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How to generate 3D PDF files for free
This uses a combination of several pieces of free, downloadable software, to embed 3D models (e.g. from STL, OBJ, or U3D files) within interactive PDF documents, which retain the basic zoom and rotation features, with the addition of several nifty functions, such as lighting adjustments and artistic renderings.
- Convert your 3D model into the U3D format. Free software such as MeshLab and DAZ Studio can export models in this format. For example, if you have a PLY, STL, OFF, OBJ, 3DS, COLLADA, PTX, V3D, PTS, APTS, XYZ, GTS, TRI, ASC, X3D, X3DV, VRML, or ALN file, you can import that into MeshLab and export as a U3D file.
- Install Miktex (free Tex software).
- Follow step 3 of the instructions on this website to download U3D2PDF software: http://wiki.david-3d.com/making_a_3d_pdf
- Open and modify the temp.tex file so that it specifies the file path of your U3D file, at two locations.
- Adjust the dimensions of the image bounding box, within the brackets, immediately before the U3D file name.
- Save and run the new .tex file by clicking Quick Build.
- Edit the PDF using Adobe Acrobat Pro to delete the page number or edit text, and PDFill PDF Tools (the free version) to crop and rotate, or add headers and footers, as desired.
Useful resources:
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