PRC (file format) explained

PRC
Extension:	.prc
Mime:	model/prc
Developer:	ISO TC 171 SC 2
Type:	3D visualization
Latest Release Date:	2014
Contained By:	PDF
Standard:	ISO 14739-1:2014
Open:	Yes

PRC (Product Representation Compact) is a file format that can be used to embed 3D data in a PDF file.

This highly compressed format facilitates the storage of different representations of a 3D model. For example, it is possible to save only a visual representation that consists of polygons (a tessellation), and it is also possible to save the model's exact geometry (B-rep data). Varying levels of compression can be applied to the 3D CAD data when it is converted to the PRC format using Adobe Acrobat 3D.

The 3D data stored in PRC format in a PDF is interoperable with Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) applications.

History

The PRC file format was first presented by TTF (Trade and Technologies France) in 2003 at DMS in Tokyo.^[1] In 2006, the TTF company was acquired by Adobe Systems.^[2] In 2014, the PRC file format was approved as an international standard (ISO 14739-1:2014).^[3]

Software to create PRC

Adobe Acrobat "Pro Extended" 8 and 9.
Adobe Acrobat X and XI with 3D PDF Converter from Tetra 4D.^[4]
CrossCad/Ware from Datakit: SDK for developers to add PRC writing functionalities to their software.^[5]
CrossManager from Datakit: Software to convert 3D formats to PRC.^[6]
Feature Manipulation Engine.^[7]
Geomagic Design.^[8]
HOOPS Exchange libraries from Tech Soft 3D.^[9]
PDF3D, version 2.0 and later.^[10]
PROSTEP PDF Generator 3D.^[11]
SOLIDWORKS allows saving of files to 3D PDF containing PRC since release 2015.
4D Publish, a plugin for Cinema 4D.^[12]

Viewer

Adobe Reader 8 and later

External links

Acrobat 3D PRC Specification (Version 8137 (latest))
Acrobat 3D PRC Specification (Version 7094)
Acrobat 3D 8 documentation correction with PRC and U3D conversion formats
ISO/TC171/SC2 N 570 E 3D use of product representation compact (PRC) format.
PRC (Product Representation Compact) Format FAQ
HOOPS Exchange libraries from Tech Soft 3D
PDF3D SDK PRC generation library toolkit from Visual Technology Services Ltd.
3D PDF Converter from tetra4D supports the import and export of PRC files from multiple formats.
PROSTEP PDF Generator 3D - A server-based solution used to automate the generation of 3D PDF documents with embedded PRC streams.
ISO 14739-1:2014 Document management—3D use of Product Representation Compact (PRC) format—Part 1: PRC 10001
The media9 LaTeX package enables the production of PDF documents with embedded PRC files using LaTeX.
4D Publish - A plugin for Cinema 4D that exports the scene as a PRC file and embeds it into a 3D PDF document.
Teigha PRC library from ODA supports content creation and data access for PRC format and enables exporting a .dwg or .dgn file to PRC.

Notes and References

Web site: TTF Showcases PRC . June 12, 2002 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040416095437/http://www.ttf-group.com/articles/PRC_US.pdf . April 16, 2004 . dead.
Web site: Adobe Acquires Trade and Technologies France . April 21, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060423120246/http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressreleases/200604/042106TTF.html . April 23, 2006 . dead.
Web site: PRC now published as ISO 14739-1:2014 . PDF association . Duff . Johnson . December 18, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170706102809/https://www.pdfa.org/new/prc-now-published-as-iso-14739-12014/ . July 6, 2017 . live.
http://www.tetra4d.com/ Tetra 4D
https://www.datakit.com/en/crosscad_ware.php Datakit - CrossCad/Ware
https://www.datakit.com/en/cross_manager.php Datakit - CrossManager
http://www.safe.com/fme/format-search FME
http://www.geomagic.com/en/products/design/overview Geomagic Design
http://www.techsoft3d.com/products/hoops/exchange Tech Soft 3D
http://www.pdf3d.com/ PDF3D
http://www.3dpdf.com/ PROSTEP AG
https://www.plugins4d.com/4DPublish 4D Publish