Native CAD interfaces
Direct support for the CAD formats listed here.
PDF-PRC-U3D Viewer
Open 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D files
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The 3D-Tool Viewer opens 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D files without any additional CAD software.
The 3D-NativeCAD Converter exports visualization models to formats such as JT, STL, U3D, 3D-PDF, and 3D-HTML.
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Windows support
Compatible with current Windows versions.
When the 3D-PDF Model Won't Rotate
3D-Tool opens 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D files so the embedded part can actually be rotated, zoomed, and measured, instead of appearing as a static page in a plain PDF reader. This matters most for quotes, assembly instructions, or spare parts catalogs that arrive with an embedded 3D model.
Instead of installing Adobe Acrobat for a single file, the 3D-Tool CAD Viewer opens the geometry directly, whether it is embedded in the PDF or exists as a standalone PRC or U3D file, and adds measurement and analysis tools for it.
What are 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D files?
- 3D-PDF (Adobe PDF): A 3D-PDF is a PDF document with an embedded 3D model. It displays a design interactively in 3D. However, Adobe Acrobat Reader is required because basic PDF reader apps cannot display the embedded 3D data.
- PRC (Product Representation Compact): PRC stores highly compressed 3D data for embedding in PDF documents. A PRC file can contain both visualization data (MESH) and exact geometry (BREP) from the 3D model.
- U3D (Universal 3D): U3D is an open 3D standard for exchanging 3D data. It is often used to embed 3D models in PDF files. U3D files contain visualization data for the model, but they can also include lighting, textures, and animations.
3D-PDF, PRC, and 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 defined 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 uniform standard for 3D data. The format was later expanded, and newer versions support curved surfaces in addition to MESH.
3D-PDF characteristics
Acrobat 3D was a special version of Acrobat with additional functions, including direct import of selected 3D CAD formats.
Acrobat 3D was replaced by Acrobat 9 Pro Extended in 2009. Acrobat 9 Pro Extended 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 directly. Instead, Adobe relies on add-on products from Tetra 4D, initially under the name 3D PDF Converter and later under the name Tetra4D Converter.
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?
Convert 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D files with a 3D converter. The 3D-NativeCAD Converter in 3D-Tool Premium converts many 3D formats, including native formats from common CAD systems, to 3D exchange formats or visualization formats. One restriction applies to 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D: visualization data (MESH) can only be converted to formats that support this type of data.
Without a 3D converter or CAD/CAM software with a suitable interface, the only option is to use the original CAD system. There, the model must be exported to another 3D exchange format or 3D visualization format.
Test the 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D viewer and converter for free
3D-Tool is a CAD Viewer with interfaces for common native CAD formats and 3D exchange formats. 3D-Tool provides professional measurement functions, draft analysis, and wall thickness analysis.
- Open 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D files, add dimensions and annotations, and publish them for the 3D-Tool Free Viewer or as 3D-PDF
- Open 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D files and save them as STL, 3DS, PLY, WRL, or OBJ
- Convert 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D files to JT, STEP, and X_T
- Convert 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D models into 3D product visualizations such as 3D-HTML, FBX, 3MF, and glTF
Simply download 3D-Tool, start it, and request a trial key. Test all features, all interfaces, and the 3D-NativeCAD Converter for 14 days. Open and convert 3D-PDF, PRC, U3D, STEP, JT, as well as CATIA, Designcenter (Siemens NX), Inventor, SolidWorks, and other formats.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a 3D-PDF?
A 3D-PDF is a PDF document with an embedded 3D model for interactive viewing. PRC and U3D are formats used to embed this model data. A compatible viewer lets the recipient interact with the model within the document. Whether the embedded data contains exact CAD geometry or only a mesh determines the options for further conversion.
What is the difference between PRC and U3D?
PRC can contain exact CAD geometry (BREP) and visualization data (MESH). U3D is used for 3D visualization and can also contain lighting, textures, and animations. Both formats can be embedded in PDF documents. For exact CAD conversion, check the embedded geometry rather than relying on the PDF extension alone.
Why does a PDF viewer not display the embedded 3D model?
A PDF viewer must support embedded 3D data to display the model interactively. Simply displaying PDF pages is not enough: a static page preview does not show all the information contained in the embedded model. An application with 3D support is required to rotate and inspect the model. The 3D-Tool CAD Viewer opens 3D-PDF files and allows measurements and analyses on the model.
Can every 3D-PDF be converted to exact CAD geometry?
No. The embedded data determines the conversion options. PRC can contain exact CAD geometry, but a model containing only mesh data remains visualization data when converted with 3D-Tool. If exact geometry is required, ask the sender whether the PDF contains suitable PRC data or request the original CAD model in an exchange format.
Which formats can I convert 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D files to?
3D-Tool can save 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D models as STL, 3DS, PLY, WRL, or OBJ. The 3D-NativeCAD Converter in 3D-Tool Premium also converts models to formats such as 3D-HTML, FBX, 3MF, and glTF. Choose a target format that suits the recipient's viewing application and the intended presentation.