Add a 3D model to a PDF

With Viewnamic you can place an interactive 3D model on a page of your PDF. Readers open it with one click and turn and zoom it right inside the page. Supported formats are GLB, glTF, OBJ and STL.

Step by step

1. Open your PDF in the editor (see Editor basics).
2. Click Add area, drag a rectangle where the model belongs and click Save.
3. Drop the 3D file onto the area. Or click the area, open the 3D Models tab and click Upload file – or choose a model from your library; pointing at it shows a preview.
4. Click the pencil icon next to the area, choose the Content fit, set the start view (below) and click Save.
5. Publish with Save or Replace.

Content fit sets the background of the area while the model is open: Fit (White), Fit (Black), Fit (Transparent) – the page shows through – or Fit (Custom) with a colour of your choice.

Set the start view

While the edit window is open, the model is shown in its area on the page. Turn and zoom it there with the mouse until it looks the way readers should first see it – or type the values in Rot X, Rot Y and Zoom. The reset button next to Auto rotate takes the preview back to the saved start view. Tick Auto rotate if the model should start turning by itself.

What readers see

• A cube icon on the area. A click loads the model into the area; the page stays visible around it.
• Readers turn the model by dragging it with the mouse or a finger and zoom with the scroll wheel or two fingers.
• Icon buttons: Back To Starting Position, Start/Stop Rotation and Close Model. Open 3D movement controls shows buttons to turn and zoom without dragging.
• Keyboard: the arrow keys turn the model, + and - zoom, Home resets, Space starts or stops the rotation and Esc closes it.
• On phones and tablets one model is open at a time; opening another one closes the first.

Files that work best

• Upload one file per model, up to 500 MB. Smaller files open faster for your readers.
• GLB is the safest choice: it holds the model with its colours and textures in a single file.
• STL files contain only the shape; Viewnamic shows them in one colour.
• You can also upload models in advance: Workspace → Your dynamic content → 3D Models → upload button (Upload 3D model).

Accessibility

In the Workspace’s 3D Models panel, the button Edit accessibility information on a model opens a form for an Accessible model title, a Model description, an alternative image with its description and a link to an accessible alternative. A model that carries no information can be marked as Decorative 3D model. Readers find these details under Accessibility information in the viewer; the description also appears in the Reading Mode.

Each area with a 3D model counts toward your plan’s total of interactive content. The Publisher plan doesn’t include 3D models. See Pricing.