Difference between revisions of "File formats/3D PDF"

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= PDF documents with integrated 3D interactive models =
 
= PDF documents with integrated 3D interactive models =
 
== Easy procedure ==
 
== Easy procedure ==
−
This is currently the easiest way to create a PDF document containing an interactive 3D molecular model, using only  
+
This is currently the easiest way to create a PDF document containing an interactive 3D molecular model, using only '''free software''' (at least free in Windows; solutions for the Mac need more investigation to confirm).
−
'''free software''' under '''Windows'''.
 
  
−
(This is a brief description; if needed, extra information may be found in the next section below)
+
=== Downloads ===
 +
* ''Windows'' ''and MacOS'': download the '''graphic user interface version of IDTFConverter''' from [https://jmol.sourceforge.net/download/ the Jmol website]:
 +
** ''Windows'': download the {{file|IDTF_U3D_Converter.zip}}, unpack the zip file and put the single {{file|IDTF_U3D_Converter.exe}} file wherever you want in your local disk. If you find it convenient, create a shortcut for it in the desktop or the Start menu.
 +
** ''MacOS'': choose and download the app suitable for your system:
 +
*** {{file|IDTF_U3D_Converter_Intel.zip}} if your computer is based on an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_Pro_(Intel-based) Intel processor]. Unpack the zip file to obtain the executable file, {{file|IDTF_U3D_Converter.app}}
 +
*** {{file|IDTF_U3D_Converter_Silicon.zip}} if your computer is based on a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_silicon Silicon processor] (usually ARM). Unpack the zip file to obtain the executable file, {{file|IDTF_U3D_Converter.app}}
  
−
# Create a PDF document with the text and images from your preferred application (e.g. Word or Powerpoint), leaving enough blank spaces where you would position the 3D molecular models. If your application cannot export to PDF directly, you may use a virtual PDF printer like [https://www.pdfforge.org/ PDFforge PDF Creator] or [https://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-lite PDF-XChange Lite Printer] (both available for free).
+
=== Create the IDTF file ===
−
# Download and install '''IDTFConverter'''; create a {{file|u3d.bat}} file for convenience (see below for addresses and details).
 
−
# Download and install [https://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-editor '''PDF-XChange Editor'''] (free version); you need 8.0.332 at least (26 Aug. 2019)
 
−
# Get a current version of '''Jmol'''. Open your molecule; display it in the desired orientation and style. Using the console, export the model to IDTF format: <code>write myMol.idtf</code>
 
−
# Two files have been created: {{file|myMol.idtf}} and {{file|myMol.idtf.tex}}. Copy them to the folder where you have IDTFConverter, open the command line there and run the conversion: <code>u3d.bat myMol</code>.  That will create a {{file|myMol.u3d}}
 
−
# Open the previous PDF file into PDF-XChange Editor. Find the place where your left blank space.  To insert a ''3D annotation'':
 
−
#* If you are using the Ribbon interface: <code>Comment > Add 3D</code>
 
−
#* If you are using the classical Toolbar interface: <code>Tools > Media tools > Add or edit 3D annotations</code>
 
−
#: Draw the rectangle area with the mouse and pick your {{file|myMol.u3d}} file. Choose among the options offered for display, accept and save the file.
 
−
# Check the 3D display in a PDF viewer application (note that only Adobe Reader and PDF-XChange Editor support this kind of 3D content)
 
  
−
== Sample documents ==
+
# Get a current version of '''Jmol''' application. Open your molecule; display it in the desired orientation and style.
−
This has been created following the above procedure
+
#* ''Suggestion: make the Jmol window square'', using <code>top menu > Display > Resize</code> and entering two equal numbers. The result will look better if you insert it later into a square box within the pdf.
−
* [[:File:Cys_3D.pdf|Cysteine]]
+
#* ''Note:'' you can also do it with JSmol embedded in some webpage. Generation of the idtf file may take longer, though, if the model is complex.
 +
# If the export to IDTF option has been implemented in the menu:
 +
#* Top menu bar > <code>File > Export > Export to IDTF</code>
 +
#* Pop-up context menu > <code>File > Export > Export IDTF 3D model</code>
 +
# Otherwise, open the console and enter <code>write myMol.idtf</code>
 +
# Two files will be created: {{file|myMol.idtf}} and {{file|myMol.idtf.tex}}. For the current method, you may discard the <code>.tex</code> file.
  
