Native CAD interfaces
Direct support for the CAD formats listed here.
PDF-PRC-U3D Viewer
Open 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D files
intuitive & practical 3D without CAD expertise
affordable & universal many 3D/2D interfaces
Modern, easy-to-use CAD viewer
Cost-effective CAD converter for all formats
The 3D-Tool Viewer opens 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D files without any additional CAD software.
The 3D-NativeCAD Converter converts 3D models to a wide range of formats such as STEP, JT, Parasolid X_T, STL, OBJ, PLY, and 3D-HTML.
Free for 14 days
Fully functional, no obligation.
Secure & reliable
Stable, precise CAD data processing.
Windows support
Compatible with current Windows versions.
What are 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D files?
- 3D-PDF (Adobe PDF) PDF documents with an embedded 3D model allow a design to be displayed interactively in 3D. However, Adobe Reader must be installed because simple PDF reader apps cannot display the embedded 3D data.
- PRC (Product Representation Compact) Highly compressed 3D data for embedding in PDF documents. It can contain both visualization data (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 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.
In 2009, Acrobat 3D was replaced by Acrobat 9 Pro Extended, which enabled conversion of 3D CAD formats to PRC and import of U3D and PRC into PDF documents.
Since Acrobat X, Adobe no longer supports 3D CAD conversion directly and instead relies on add-on products from Tetra 4D, initially under the name 3D PDF Converter and currently under the name Tetra4D Converter.(05/2026)
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?
Without 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.
3D-Tool Premium includes the 3D-NativeCAD Converter. It converts many 3D formats, including native formats from common CAD systems, to 3D exchange formats or 3D product visualizations. For 3D-PDF, PRC, and U3D, however, note that visualization data (MESH) can only be converted to formats that support it.
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, Collada, 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, Siemens NX, Inventor, SolidWorks, and other formats.
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