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open 3D-PDF, PRC and U3D files

CATIA Siemens-NX CREO SolidWorks Solid Edge Autodesk Rhino JT STEP X_T DWG-DXF-DWF DGN-IFC PDF-PRC-U3D IGES-SAT-VDA DAE-FBX-glTF 3MF-STL PLY-3DS-WRL-OBJ

What are 3D PDF, PRC, and U3D files?

  • 3D PDF (Adobe PDF) PDF documents with an embedded 3D model enable the interactive representation of a design in 3D. However, Adobe Reader installation is required, as simple PDF reader apps cannot display the embedded 3D data.
  • PRC (Product Representation Compact) Highly compressed 3D data for embedding within PDF documents. It can contain both a visualization (MESH) and the exact geometry (BREP) of the 3D model.
  • U3D (Universal 3D) An open 3D standard that enables the exchange of 3D data and is often used to embed 3D models in PDF files. U3D files contain visualization data of the model, but can also contain lighting, textures, and animations.

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3D PDF, PRC, U3D - Versions

  • 3D PDF Acrobat 3D was released in 2006 alongside versions 7 and 8 of Acrobat Pro. Version 7 supported U3D. PRC was first supported in version 8 in 2007.
  • PRC There are two versions of the ISO-standardized PRC format: PRC 7094 (an older version) and PRC 10001, which is enshrined in the ISO 14739-1:2014 specification.
  • U3D The format was developed by the 3D Industry Forum and standardized as ECMA-363 in 2005, with the goal of creating a unified standard for 3D data. The format was later further developed, and newer versions support curved surfaces in addition to MESH.

3D PDF - Special Features

Acrobat 3D was a special version of Acrobat with additional features, including direct import of some 3D CAD formats.

Acrobat 3D was replaced in 2009 by Acrobat 9 Pro Extended, which enabled the conversion of 3D CAD formats to PRC and the import of U3D and PRC into PDF documents.

Since Acrobat X, Adobe no longer supports 3D CAD conversion itself and instead relies on add-on products from Tetra 4D, initially under the name 3D PDF Converter and currently under the name Tetra4D Converter.(09/2025)

How do I open 3D PDF, PRC, and U3D files?

PDF readers that can view 3D models include Adobe Acrobat and the free Adobe Reader. Also do some mobile applications such as 3D PDF Reader for iOS and Android.

PRC and U3D models are typically opened with the paid Adobe Acrobat to embed the 3D models in PDF documents.

The 3D-Tool CAD Viewer opens 3D PDF, PRC, and U3D files and provides extensive measurement, markup, and analysis tools.

How can I convert a 3D PDF, PRC, or U3D file?

If you don't have CAD/CAM software with a suitable interface, the model must be exported from the original CAD system to another 3D exchange format or 3D visualization format.

Converting 3D PDF, PRC, and U3D is also possible with a 3D converter or CAD converter.

3D-Tool Premium includes the 3D NativeCAD Converter. This converts many 3D formats, including native formats from common CAD systems, into 3D exchange formats or 3D product visualizations. However, in the case of 3D PDF, PRC, and U3D, please note that visualization data (MESH) can only be converted to formats that support this.

Test 3D PDF, PRC, U3D Viewer, and Converter

3D-Tool is a CAD viewer with interfaces for common native CAD formats and 3D exchange formats. 3D-Tool offers professional measurement functions, draft analysis, and wall thickness analysis.

  • Open, dimension, comment, and publish 3D PDF, PRC, and U3D files for the 3D-Tool Free Viewer or as 3D PDF.
  • Open and save 3D PDF, PRC, and U3D files as STL, 3DS, PLY, WRL, OBJ, or PLY.
  • Convert 3D PDF, PRC, and U3D files to CATIA V5, STEP, and X_T.
  • Convert 3D PDF, PRC, and U3D models to 3D product visualizations such as 3D HTML, FBX, Collada, 3MF, and glTF.

Simply download 3D-Tool, launch it, and request a demo key. Test it for 14 days with all features, all interfaces, and the 3D Native CAD Converter. Open and convert 3D PDF, PRC, U3D, STEP, JT, as well as CATIA, Siemens NX, Inventor, SolidWorks, and other formats.

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