3D in PDF files

[Shlomo Perets]

Erika,

You wrote:

>Are we up to the stage of importing a 3D CAD file into Word that turns
>into manipulable 3D when converted to PDF? From what I've read this is
>not yet possible, but I might have missed something.

Inserting a 3D model into Microsoft Word, which upon conversion to PDF 
becomes a interactive 3D model, is possible but requires a special version 
of Acrobat called Acrobat 3D (similar to Acrobat Professional 7 but with 
additional 3D capabilities; version 8 of Acrobat 3D should be released soon).

After Acrobat 3D is installed, the PDF Maker toolbar present in Microsoft 
Word/Excel/Powerpoint has a fourth icon ("Insert Acrobat 3D Model"). Notice 
that "Enable accessibility and reflow with Tagged PDF"  has to be turned on 
in PDFMaker settings, or else the 3D model will be present in the PDF as an 
image only (with no interactivity).

All Acrobat 7.0.7 versions or later (including the free Adobe Reader) can 
be used view/manipulate/annotate the 3D models in PDF.


>Anyone done 3D in PDF and if yes, with what tools?

I primarily use FrameMaker and have developed an add-on that supports the 
inclusion of 3D models in FrameMaker files, so that interactive 3D models 
(along with their specified features such as views), are automatically 
present in the PDF file upon distilling. Sample PDFs produced this way are 
available at http://www.microtype.com/TimeSavers_Assistants.html#3DAsst


Shlomo Perets

MicroType, http://www.microtype.com * ToolbarPlus Express for FrameMaker
FrameMaker/Acrobat training & consulting * FrameMaker-to-Acrobat 
TimeSavers/Assistants