−
= Older reference =
+
=== Create the U3D file ===
−
== Installations ==
 
−
=== Jmol ===
 
−
You need at least version 12.0.RC26 to do this.
 
  
−
=== IDTF to U3D ===
+
* Open the '''IDTF_U3D_Converter''' program or app, browse to load your {{file|.idtf}} file, choose the output folder and click on "Convert". The output will have the same filename as the input, with extension {{file|.u3d}}
−
(See also descriptions and comments for Jmol output to [[File_formats/3D_Objects#IDTF|IDTF]] and [[File_formats/3D_Objects#U3D|U3D]] formats.)
+
[[File:IDTF_U3D_Converter.png|thumb|center|x200px]]
  
−
Conversion from IDTF to U3D can be done using a simple command-line utility, IDTFConverter.
+
=== Prepare your PDF document ===
  
−
* ''Windows'' installation of IDTFConverter
+
# Use your preferred program (word processor, presentation, ...) to create a document with text and images, leaving square space(s) where you will later insert the 3D molecular models, and export to pdf format.
−
# The converter is available from Universal 3D Sample Software and from Michail Vidiassov's site (see refs. below). Download and unzip into, perhaps, {{file|c:\idtf\}}
+
#* If your application cannot export to PDF directly, you may use a virtual PDF printer like [https://www.pdfforge.org/ PDFforge PDF Creator] or [https://www.pdf-xchange.com/product/pdf-xchange-lite PDF-XChange Lite Printer] (both available for free).
−
# Create a simple command file {{file|u3d.bat}} and place it in a folder where it is easily accessible (e.g. the Windows directory or a folder included in the system's path). This {{file|u3d.bat}} file must contain this text:
+
# To insert the 3D models you need a pdf editor that is compatible with the 3D-PDF standard. Examples: Adobe Acrobat Pro and [https://www.pdf-xchange.com/product/pdf-xchange-editor PDF-XChange Editor] (Windows-only, free or paid version)
−
:: <code>c:\idtf\idtfconverter.exe -input %1.idtf -output %1.u3d</code>
+
# In PDF-XChange Editor: open the previous PDF, find the place where your left blank space. To insert a ''3D annotation'' there:
 +
#* If you are using the Ribbon interface: <code>Comment > Add 3D</code>
 +
#* If you are using the classical Toolbar interface: <code>Tools > Media tools > Add or edit 3D annotations</code>
 +
#* Draw the rectangle area with the mouse. ''Suggestion:'' draw a square by holding the Shift key while dragging to define the area.
 +
#* In <code>3D Artwork</code>, select your {{file|myMol.u3d}} file.
 +
#* Choose among any other display options offered (like activation of the content, border and background color)
 +
#* Accept and save the file.
 +
# In Adobe Acrobat Pro: open the previous PDF, find the place where your left a blank space. To insert ''3D media'' there:
 +
#* From the upper left of the screen, select <code>All tools > Add rich media > 3D media</code>.
 +
#* Drag a rectangle (better, a square) to define the area for the 3D model. An Insert 3D dialog box appears.
 +
#* In the <code>Insert 3D</code> dialog box, browse to select your {{file|myMol.u3d}} file. Check <code>Show Advanced Options</code> to set the initial properties.
 +
#* [https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/adding-3d-models-pdfs-acrobat.html Adobe help] for this procedure.
  
−
* ''MacOS and Linux'' installation of IDTFConverter
+
=== Viewing the result ===
−
# You can get a port of IDTFConverter from Michail Vidiassov's site (see refs. below).
+
* Check the 3D display in a PDF viewer application. Note that not all viewers support this kind of 3D content.  
−
# Create a command file similarly to the one described for Windows.
+
** The pdf viewers implemented internally in web browsers '''do not''' currently support 3D objects and will just display a static image.
−
 
