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This section addresses some of the most common questions about FoldUP!3D. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, feel free to contact technical support at international@comnet-network.co.jp

• OS X Support
• Supported versions of Illustrator
• Installing FoldUP!3D
• Where do I find FoldUP!3D? (aka, no new menus?)
• Resizing the 3D Preview window
• Sharing my models
• What are F3M files, and how do I use them?
• What is the difference between a F3M file on Macintosh and a F3M file on
  Windows?
• How can I get the FoldUP!3D Viewer?

FoldUP!3D and OS X

Q:  Does FoldUP!3D work on OS X?

A:  Yes! We've recently released an updated version of FoldUP!3D for OS X. It's a free update to all registered users. If you'd like your copy, just email us at international@comnet-network.co.jp. Still need to register? Please do so here.

Supported Versions of Illustrator

Q:  What versions of Illustrator can I use with FoldUP!3D?

A:  FoldUP!3D works with Illustrator 8, 9 and 10. We recommend you update your Illustrator version to the latest available for best results. (For example, if you are using Illustrator 9.0, we'd suggest you update to Illustrator 9.0.2)

You can download the Illustrator updates for Macintosh or Windows from Adobe's web site.

Installing FoldUP!3D

Q:  How do I install FoldUP!3D?

A:  Installing FoldUP!3D is much like installing any other software. The most important part of installing FoldUP!3D is making sure you have installed it in your plug-ins folder. If you do not, FoldUP!3D won't appear when you start Illustrator. Please contact our support department if you have any specific questions.

No New Menus

Q: Illustrator starts, but I can't find FoldUP!3D's menus. Where are they?

A: Most of the time, one of two things has occured:

1. It is possible the software was not installed correctly. Try re-installing your version of FoldUP!3D.
2. In Illustrator, open File > Preferences > Plug-ins and Scratch Disk, and confirm the plug-in folder is the same folder as where you installed FoldUP!3D.

Resizing the 3D Preview window

Q: I'd like to see my 3D mock-up in detail. Is there any way to make the window bigger?

A: Yes. If you click and drag the lower right hand corner of the 3D preview window, you can resize it. Please note, on some high resolution systems you will find there is a maximum window size. If you'd like to make the window even bigger, please lower the resolution on your monitor or display (TV, projector, LCD display, etc.)

Sharing my 3D models

Q: How do I share my 3D models?

A: There are two ways to share your 3D models. The first way is to export a flat image (like a GIF or JPG file). You can do this by pushing the Export Button on FoldUP!3D's Display Controls palette. These images are perfect for the web. The second way is by distributing a FoldUP!3D model file. You can export FoldUP!3D model files by selecting Illustrator's File > Export menu. When exporting, please make sure you select the FoldUP!3D model (*.F3M) format!

What are F3M files, and how do I use them?

Q: What are F3M files, and how do I use them?

A: F3M files are FoldUP!3D model files. They're created using FoldUP!3D and
have all the 3D properties of the preview model you see in FoldUP!3D. (You
can zoom, rotate, and reposition the model. Additionally, you can change
the surface properties as well.)

F3M files can be opened in one of three ways: with the Stand-alone viewer
(Windows only), the plug-in viewer (a free plug-in for Adobe Illustrator,
available on Macintosh and Windows), or with FoldUP!3D (the dimensional
design plug-in for Adobe Illustrator).

What is the difference between an F3M file on Macintosh and an F3M file on
Windows?

Q: What is the difference between an F3M file on Macintosh and an F3M file on
Windows?

A: There are no major differences: F3M files created on a Macintosh can be
used on a Windows computer, and F3M files created on a Windows computer can
be used on a Macintosh without taking any special steps.

If you are emailing F3M files, or making them available for download on the
web, we suggest you compress them first (to save time downloading) but it's
not necessary. Some popular compression programs include WinZip, Stuffit,
and PKZip. Most of them are available for download on the web.

How can I get the FoldUP!3D Viewer?

Q: How can I get the FoldUP!3D Viewer?

A: Just click on the button below to go to our FoldUP!3D viewer download page: