U3D (“Universal 3D”) from Blender ?

Support Modeling
1

is there this U3D format available in blender for exporting 3D model to a PDF file ?

thanks
happy cl

2

There is a procedure documented on the Meshlab site that details how to export U3D and make a 3D PDF. While its a no cost solution, its not very convenient. I don’t know of any plugin for Blender that will export directly to 3D PDF.

In my opinion, the best option is Simlab Composer. While its not free, its is not ridiculously expensive.

Also, Adobe Acrobat Pro can import U3D and save 3D PDF if you already happened to have it or are on the Creative Cloud unlimited solution.

1 Like
3

just saw some script that was done in 2.6 but broken
hope it Is working again in 2.79
waiting to get answer on that one

will check meshlab
but I don’t think you can export blender model with materials in meshlab!

thanks
happy bl

4

OBJ would probably work, to export to Meshlab.

5

need to export blender as obj with mat and should upload in Meshlab

but problem I see with obj is that if model has a lot of verts the obj file can become super big
so have to be careful to use low res model or end up with GB files !

then after that I hope Meshlab can re export as U3D for using 3D model in PDF file

will ty to do some simple test on that workflow

but wondering about the mat
probably not compatible with cycles mat here !
any tips on that ?

thanks

happy bl

6

All the file formats exported by Blender that are compatible with Meshlab and can transfer materials are text formats, as far as I have checked. The file size will be large regardless although some text formats might be more efficient than others.

PLY, which I have used in other applications, can be binary or text, and its a good option for smaller file size as a binary file. However, Blender only exports the text format.

7

ok I converted some cycles render to blender with normal mat and exported as obj
I was able to import in Meshlab then export as U3D
Color of simple mat seem ok in Meshlab

now got to find way to add this U3D to a PDF file
any tips on that ?

I only have PDF reader
but I can make PDF from Libreffice !
not certain if possible to import U3D in libreoffice !

thanks
happy bl

8

I cannot find the original document on the Meshlab site, but the following contain similar info. Apparently the developer of Meshlab removed the info because of the difficulty and limitations (namely lack of vertex color) of using U3D (see 3rd link below for that discussion). I think if you only need to do this only once, get the trial for Simlab and save yourself the aggravation.

http://rainnic.altervista.org/en/content/embed-3ds-pdf-latex-u3d?language_content_entity=en
https://sourceforge.net/p/meshlab/discussion/499533/thread/09d19e1e/
https://sourceforge.net/p/meshlab/discussion/499532/thread/28ddb410/
http://www.cadforum.cz/cadforum_en/create-free-3d-pdf-output-from-any-cad-software-tip9972

9

what doe simlab do ?

thanks
happy bl

10

It started originally as a 3D model to 3D PDF solution. It has expanded to include animation, Web3d, and mechanical simulation.

11

i’ll test some more and may be get the Acrobat pro soft if needed

but first I want to see what I can do with free soft

thanks for feedback

happy bl

12

There is suppose to be an Add-on but it does not work for Blender or Bforartists… It says I need version 2.8X… I do, but it still will not work…

2.8version
2.8version1606×508 91 KB

13

where did you get this export don’t see it in 2.83 ?

there was an older export for 3D in 2.49
but it was not continued in 2.7 serie
can’t remember the name right now!

thanks
happy bl

14

This means you need version under 2.80 to use the extension.
["Upgrade to 2.8x required" For addon - #4 by H-S]( According To Stan_Pancakes’s reply)