Extract 3D objects from PDFs

Extract3D_from_PDF__ReadMe.md

This instruction is about how to get a 3D model out of a PDF file.

We need:

• Python version not lower than 2.7
• Any version OS (Windows, Linux, Mac)

Extract

Download the Pythong PDF Parser: https://blog.didierstevens.com/programs/pdf-tools/

1. Search for the 3D object:

./pdf-parser.py -t /3D input.pdf

2. You’ll get a response like this

obj 12 0
 Type: /3D
 Referencing: 21 0 R, 19 0 R, 20 0 R, 13 0 R
 Contains stream

  <<
    /3DOwners [21 0 R]
    /AN 19 0 R
    /Length 491554
    /OnInstantiate 20 0 R
    /Subtype /PRC
    /Type /3D
    /VA [13 0 R]
  >>

3. The Object ID (in this case 12) is what we need to extract.
4. Excute

./pdf-parser.py -o 12 -d output.u3d input.pdf

How open .u3d

Platform	App	Pricing
Online	Glovius CAD Viewer	Free

Platform	App	Pricing
Windows	Blender	Free
^	DAZ 3D DAZ Studio 4	Free
^	Bondware Poser	Free Trial
^	Adobe Photoshop 2020	Free Trial
^	Adobe Acrobat DC	Free Trial
^	Kubotek3D KeyCreator	Free Trial
^	RealWorld Icon Editor	Free Trial

Platform	App	Pricing
Mac	Blender	Free
^	DAZ 3D DAZ Studio 4	Free
^	Bondware Poser	Free Trial
^	Adobe Photoshop 2020	Free Trial
^	Adobe Acrobat DC	Free Trial

Platform	App	Pricing
Linux	Blender	Free

3D PDF Samples

https://tetra4d.com/pdf-samples/

Rights

Pythong PDF Parser - Didier Stevens (https://blog.didierstevens.com/about/)

Inspired by an article by Terence Eden (https://shkspr.mobi/blog/about/)

Feedback

Please feel free to leave comments on usage. Perhaps you can help others avoid making the same mistakes and save time.

Hi, I converted the file using the parser and then wanted to see it using the softwares you mentioned but unfortunately, it doesn't work with any of the ones I tried. Maybe I did something wrong. Have you tested it with the softwares? If so, would it be possible for you to explain the procedure for them? Also, I wanted to understand how the file converts to u3d if the subtype mention is PRC. Could you explain that as well?

Thank you so much!!!!

Similar issue to @taz5 here: trying to export the 3d model from this PDF file.

I can view it fine in Adobe acrobat, but the u3d file that I get out of it does not work anywhere.

I also noticed that in your example the subtype is shown as PRC, with my file it is U3D (see pdf-parser output below).

obj 11 0
 Type: /3D
 Referencing: 7 0 R, 8 0 R, 9 0 R, 10 0 R
 Contains stream

  <<
    /Type /3D
    /Subtype /U3D
    /VA [7 0 R 8 0 R 9 0 R 10 0 R ]
    /DV 0
    /Length 24836287
    /Filter /FlateDecode
  >>

Any help would be geatly appreciated.

@taz5
Thank you for writing here about your problem.
I also reproduced your case and, unfortunately, I don't have enough time to delve deeper into the research.

Try to simplify the 3d PDF file so that the multimedia part opens immediately, without additional actions (click in some containers).
Of course, if you are making 3d PDF.

Like that: https://www.theorem.com/hubfs/3DPDF-Samples/Model%20Viewer.pdf
Source page: https://www.theorem.com/3dpdf/3dpdf-samples#pdf