Getting Started: STL to 3D PDF
This video demo shows how to create 3D PDF interactive report documents
from STL 3D model files. STL is the format most widely used with 3D Printers.
You can convert STL to 3D PDF using the following simple steps.
First start PDF3D ReportGen, then push "Add File", or drag & drop to select one or more
STL files for conversion.
Next, specify the desired output PDF filename.
Under options, select the visual effects tab, select an individual
model surface color and display characterisitcs to differentiate each part.
Then click Convert to start the process of loading the STLs and creating
the new 3D PDF file.
The result can be opened for review in the Adobe Reader.
Each STL part can be hidden or shown using the viewer's model tree menu.
The final PDF is stand-alone, can be sent out for review attached to an email for review,
or sent to a client.
Why, what problem does this solve?
STL 3D part format is extremely widely used and available, including on 3D model sharing
websites. It is suddenly growing in popularity due to 3D Printers, which directly accept STL.
However STL files cannot be openned without some special 3D software application.
Even when possible to open and view in 3D, it is typically not part of any document.
There are several reasons why STL to 3D PDF could be a benefit:
By converting STL to 3D PDF, anyone can view the 3D model shape in 3D PDF viewers such as
the Adobe Reader.
The PDF file size could be 1/20th of the original STL file size.
The 3D view of the STL part could be part of larger document, proposal, quote or engineering drawing.