Embed 3D objects in your PDF

With Power PDF, you can embed 3D objects in your PDF files and edit them inside the container PDF. Basic editing and display options are also available. This can be useful if you work in the 3D/CG industry (for instance as a 3D modeler, artist, or animator); or if you are an architect/engineer needing to present work in a portable fashion (the creator 3D application does not have to be installed on target machines).

Power PDFsupports the .prc and partially supports the .u3d file formats; while it works with certain .u3d files without problems, others may not load correctly. (.u3d is a universal file format for 3D file content description.)

If a document is flattened, the 3D objects it contains become simple two-dimensional document objects.

Add 3D files to your PDFs using the 3D Tool

3d icon

  1. Select Edit > Insert > 3D.
  2. Select an area on the page for the insertion of the 3D object.
  3. Locate the .u3d or .prc file and select it.
  4. Click Open.

Make measurements of 3D objects

3D Measure icon
  1. Click the 3D Measurement tool in the 3D toolbar to measure vertex distance, edges, angles, and several more 3D dimensions.

    This displays a dialog box with three tabs:

    • View: Specify measurement type: Ruler, Distance, Radius, Angle, or Auto.

    • Markup: Add markup text to specific measured dimensions.

    • Tool Settings: Set measurement units and snapping.

For more information, see Embedded 3D objects toolbar.

Measuring tools are also available for 2D objects and pictures.