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Known Participant
January 7, 2017
Question

Convert a 3d file to PDF with code

  • January 7, 2017
  • 4 replies
  • 8480 views

Hello,

I would like to create a program which converts 3d files to PDF 3D.

I am really flexible. It can be with any version of Adobe Acrobat program, and in any language.

The point is that I wouldn't need to open the 3d file with the Adobe Acrobat Reader, and save it as PDF.

All has to be Automatically!

Thank you!!!

This topic has been closed for replies.

4 replies

Participating Frequently
March 24, 2017

I think the first question should be "What format file are you trying to convert to 3D PDF?" There are various ways to create a 3D PDF, but whether it requires buying an app or can be done for free depends on the source format. If you let us know the original 3D format, myself or someone else may be able to suggest a valid free workflow.

Known Participant
June 17, 2017

I am pretty flexible as long it can contain hierarchy and can be exported from 3ds Max.

Right now I am using obj files.

Participating Frequently
March 19, 2017

"It can be with any version of Adobe Acrobat program, and in any language."
Acrobat 9 Pro Extended was able to convert 3D models to 3D PDF and there was a C++ SDK for doing that.
Tetra 4D sells updated version of the same converters, they were unbundled from Acrobat after ver. 9.

"I forgot to mention that it has to be free."
You may try DAZ 3D Studio, it can convert OBJ into U3D, that is one of the internal 3D PDF formats.

An U3D file can be included into PDF with any modern Acrobat (see BP72 link), since no conversion is required in this case.

If you feel really masochistic and want to implement yourself a completely FOSS solution without misusing MeshLab, I can dig up my unfinished effort to add 3D PDF export to AssImp.

Known Participant
June 17, 2017

"An U3D file can be included into PDF with any modern Acrobat (see BP72 link), since no conversion is required in this case."

What is BP72?

How can I import in to a PDF file a U3D model automatically, without needing to open the PDF file.

"If you feel really masochistic and want to implement yourself a completely FOSS solution without misusing MeshLab, I can dig up my unfinished effort to add 3D PDF export to AssImp."

Will I be able to run the 3D PDF export service with a script?

I guess I am a masochist...

I've developed some functions over the PDF javascript platform, that are executed with buttons.

Right now my need is a program which imports a 3d file (which is created by 3ds Max ) to a specific PDF file with a specific template, that performs Hide and Show actions on the model according to it's objects' names. It mustn't be manually.

So I don't think there is free program that does that. That's why I need to do it myself using javascript in Adobe PDF files.

Carina Herrmann
Participant
March 16, 2017

Try out Meshlab. Save your file as an supported meshlab-file. And export it as u3D.

There is a bug concerning the IDTFConverter.exe. But you can fix it. Search the meshlab-Forum for IDTFConverter.exe.

Works fine, save money.

Known Participant
June 17, 2017

Thank you!

Is it possible to run Meshlab's converting abilities with a script behind the scenes?

And after I convert the model to U3D, how do I add it automatically to a PDF file?

Joel Geraci
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 7, 2017

Here you go...

https://tetra4d.com/tetra4d-automate/

These guys invented the stuff.

J-

Known Participant
January 7, 2017

I forgot to mention that it has to be free

Joel Geraci
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 7, 2017

You won't find anything that is worth using for free.

J-