Adding 3D models to PDFs (Acrobat Pro)

You can use the 3D tool to place a 3D file (in U3D 3rd Edition or PRC format) on a PDF page. Acrobat Pro can create 3D PDFs but only from U3D ECMA 1 files.

After you place a 3D file, you can adjust the area or canvas in which the 3D model appears, edit the presentation properties for the 3D toolbar and content, and create additional views.

Add a 3D model to a page

Move, delete, or resize the 3D canvas

3D properties (Acrobat Pro)

View 3D properties by using the Select Object Tool (Tools > Rich Media > Select Object) to double-click within an activated model.

3D tab

The options on the 3D tab determine how the 3D model is presented. Unlike the settings on the other tabs, 3D settings do not affect the imported file itself.

The options on the 3D tab are the same as the options on the 3D toolbar except for the following:

This setting determines the lighting theme of the animation display in Acrobat.

Allows you to choose the visualization style for the added 3D model.

For models created with animation, this setting determines how the animation runs in Acrobat.

Allows you to use different model views. An orthographic projection (ortho) effectively removes a dimension, preserving the size ratio between objects but giving the 3D model a less realistic appearance. Orthographic projection is especially useful for viewing certain diagrams, such as 3D mathematical functions plotted on a graph. A perspective projection offers a more realistic scene in which objects in the distance appear smaller than objects of the same size in the foreground.

Displays the 3D toolbar along with the image. When this option is not selected, you can right-click the 3D image to view the 3D toolbar.

Displays the model tree on the Model Tree pane. The Model Tree has three panes. Each pane displays a specific type of information or controls.

Specifies the JavaScript file that runs if a 3D model is enabled. Click Browse to add a JavaScript file to the PDF.

Launch Settings

Specifies when the 3D model is activated. When the 3D model is enabled, you can interact with it by using the 3D navigation tools, for example.

Determines how the 3D model can be deactivated. When a 3D model is disabled, the 2D preview image or poster appears in the canvas.

Enables you to display the 3D model in a floating window outside the page. If you select Play Content In Floating Window, you can select the size of the window (in pixels) from the Height and Width menus.

Select to create a border around the 3D object.

Removes any background color.

To replace the default view of the 3D model when it isn’t activated, select a poster image option. Click Browse to find the image you want.

Run a JavaScript

If a separate JavaScript file is associated with the 3D model PDF, you can activate it.