version , not Pro version.

[Luke Jennings3]

The Print Production tool is not available in the free Adobe Reader, you will need Adobe Acrobat.

[Mile38453233exp4]

Thanks !  But is it possible to adjust the lightning in 3D PDF so that color can look closer to the original rendering ? 

It makes color looks dark. It shows grey color in 3D PDF. But the data is White color in rendering. 

[Luke Jennings3]

There may be options in your CAD program, but I don't use a CAD program at this time, so I can't help you. You can adjust pdf color in Acrobat, but not the free Reader.

[Mile38453233exp4]

"You can adjust pdf color in Acrobat, but not the free Reader." Do you mean color can be adjusted if I upgrade to Pro version Adobe Reader ? It would be helpful if you could show the steps in making the adjustment ? 

[Luke Jennings3 · Accepted solution]

Here is a link to a related discussion, I have included instructions on how to use a preflight fixup to adjust the midtones of a pdf (see the 9th reply), I believe this would work on a 3D pdf, although I have not tried it. Note, Acrobat is not an image editor, so don't expect to be able to make large changes, but you can lighten or darken the midtones, if you follow the instructions.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/remove-background-in-acrobat-pro/m-p/14437633