ISO/TS 24064:2023
(Main)Document management — Portable document format — RichMedia annotations conforming to the ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP 242) specification
Document management — Portable document format — RichMedia annotations conforming to the ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP 242) specification
This document specifies how to extend the ISO 32000-2 specification by adding the ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP 242) format as a valid format for 3D assets contained in a RichMedia annotation. It is intended for: — developers of software that creates PDF files (PDF writers); — software that reads existing PDF files and usually interprets their contents for display (PDF readers); — software that reads and displays PDF content and interacts with the computer users to possibly modify and save the PDF file (PDF processors); — PDF products that read and/or write PDF files for a variety of other purposes (PDF processors). Note PDF writers and PDF readers are more specialised classifications of PDF processors. This document does not specify the following: — specific processes for converting paper or electronic documents to the PDF file format; — specific technical design, user interface implementation, or operational details of rendering; — specific physical methods of storing these documents such as media and storage conditions; — methods for validating the conformance of PDF files or PDF processors; — required computer hardware and/or operating system.
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General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 16-Mar-2023
- Technical Committee
- ISO/TC 171/SC 2 - Document file formats, EDMS systems and authenticity of information
- Drafting Committee
- ISO/TC 171/SC 2/WG 7 - PDF/Engineering
- Current Stage
- 9020 - International Standard under periodical review
- Start Date
- 15-Jan-2026
- Completion Date
- 15-Jan-2026
Overview
ISO/TS 24064:2023 defines how to extend ISO 32000-2 (PDF 2.0) so that RichMedia annotations can embed 3D assets in the ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP 242) format. Instead of converting authoritative CAD data to U3D or PRC, this technical specification makes STEP AP 242 a valid 3D asset format in PDF RichMedia annotations, enabling native inclusion of managed, model‑based engineering data inside PDF documents.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Extension of PDF 2.0: Adds a new requirement type STEP to PDF requirement dictionaries (ISO 32000-2:2020, clause 12.11). If present, an S key with value /STEP must identify STEP AP 242 assets.
- Versioning (V key): The V key in a requirement dictionary shall indicate the STEP AP 242 version (e.g., "2014.0" or "2020.0") - not the PDF version.
- 3D views and MS key: Modifies the behavior of the 3D view dictionary’s MS entry to acknowledge that PRC and STEP AP 242 objects have no corresponding 3D stream object MS values; the matrix is handled via the view in the 3D artwork or via the C2W matrix.
- 3D node dictionaries (N key): The N entry for a STEP node must contain the unique identifier (UUID) derived from the STEP AP 242 stream. PDF processors must translate between PDF text encoding and the STEP character encoding. Annex A gives guidance on deriving node names from STEP AP 242.
- Extensions dictionary: Documents embedding STEP AP 242 must include a direct /Extensions entry in the Catalog with:
- BaseVersion: 2.0
- ExtensionLevel: 24064
- ExtensionRevision: "1:2023"
- Type: DeveloperExtensions
- URL: ISO page for ISO 24064:2023
- Scope exclusions: The spec does not define conversion workflows, rendering UI, storage media requirements, conformance validation methods, or required hardware/OS.
Applications and users
Who benefits:
- PDF writers and authoring tools that embed CAD into PDF.
- PDF readers and viewers that need to interpret or display embedded STEP AP 242 3D data.
- PDF processors that modify, annotate, or save PDFs containing STEP assets.
- CAD, engineering and manufacturing organizations using model-based definition (MBD), PMI, long-term archiving, or engineering data exchange workflows.
Practical value:
- Preserve authoritative STEP data inside a portable PDF without conversion to U3D/PRC.
- Improve traceability and fidelity for engineering reviews, archiving, and downstream workflows that consume STEP AP 242.
Related standards
- ISO 32000-2:2020 - Portable document format - Part 2: PDF 2.0
- ISO 10303-242 - STEP AP 242 (Managed model‑based 3D engineering)
- References to U3D and PRC formats (ISO/ECMA specifications) as existing 3D asset options in PDF
Keywords: ISO/TS 24064:2023, STEP AP 242, ISO 10303-242, PDF 2.0, RichMedia annotations, 3D assets, CAD in PDF, PDF writers, PDF readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
ISO/TS 24064:2023 is a technical specification published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Document management — Portable document format — RichMedia annotations conforming to the ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP 242) specification". This standard covers: This document specifies how to extend the ISO 32000-2 specification by adding the ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP 242) format as a valid format for 3D assets contained in a RichMedia annotation. It is intended for: — developers of software that creates PDF files (PDF writers); — software that reads existing PDF files and usually interprets their contents for display (PDF readers); — software that reads and displays PDF content and interacts with the computer users to possibly modify and save the PDF file (PDF processors); — PDF products that read and/or write PDF files for a variety of other purposes (PDF processors). Note PDF writers and PDF readers are more specialised classifications of PDF processors. This document does not specify the following: — specific processes for converting paper or electronic documents to the PDF file format; — specific technical design, user interface implementation, or operational details of rendering; — specific physical methods of storing these documents such as media and storage conditions; — methods for validating the conformance of PDF files or PDF processors; — required computer hardware and/or operating system.