+
** Adobe Acrobat Pro and the free Adobe Reader support 3D objects.
−
==== References ====
+
** PDF-XChange Editor supports 3D objects.  
−
* ''Windows:'' [http://sourceforge.net/projects/u3d/ Universal 3D Sample Software]. Go to 'View All Files' and download the latest {{file|U3D_A_??.zip}} file.
+
** Recent versions of [https://www.foxit.com/pdf-reader/ Foxit PDF Reader] support 3D objects. Display of 3D objects may be disabled by default. You may enable it either by '''trusting''' the document or by setting: ''File > Preferences > 3D > Enable the playing of 3D content''.
−
: You need to extract the contents of {{file|Bin/Win32/Release/}}: several files and the {{file|Plugins}} folder (that makes 4.46 MB out of the total 137 MB in the zipfile; you may probably dispense with the HelloWorld.exe, SamplePlayer.exe, TrueType.exe files).  
+
* In Android devices you may use '3D PDF Viewer' or possibly other apps (search the Google Play store).
−
* ''Windows:'' Alternatively, get just the necessary files from (''broken link'') http://www2.iaas.msu.ru/tmp/u3d/u3dIntelWin.zip (thanks to Michail Vidiassov).
+
* In iOS devices you may use '3D PDF Viewer' (search the App Store) or possibly other apps. This may also be run in a Mac computer.
−
: You need to extract the contents of {{file|u3dIntelWin/}}: several files and the {{file|Plugins}} folder; the {{file|doc/}} and {{file|samples/}} folders are not essential (that makes 4.46 MB out of the total 29 MB in the zipfile; you may probably dispense with the HelloWorld.exe, SamplePlayer.exe, TrueType.exe files).  
 
−
* ''MacOS and Linux:'' A port of the software is available as {{file|u3d-1.2.852.tar.gz}} or, possibly, a newer version, at (''broken link'') http://www2.iaas.msu.ru/tmp/u3d/ (thanks to Michail Vidiassov).
 
−
 
 
−
=== LaTeX to PDF ===
 
−
There are several '''pdfLatex''' software, like '''[http://www.tug.org/tetex/ teTeX]''' (Unix; discontinued in 2006), '''[http://miktex.org/ MiKTeX]''' (Windows), '''[http://www.tug.org/texlive/ TeX Live]''' (Unix, Linux, Windows), '''[http://www.tug.org/mactex/2009/ MacTeX]'''...
 
−
 
 
−
* Installation of MiKTeX (Windows)
 
−
# Download and install '''MiKTeX "basic"''' from http://miktex.org/
 
−
# Do an update (menu <code>Programs > MiKTeX > Maintenance > Update</code>).
 
−
# Download the '''movie15''' package (menu <code>Programs > MikTex > Maintenance > Package Manager</code>).
 
−
 
 
−
* You can avoid installing software and use instead an '''online service''' like '''[http://www.scribtex.com/ ScribTeX]''' (they have a Free Plan that gives you 50 MB storage space; you can even test-run it without signing up).
 
−
 
 
−
== Creating the document ==
 
−
1. Within Jmol script console: <code>write c:/temp/xxx.idtf</code>
 
−
<!--: or from the application's pop-up menu: <code>File > Export IDTF 3D model</code> (a dialog prompts for destination folder and filename).
 
−
: Either of those
 
−
-->
 
−
: This will create two files: {{file|xxx.idtf}} and {{file|xxx.idtf.tex}}
 
−
 
 
−
''Note'': by default, the final PDF will be a letter-sized page (215.9&times;279.4 mm, 8.5&times;11 inches). If you want instead an A4-sized page (210&times;297 mm), edit now the {{file|xxx.idtf.tex}} file, look for the line that says
 
−
documentclass[12pt,letter]{article}
 
−
and replace with
 
−
documentclass[12pt,a4paper]{article}
 
−
 
 
−
2. At the system command line or terminal, call the {{file|u3d.bat}} file (Windows), or equivalent MacOS or Linux command file, to convert the {{file|.idtf}} to {{file|.u3d}} format:
 
−
: <code>u3d c:\temp\xxx</code>
 
−
 
 
−
''If using MikTeX:''
 
−
 
 
−
:3.1. Run the '''TeXworks''' program --included in MiKTeX-- and open in it your {{file|xxx.idtf.tex}}.
 
−
 
 
−
:3.2. Click menu item <code>Typeset > Typeset</code>, or click on the green 'play'-like button (leftmost in the toolbar).
 
−
: When processing ends, you will see a blank document in a new TeXworks window, because MiKTeX can't display the model, but {{file|xxx.idtf.pdf}} should have been created.
 
−
 
 
−
''If using ScribTeX:''
 
−
 
 
−
:3.1. Go the [http://www.scribtex.com/ ScribTeX website], sign up or use the guest account.
 
−
 
 
−
:3.2. Click on [<code>Upload file</code>] and select in turn your {{file|xxx.idtf.tex}} and {{file|xxx.u3d}} files (or a {{file|.zip}} file containing both, it will be automatically unzipped in the server).
 
−
 
 
−
:3.3. In the file listing on the server, click on the {{file|xxx.idtf.tex}} file to display it, then click on [<code>Compile</code>].
 
−
 
 
−
:3.4. When the {{file|.pdf}} file opens in the browser, click on the [<code>Save copy as</code>] button in your viewer's toolbar, to store it in your local disk.
 
−
 
 
−
4. Open the {{file|.pdf}} file using a reader/viewer that supports 3D PDF (see a list below).
 
−
: If you don't see the model in its panel inside the document, right-click on it and choose <code>Partial options > Fit visible</code>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Caveats ===
 
−
* If you move in Jmol the model rotation center away from screen center (as with CTRL-ALT-drag), the model in the 3D PDF will be a very close but not quite perfect reproduction. (The reason for this is that moving the center of perspective seems to be not supported in virtual reality formats like VRML and U3D.)  
 
−
* Lighting is not working properly: the light moves with the model. If someone knows how to do that, please let us know.
 
−
* Perspective canot be orthographic from the beginning (Jmol uses this by default for crystal structures). Once in the 3D PDF, there is a right-mouse-button option to go into that mode. Please let us know if you know how to do that.
 
−
* Don't expect rotation and translation using the mouse in the 3D PDF to be like in Jmol. It is harder to control, and you can even completely loose the rotation center.
 
−
* For large models (big proteins, surfaces, electron density maps), files are quite big, and seeing and manipulating the model in the PDF will need substantial computer power. To alleviate this, you can try to set the image frequency to a lower value in the Reader's 3D options and/or to change the optimisation method for small frequency to 'Abandon'. Also, if you are using it in a presentation, it is a good idea to preload the PDF document in the Reader ahead of time.
 
−
 
 
−
== Documents with text ==
 
−
In order to have text, images etc. alongside the 3D model, ideally you need a full PDF editor, which is normally commercial like Adobe Acrobat Pro.
 
−
 
 
−
As an alternative, some of the freeware PDF viewers, like [https://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-editor PDF-XChange Editor], allow you to add text and images onto the generated 3D PDF and save the modified document.
 
−
 
 
−
The best freeware way to create a full pdf-presentation including 3D objects, text and other images is by using pdflatex with the [http://bitbucket.org/rivanvx/beamer/wiki/Home Beamer package]. See the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beamer_(LaTeX) Beamer wikipedia] page for more information about Beamer.
 
  
 
== Sample documents ==
 
== Sample documents ==
−
(Text in these documents has been added externally to the process described here.)
+
These have been created following the above procedure
 +
* [[:File:Cys_3D.pdf|Cysteine]]
 +
* [[:File:Ala_3D.pdf|Alanine]]
 +
* [[:File:Factor_Xa.pdf|Coagulation Factor Xa]]
 +
Note the model will not display as 3D and interactive if you view it inside the web browser; you need to download the file and open it in a compatible PDF viewer.
  
−
* 3D PDF with an [http://biomodel.uah.es/Jmol/3d-pdf/dan002.pdf organic molecule], ball and stick.
+
= Older reference =
−
: File sizes were: {{file|.hin}} 5 kB; {{file|.idtf}} 121 kB; {{file|.u3d}} 47 kB; {{file|.pdf}} 18 kB.
+
This old content may or not be currently useful, but it is kept for the record at [[File_formats/3D_PDF/Legacy]]
−
* 3D PDF with a small protein, [http://chemapps.stolaf.edu/jmol/docs/examples-11/pdf/test1.idtf.pdf crambin] (1crn.pdb), in cartoon rendering.
 
