Are you looking to create a 3D PDF in SolidWorks? This tutorial will guide you through the process step by step. Let’s dive in and explore how you can easily convert your SolidWorks model into a 3D PDF format.
Step 1: Preparing your SolidWorks Model
Before we begin, make sure that your SolidWorks model is ready for export. Ensure that all necessary components and configurations are included and properly defined.
Tip:
If your model contains multiple configurations or display states, it is recommended to create separate views for each configuration or display state. This will allow users to switch between different views within the 3D PDF.
Step 2: Exporting as a 3D PDF
To export your SolidWorks model as a 3D PDF, follow these steps:
- Go to ‘File’ -> ‘Save As’.
- Select ‘Adobe Portable Document Format (*.pdf)’ from the ‘Save as type’ dropdown menu.
- Navigate to the desired location on your computer and provide a name for the file.
- Click on ‘Save’ to proceed.
This will open up the ‘Save As PDF’ dialog box, where you can customize various settings related to the exported 3D PDF.
Step 3: Configuring 3D PDF Settings
The ‘Save As PDF’ dialog box provides several options to configure the settings of your 3D PDF. Let’s take a look at some of the important ones:
- Default View: Select the desired view that should be displayed when the 3D PDF is opened.
- Enable 3D Interactions: Check this option to allow users to interact with the 3D model in the PDF using rotation, zoom, and pan.
- Create 3D PDF with MBD Data: If your SolidWorks model contains Model-Based Definition (MBD) data, enabling this option will include all the annotations, dimensions, and other MBD information in the 3D PDF.
Once you have configured all the settings according to your requirements, click on ‘Save’ to generate the 3D PDF file.
Step 4: Viewing and Interacting with the 3D PDF
To view and interact with your newly created 3D PDF, simply open it using any compatible PDF viewer. The viewer should provide options to rotate, zoom, pan, and explore different parts of the model.
Note:
In some cases, certain features or interactivity may be limited depending on the capabilities of your chosen PDF viewer. It is recommended to use a viewer that fully supports interactive 3D content for an optimal experience.
Congratulations! You have successfully created a 3D PDF from your SolidWorks model. Now you can easily share your designs and collaborate with others using this widely supported format.
Remember to always double-check your exported file for any potential issues or missing content before sharing it with others. Enjoy exploring the possibilities of 3D PDF!