UK: Manual

Create a 3D PDF from a Tekla Structures model

Using the Tekla Structures model and a convertor create a 3D PDF of a model to send to third parties.

Simon Hobson

Product version All

BIM
Jul-2009
Copyright 2009 Tekla Corporation

Copyright 1992-2009 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved. This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referenced Software. Use of the Software, and use of this Software Manual are governed by a Licence Agreement. Among other provisions, the Licence Agreement sets certain warranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, defines permitted uses of the Software, and determines whether you are an authorised user of the software. Please refer to the Licence Agreement for important obligations and applicable limitations and restrictions on your rights. In addition, this Software Manual is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. Unauthorised reproduction, display, modification, or distribution of this Manual, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the full extent permitted by law. Tekla, Tekla Structures and Xsteel are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Tekla Corporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. By referring to a third-party product or brand, Tekla does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or endorsement by such third party and disclaims any such affiliation or endorsement, except where otherwise expressly stated.

Create a 3D PDF from a Tekla Structures model

Contents

Create a DXF of your model ............................................................................................. 1.1 Exporting the Tekla Structures model ................................................................

4 4

Converting the DXF to a 3D PDF ...................................................................................... 2.1 PDF Convertor ...................................................................................................

6 6

Create a 3D PDF from a Tekla Structures model

1.

Create a DXF of your model

1.1

Exporting the Tekla Structures model

To create the 3D PDF, the model first of all needs to be exported to a DXF file format before being passed through a convertor.

> Open the Tekla Structures model that the PDF will be created from. From the drop down menus at the top of your window click on File then select Export and select 3D DWG/DXF

Create a 3D PDF from a Tekla Structures model

In the Export dialogue change the Export as to DXF the model will automatically be given a name as Model this can be changed to suit your requirement.

It is also possible to change settings for bolts and cuts etc. Choose to export all the model or select specific parts. The model will be exported to the current model folder Click the icon to open the model folder

Or from the drop down menu at the top of the window select File then Open Model Folder

The DXF file is viewable from this location.

Create a 3D PDF from a Tekla Structures model

2.

Convert the DXF to a 3D PDF

2.1

PDF Convertor

> Using the Tekla Structures Universal 3D Convertor (this can be acquired from your local support office). Open the universal 3D convertor from your start programs bar

Create a 3D PDF from a Tekla Structures model

Browse for the DXF file previously created, select the version of Adobe Acrobat reader that the file will be sent to. The media size can also be set from the dropdown menu. Add a title and company logo if required. Click the Convert button

Create a 3D PDF from a Tekla Structures model

The PDF will open automatically when created.

Click the prompt to activate 3D The model may not be displayed full screen, Right click on the white background. Select Part Options then select Fit Visible

Your 3D PDF is stored in the current model folder.

Create a 3D PDF from a Tekla Structures model