How to Embed 3D Model in existing PDF doc?

Prototech Solutions

7 years ago

How to Embed 3D Model in existing PDF doc?

Preface

Today PDF is commonly used file format to store information and share it in the form of computer documents, including text formatting and inline images. The reason is that it is estimated that 97% of world’s computers are supposed to have PDF reader installed. People create brochures, catalogs, documents, etc. in PDF format and share. Other than just information, nowadays PDF can also have 3D contents, meaning, if I want to share my part design, then I have an option to share 3D model of the part as PDF rather than just 2D Catalog with information in it. This is formally known as 3D PDF. With 3D PDF, we can analyze the Model using mouse interactions like rotate, move, isolate, hide, zoom etc. and that too in PDF itself. There are various options to create 3D PDF of any 3D model. See this for more information on 3D PDF. Going a step ahead, what if I have many 2D PDF catalogs or documents and I wish to embed 3D Model too in those 2D PDF docs, how can this be done? Here we have an option of PDF Template feature, which would be helpful in embedding the 3D model in existing 2D PDF doc.

PDF Template Feature in 3D PDF Exporter software

3D PDF Exporter software in the market often provides an option to design PDF Template and export/generate 3D PDF with that template. But there are very limited options to design template, maybe few texts, and some images or logos can be added and adjusted in Template. But this is not the case with Prototech PDF Exporter plugin, it provides facility to embed my 3D Model to existing PDF so I do not need to design PDF especially for the template. I can use any PDF and ask plugin to embed my 3D Design at a specific position of that PDF.

What can be done with “PDF Template feature”

Embed 3D Model in existing PDF
Print any content as PDF and embed Model into it
Facility to adjust 3D model embed position

5 use cases of “PDF Template feature” with ProtoTech’s PDF plugin-

Embed Model to my existing PDF Catalog
I have excel sheet created for Part details. If I can embed Part’s 3D Model, it will add great value
Design page in HTML, use that HTML as PDF Template and embed 3D Model
Make JPEG, PNG image attractive with 3D Model into it
3D PDF with BOM (Bill of Material)

Refer section below for more details on, how “PDF Template feature” fits in above use cases….

1. Embed Model to my existing PDF Catalog
Scenario: I have existing PDF of Catalog and a 3D Model. Now I need to embed 3D Model to that Catalog.
Solution: While Exporting 3D Model i) Browse PDF Catalog ii) Choose the position where we want to display 3D Model iii) Export.

Fig: Embed Model to my existing PDF

2. I have excel sheet created for Part details. If I can embed Part’s 3D Model, it will add great value
Scenario: Embed 3D Model to Excel sheet
Solution: To do this, I will i) Print (CTRL+P) that Excel sheet to PDF and ii) Browse that PDF as Template from PDF Exporter plugin,

3. Design page in HTML, use that HTML as PDF Template and embed 3D Model
Scenario: What if I need to add/embed 3D Model to my existing webpage or newly designed webpage
Solution: I can open any webpage and i) Print (CTRL+P) it as PDF ii) Browse that PDF for adding 3D Model at specific position

4. Make JPEG, PNG image attractive with 3D Model into it
Scenario: I have a 2D image of complete Machine/assembly and need to make specific part 3D
Solution: To do this we can first i) Print any image to PDF ii) Browse that PDF while exporting 3D Model

5. 3D PDF with BOM (Bill of Material)
Scenario: Can I have 3D Model’s PDF with it’s BOM structure?
Solution: Yes, first i) Print BOM as PDF ii) Browse BOM’s PDF and choose position where you need to embed 3D Model