−
* 3D PDF with a polyhedra rendering of [http://chemapps.stolaf.edu/jmol/docs/examples-11/pdf/quartzPolyhedra.idtf.pdf quartz].
 
−
* 3D PDF with a carbon [http://biomodel.uah.es/Jmol/3d-pdf/nanotube.pdf nanotube], ball and stick and molecular surface.
 
−
: File sizes were: {{file|.hin}} 16 kB; {{file|.idtf}} 1800 kB; {{file|.u3d}} 182 kB; {{file|.pdf}} 113 kB.
 
−
 
 
−
= Software for creating or viewing 3D PDF =
 
−
(This aims to be a compilation of resources; if you know of another software, please add it here).
 
−
 
 
−
== 3D PDF Viewers ==
 
−
* Adobe Reader v.7 or later (proprietary, freeware). Note that the latest Adobe Reader v.9 renders the 3D object more nicely than v.8 and v.7. In v.9 it is possible  to remove the compass that appears by default in the lower left corner ''via'' the Reader's 3D content options.
 
−
: Display of 3D objects may be disabled by default. You may enable it either by '''trusting''' the document or by setting a preference for all documents: ''Preferences > Multimedia & 3D > Enable Playing of Multimedia and 3D content''.
 
−
* [https://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-editor PDF-XChange Editor] v.7.0.327 or later (from Tracker Software; proprietary, there is a free version). It can display 3D models embedded in the PDF if they were created in the [[File_formats/3D_Objects#U3D|U3D]] format (but currently not if created in the PRC format).
 
−
* There is a [https://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf-editor/addons.php plug-in] that allows Foxit Reader 9.1 or later to display 3D models.
 
−
* Tech Soft 3D PDF Reader, for Android systems (supported on Android version 4 and up, but unsupported on version 9, maybe before)
 
−
* Most other PDF viewers are not able to display interactive 3D data.
 
−
 
 
−
== 3D PDF Editors ==
 
−
* Adobe Acrobat Pro Extended (proprietary, commercial).
 
−
: Note that you do not ''create'' the 3D model using Adobe; you just ''insert'' or ''embed'' it from an available {{file|u3d}} file that you have prepared with another software (like Jmol + IDTFConverter). The Adobe editor will mainly serve to position the 3D model within the page and to insert the other content of the document.
 
−
* [https://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-editor PDF-XChange Editor] v.8.0.332 or later (from Tracker Software) can insert a 3D model from a [[File_formats/3D_Objects#U3D|U3D]] format file in an existing pdf document (also into a newly created blank document if you have the licensed version).
 
−
* [http://www.share3d.com/ Share3D PDF], by Quadrispace, looks like a promising solution to easily produce 3D-containing pdf documents at a reasonable price and with a nice set of features. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to import any of the 3D formats that Jmol can produce.
 
−
* [https://sourceforge.net/projects/u3d2pdf/ U3D-2-PDF] seems to be a user-friendly freeware tool that drives MeshLab and MiKTeX to facilitate the procedure from a {{file|wrl}} file to a {{file|pdf}} document. (Requires MiKTeX, MeshLab and .NET Framework 4 installed; all freeware)
 
−
* Aspose offers a [https://products.aspose.app/3d/conversion free online converter] that will create a {{file|pdf}} document with the 3D model embedded, from an {{file|[[File_formats/3D_Objects#OBJ|obj+mtl]]}} pair of files generated by Jmol. The result is not very satisfactory: model is zoomed in far to much to be visible, with no hints for the user to zoom out. Choose PDF in the "save as" drop-down menu. The document will be of US-letter size.
 
−
 
 
−
= Bibliography =
 
−
Related articles:
 
−
 
 
−
1. '''Grasping molecular structures through publication-integrated 3D models'''.
 
−
: (2008) P. Kumar, A. Ziegler, J. Ziegler, B. Uchanska-Ziegler & A. Ziegler. ''Trends in Biochemical Sciences'' '''33''':408-412.
 
