CREATE 3D PDF

This is bit of a workaround, but does work.

It works well for small files, but takes a while for larger files.

For example to export a 3D view of one level of Royal Hobart Hospital (including FFE) took 20 minutes and created a 26Mb PDF file, which was sluggish in Adobe Reader.

Exporting a DWFx of the same view took 30 seconds and created a 4Mb file, which responded instantly in Design Review.

See results at bottom of this page.

BUT - the Adobe Reader plug-in is 50Mb, Design Review (required to see DWFx files) is 750Mb.

If you want to send a navigable file to some-one who won't want to spend the time installing Design Review this method might be worth while.

METHOD 1:

The steps below show how to do it using the i-model plugin from Bentley (makers of Microstation):

• 1. Close Revit

  2. Download and install i-model plug-in for Revit (you will have to register)

  3. Download and install Bentley View

  4. Download and install i-model plug-in for Adobe Reader

  5. Open a Revit project

  6. Open a 3D view

  7. In the Ribbon, go to Bentley > Publish as i-model

  8. Open the i-model DGN in Bentley View

  9. File > Print to PDF

  10. Tick 'Print to 3D'

  11. Click Printer button

  12. Choose a place to save your file

  13. Open the 3D PDF in Adobe Reader

You can now navigate your Revit model inside a 3D PDF file.

METHOD 2:

NOTE: This will only work if you have Adobe Acrobat Pro Extended 9.

Export your model as an IFC, then put it inside a PDF file using Adobe Acrobat Pro Extended 9 (will not work with any other version - including latest Acrobat X Pro).

Be aware that IFC exports from Revit do not always preserve geometry very well. Have a look at the results to make sure there are not major errors (like roofs upside down, floors extending out into space)

• 1. In Revit Export > Options > IFC Options

  2. Each object is assigned to an IFC Class; for example, Areas exports to IfcSpace. So, adjust accordingly.

  3. When done Export > IFC

  4. In Adobe Acrobat Pro File > Create PDF > from a blank file.

  5. Import your IFC model - Tools > Multimedia > 3D Tool and draw a box on the blank page.

  6. After drawing the box, you will be presented with a window asking for the location of the IFC file as well as some options for displaying your model.

  7. Save your PDF, you now have an interactive 3D PDF.

When you open the PDF in Acrobat Reader, you may have to click to activate the 3D content. The main window contains the 3D model.

Interact with your model as you would most other 3D programs: Scroll your mouse wheel to zoom in and out, left click and move your mouse left, right, up, and down to move the model. For other controls and to modify the model, there is a toolbar floating above the 3D model box.

EXAMPLES:

PDF 3D (in Acrobat Reader with i-model installed)

DWFx 3D (in Design Review)