Comparison of EXE, DDD and 3D-PDF Files
Consider the following characteristics, pros, and cons when publishing 3D-Tool EXE/DDD files and 3D-PDF files.
3D-Tool EXE Files
Characteristics
3D-Tool EXE files contain:
- The 3D-Tool viewer.
- The 3D models and/or a 2D drawing.
- The 3D models including PMI, 3D-s/dimensions and materials.
- The 2D drawings including 2D redline markups and 2D-dimensions.
- Custom Views and animations.
Pros
- Direct start without installation.
- Offer a lot of tools, such as Cross Section, Measure/Markup, Explode.
Cons
Difficulties may arise when sharing files by e-mail because the firewall may block exe files.
Tip
Creating a zip file or changing the file ending manually e.g. to *.ex_ or *.dat may prevent this problem depending on the firewall, but the recipient has to manually change back the file ending to exe.
3D-Tool DDD Files
Characteristics
3D-Tool DDD Files contain:
- The 3D models including PMI, 3D-s/dimensions and materials.
- The 2D drawings including 2D redline markups and 2D-dimensions.
- Custom Views and animations.
Pros
- No difficulties if sent by e-mail.
- Smaller than 3D-Tool EXE files.
- The Free Viewer needed to view the files can be downloaded for free from www.3D-Tool.com.
- The Free Viewer offers a lot of tools, such as Cross Section, Measure/Markup, Explode.
Cons
The recipient has to download and install the 3D-Tool Free Viewer. However, the Free Viewer can be installed without administrative rights.
3D-PDF Files
Characteristics
3D-PDF files contain:
- The 3D models including PMI and 3D-s
- An optional interface with additional features: save/load views, color change, explode elements, display of info text and a company logo.
Pros
- Easily sent by e-mail.
- Models can be viewed with the Adobe Acrobat Reader (Versions 7.07 or higher).
Cons
In contrast to the 3D-Tool Free Viewer, only a limited number of features are available with 3D-PDF files:
- No Custom Views and animations.