−
: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tibs.2008.06.004 doi:j.tibs.2008.06.004]
 
−
: [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/MiamiMultiMediaURL/B6TCV-4T3KP8R-1/B6TCV-4T3KP8R-1-6/5180/html/S0968000408001473/3435de14e2669d4c0f5671aae383fcdf/mmc2.pdf 3DPDF version of the article] (3.63 MB)
 
−
: <cite>Here, we describe how an interactive 3D model of a molecular complex can be embedded directly into a PDF, thus providing readers with important and educational visual information that would otherwise be more difficult to disseminate.</cite>
 
−
: They use Pymol + Adobe to produce the 3D PDF.
 
−
 
 
−
2. '''A step-by-step guide to creating PDF-integrated 3D models'''.
 
−
: (Published online as Supplementary Material to #1)
 
−
: Part 1: PyMOL ~ Part 2: Adobe 3D Reviewer ~ Part 3: PDF Export (Acrobat 9 Pro Extended)
 
−
: http://www.charite.de/immungenetik/model3d.html
 
−
: Pymol exports to VRML2; Adobe 3D Reviewer imports that and exports to U3D; Acrobat 9 Pro Extended is used to insert and finish off the 3D model in the PDF.
 
−
 
 
−
3. '''Incorporating interactive 3-dimensional graphics in astronomy research papers'''.
 
−
: (2008) D. G. Barnes,  C. J. Fluke. ''New Astronomy'' '''13''':599-605.
 
−
: [http://arxiv.org/abs/0709.2734 arXiv:0709.2734]; [https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.newast.2008.03.008 doi:10.1016/j.newast.2008.03.008].
 
−
: related [http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/s2plot/index.php?title=S2PLOT:3dPDF wiki] article.
 
−
: The authors use the three dimensional plotting library [http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/s2plot/index.php?title=S2PLOT S2PLOT] to write a 3D object to VRML97 format and use then Adobe Acrobat 3D to embed it in a pdf document.
 
−
 
 
−
4. '''Leaving the structural ivory tower, assisted by interactive 3D PDF'''.
 
−
: (2010) P. Kumar, A. Ziegler, A. Grahn, C.S. Hee, A. Ziegler. ''Trends Biochem. Sci.'' '''35''':419-422 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibs.2010.03.008 doi:10.1016/j.tibs.2010.03.008].
 
−
 
 
−
5. '''Embedding and publishing interactive, 3-dimensional, scientific figures in portable document format (PDF) files'''.
 
−
: (2013) D. Barnes, M. Vidiassov, B. Ruthensteiner, C. Fluke, M. Quayle, C. Colin. ''PLOS One'' '''8''':e69446 [https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0069446 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0069446].
 
−
:: They do not use the U3D format, but PRC instead.
 
−
 
 
−
6. '''Towards an easier creation of three-dimensional data for embedding into scholarly 3D PDF (Portable Document Format) files'''.
 
−
: (2015) A. Newe. ''PeerJ'' '''3''':e794 [https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.794 doi:10.7717/peerj.794].
 
−
 
 
−
7. '''Enriching scientific publications with interactive 3D PDF: an integrated toolbox for creating ready-to-publish figures'''.
 
−
: (2016) A. Newe. ''PeerJ Comput. Sci.'' '''2''':e64 [https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj-cs.64 doi:10.7717/peerj-cs.64].
 
−
 
 
−
8. '''On the use of PDF-3D to overcome spatial visualization difficulties linked with ternary
 
−
phase diagrams'''.
 
−
: (2019) D. Vergara, M. P. Rubio and M. Lorenzo. ''Education Sciences'' '''9''':67 [https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci9020067 doi:10.3390/educsci9020067].
 
−
:: Reports on generating 3D-PDF via OBJ file to (Adobe Photoshop) U3D to (Adobe Acrobat) PDF. Note: Jmol can export models to the OBJ format.
 

Latest revision as of 12:30, 26 March 2026

PDF documents with integrated 3D interactive models

Easy procedure

This is currently the easiest way to create a PDF document containing an interactive 3D molecular model, using only free software (at least free in Windows; solutions for the Mac need more investigation to confirm).

