Adobe ACROBAT 3D Manual page 552

Capturing 3D models from 3D CAD applications
Using Acrobat 3D to capture a 3D model is similar to capturing a screen image. Being
able to capture a 3D model is especially useful if Acrobat 3D does not support a certain
3D format, if a 3D model appears in a database but you don't have access to the actual 3D
file, or if you want to capture a specific appearance of the 3D model. When you capture a
3D model, Acrobat 3D interprets the 3D model's information, retrieving geometry
information such as simulation results, measurements, and annotations. However, the 3D
model's file structure, such as the part names and hierarchy, is not preserved in the capture.
You can capture a 3D model from any 3D CAD application that supports OpenGL, which
is the standard graphics language for 3D models. Acrobat 3D supports a number of CAD
applications by default. The 3D Capture section of the Preferences dialog box includes
default capture presets for supported applications. 3D Capture presets for non-default
CAD applications are created during the first capture from the application.
When capturing, Acrobat 3D allows separate settings for each application. A best guess is
made to the appropriate settings based on the name of the executable file. For example, if
the name of the application is CNEXT.exe, the settings default to CATIA capture settings.
You can then edit the capture settings as appropriate.
To capture a 3D model in a PDF document:
1. Open the 3D model in its source application, and prepare it for capture. (See
capture results.)
2. In Acrobat 3D, choose File > Create PDF > From 3D Capture.
3. Do one of the following:
If Acrobat 3D supports capture from the CAD application, click OK and restart the CAD
application.
If Acrobat 3D does not support capture from the CAD application, you are asked if you
want to enable capture. If you click Yes, you are prompted to restart the CAD application.
When you restart the CAD application, a 3D Capture preset is generated, allowing you to
proceed with the capture. If you click No, capture is disabled for that CAD application.
4. (Optional) Click the Settings button, edit the 3D capture settings as necessary, and then
click OK. (See
5. Click the window containing the 3D model to make it active, and then press the Print
Screen key.
6. In Acrobat 3D, edit the conversion settings as needed, and then click OK. (See
conversion settings.)
If you are not able to capture the 3D model, or if the capture includes unwanted items, try
to change settings in the 3D CAD application. (See
You can also press the Print Screen key directly in the 3D application from which
you want to capture. This creates a new PDF document in Acrobat 3D that contains the
captured 3D geometry.
Related Subtopics:
Tips for best capture results
Changing 3D Capture preferences
3D capture settings
3D capture settings.)
Tips for best capture
Tips for best
3D
results.)