In previous articles, we’ve discussed manipulating the view and turning levels on/off in 3D PDFs. One of the other components of a 3D PDF is the rendering of the objects. Most of the objects included in a 3D PDF are solid shapes since that’s what BIM is. When a 3D PDF is created, the rendering mode that was active in the authoring application is embedded in the PDF itself. We tend to use Solid Wireframe and Solid Outlined as our office favorites.

However, many times there are other rendering modes included as well that you may find easier on your eyes. On the 3D toolbar across the top of the view window, you’ll see the icon shown below – Model Render Mode.

If you click on it, you see a rather large list of different rendering options.

Simply click on the different options to find one you like. If the screen goes blank, that particular mode is not supported in the 3D PDF you’re viewing.

This image below is set for Solid Outline – uniform surface colors with black lines highlighting the edges

This second image is set for Transparent Wireframe – edges highlighted in black but all elements are transparent with black lines crisscrossing the faces of the solids (a personal favorite)

By the way, the button to the left of the rendering mode is for orthogonal or perspective mode. An interesting twist on the view. Simply click the button to toggle between the two modes.

Here’s a sample 3D PDF so you can experiment for yourself:

NE surgery 3D PDF (756 KB)