Downloads

  • Windows and MacOS: download the graphic user interface version of IDTFConverter from the Jmol website:
    • Windows: download the File icon.gifIDTF_U3D_Converter.zip, unpack the zip file and put the single File icon.gifIDTF_U3D_Converter.exe file wherever you want in your local disk. If you find it convenient, create a shortcut for it in the desktop or the Start menu.
    • MacOS: choose and download the app suitable for your system:
      • File icon.gifIDTF_U3D_Converter_Intel.zip if your computer is based on an Intel processor. Unpack the zip file to obtain the executable file, File icon.gifIDTF_U3D_Converter.app
      • File icon.gifIDTF_U3D_Converter_Silicon.zip if your computer is based on a Silicon processor (usually ARM). Unpack the zip file to obtain the executable file, File icon.gifIDTF_U3D_Converter.app

Create the IDTF file

  1. Get a current version of Jmol application. Open your molecule; display it in the desired orientation and style.
    • Suggestion: make the Jmol window square, using top menu > Display > Resize and entering two equal numbers. The result will look better if you insert it later into a square box within the pdf.
    • Note: you can also do it with JSmol embedded in some webpage. Generation of the idtf file may take longer, though, if the model is complex.
  2. If the export to IDTF option has been implemented in the menu:
    • Top menu bar > File > Export > Export to IDTF
    • Pop-up context menu > File > Export > Export IDTF 3D model
  3. Otherwise, open the console and enter write myMol.idtf
  4. Two files will be created: File icon.gifmyMol.idtf and File icon.gifmyMol.idtf.tex. For the current method, you may discard the .tex file.

Create the U3D file

  • Open the IDTF_U3D_Converter program or app, browse to load your File icon.gif.idtf file, choose the output folder and click on "Convert". The output will have the same filename as the input, with extension File icon.gif.u3d
IDTF U3D Converter.png

Prepare your PDF document

  1. Use your preferred program (word processor, presentation, ...) to create a document with text and images, leaving square space(s) where you will later insert the 3D molecular models, and export to pdf format.
  2. To insert the 3D models you need a pdf editor that is compatible with the 3D-PDF standard. Examples: Adobe Acrobat Pro and PDF-XChange Editor (Windows-only, free or paid version)
  3. In PDF-XChange Editor: open the previous PDF, find the place where your left blank space. To insert a 3D annotation there:
    • If you are using the Ribbon interface: Comment > Add 3D
    • If you are using the classical Toolbar interface: Tools > Media tools > Add or edit 3D annotations
    • Draw the rectangle area with the mouse. Suggestion: draw a square by holding the Shift key while dragging to define the area.
    • In 3D Artwork, select your File icon.gifmyMol.u3d file.
    • Choose among any other display options offered (like activation of the content, border and background color)
    • Accept and save the file.
  4. In Adobe Acrobat Pro: open the previous PDF, find the place where your left a blank space. To insert 3D media there:
    • From the upper left of the screen, select All tools > Add rich media > 3D media.
    • Drag a rectangle (better, a square) to define the area for the 3D model. An Insert 3D dialog box appears.
    • In the Insert 3D dialog box, browse to select your File icon.gifmyMol.u3d file. Check Show Advanced Options to set the initial properties.
    • Adobe help for this procedure.

Viewing the result

  • Check the 3D display in a PDF viewer application. Note that not all viewers support this kind of 3D content.
    • The pdf viewers implemented internally in web browsers do not currently support 3D objects and will just display a static image.
    • Adobe Acrobat Pro and the free Adobe Reader support 3D objects.
    • PDF-XChange Editor supports 3D objects.
    • Recent versions of Foxit PDF Reader support 3D objects. Display of 3D objects may be disabled by default. You may enable it either by trusting the document or by setting: File > Preferences > 3D > Enable the playing of 3D content.
  • In Android devices you may use '3D PDF Viewer' or possibly other apps (search the Google Play store).
  • In iOS devices you may use '3D PDF Viewer' (search the App Store) or possibly other apps. This may also be run in a Mac computer.

Sample documents

These have been created following the above procedure

Note the model will not display as 3D and interactive if you view it inside the web browser; you need to download the file and open it in a compatible PDF viewer.

Older reference

This old content may or not be currently useful, but it is kept for the record at File_formats/3D_PDF/Legacy

Contributors

AngelHerraez, Vdlee

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