How to Convert DWG models with PMI Dimensional Annotations

Files of type DXF, DWG, DWF, DGN containing 3D models can be converted to 3D PDF and also include dimensional annotations part names and part isolation specific views. The level of assembly detail for such annotations can also be controlled during the conversion process. This is a quick guide showing how to process this type of DWG or similar model.

Loading File with Input/Output Tab

  1. User File-Open menu, or select Add File, select or drag and drop DWG file.
  2. Set your suitable output directory, where you have write-access, and name your desired output PDF file.
  3. Optionally select a template PDF style

Conversion Tab

  1. Best results may be obtained with PRC-HCT compression type
  2. Set PRC tolerance 0.00001, to reduce depth numerical truncation which may become visible as surface uneveness.

PDF 3D View Tab

  1. Enable Automatic PMI option, to generate annotations and views

Interface Tab

  1. Set Crease Angle to 10 degrees, so that angular features are better represented, without attempt to smooth.
  2. Set Teigha Interface Assembly Depth to 2 (later try 3, etc). If left at 1, all model will be merged into a single node, so parts cannot be selected.

Advanced Tab

  1. Set Z Fighting Prevention and set Z Shift Scale to 0.1, if you see any problems with co-incident surfaces.

Save Session

  1. Save your session file frequently, so if conversion fails, takes too long, or runs out of memory, all your previous settings may be recovered and adjusted.

Convert, Open in Adobe Reader

  1. Convert to start convert file and generate PMI within the PDF output.
  2. Look at PDF View drop-down to see all the generated views for each part.