This document specifies how to extend the ISO 32000-2 specification by adding the ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP 242) format as a valid format for 3D assets contained in a RichMedia annotation. It is intended for: — developers of software that creates PDF files (PDF writers); — software that reads existing PDF files and usually interprets their contents for display (PDF readers); — software that reads and displays PDF content and interacts with the computer users to possibly modify and save the PDF file (PDF processors); — PDF products that read and/or write PDF files for a variety of other purposes (PDF processors). Note PDF writers and PDF readers are more specialised classifications of PDF processors. This document does not specify the following: — specific processes for converting paper or electronic documents to the PDF file format; — specific technical design, user interface implementation, or operational details of rendering; — specific physical methods of storing these documents such as media and storage conditions; — methods for validating the conformance of PDF files or PDF processors; — required computer hardware and/or operating system.
ISO/TS 24064:2023 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 25.040.40 - Industrial process measurement and control; 35.240.30 - IT applications in information, documentation and publishing; 35.240.50 - IT applications in industry. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ISO/TS 24064:2023 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
TECHNICAL ISO/TS
SPECIFICATION 24064
First edition
2023-03
Document management — Portable
document format — RichMedia
annotations conforming to the
ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP 242)
specification
Reference number
© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 RichMedia annotations conforming to the ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP 242)
specification .2
4.1 Document requirements . 2
4.1.1 General . 2
4.1.2 Requirement types . 2
4.1.3 STEP requirement . 2
4.1.4 Identifying STEP AP 242 3D Artwork in a requirement dictionary . 2
4.2 3D views . 2
4.2.1 General . 2
4.2.2 Changes to the MS key in a 3D view dictionary . 3
4.3 3D node dictionaries . 3
4.3.1 General . 3
4.3.2 Changes to the N key in a 3D node dictionary. 3
4.3.3 Creating an N key for a STEP AP 242 node. 3
4.4 Marking the extension level in PDF . 4
4.5 Example . 4
Annex A (informative) Advice on deriving 3D node dictionary names from STEP AP 242 .9
Bibliography .10
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
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electrotechnical standardization.
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described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
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www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 171, Document management applications,
Subcommittee SC 2, Document file formats, EDMS systems and authenticity of information.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
Introduction
0.1 PDF: ISO 32000
ISO 32000-2 is able to embed 3D CAD models as either 3D or RichMedia annotations. 3D node, stream
and view dictionaries can only reference data saved in either the ECMA-363, Universal 3D (U3D) file
format or ISO 14739-1, Product Representation Compact (PRC) file format. This often requires the
authoritative CAD data to be translated to either U3D or PRC solely to embed the data in a PDF file.
0.2 STEP: ISO 10303
STEP is a set of specifications and methods that enable the exchange and sharing of enterprise
engineering information. It is an international standard (ISO 10303) with many application protocols
(APs) that have a common core data definition. For example, AP 203, AP 214, and AP 242 use the same
definitions for three-dimensional geometry, assembly data and basic product information. ISO 10303-42
and ISO 10303-46 are the key standard parts for geometry representation and visual presentation.
Most 3D design, engineering and manufacturing software can read and/or write data stored in the
STEP format.
The latest AP of STEP, AP 242, was developed to converge the AP 203 and AP 214 standards. STEP AP 242
contains all the functionality covered by the AP 203 and AP 214. In addition, it adds new functionality
including 3D tessellated geometry, composites and 3D product and manufacturing information (PMI).
The major technical impact of the STEP AP 242 standard covers the areas of:
— model based definition (MBD);
— long term archiving (LTA);
— engineering data exchange including composites;
— manufacturing data exchange including PMI.
0.3 Extending PDF to support STEP
The purpose of this document is to extend the PDF specification to allow RichMedia annotations to
include 3D assets saved in the STEP AP 242 (ISO 10303-242) format.
v
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/TS 24064:2023(E)
Document management — Portable document format —
RichMedia annotations conforming to the ISO 10303-242
(STEP AP 242) specification
1 Scope
This document specifies how to extend the ISO 32000-2 specification by adding the ISO 10303-242
(STEP AP 242) format as a valid format for 3D assets contained in a RichMedia annotation. It is intended
for:
— developers of software that creates PDF files (PDF writers);
— software that reads existing PDF files and usually interprets their contents for display (PDF readers);
— software that reads and displays PDF content and interacts with the computer users to possibly
modify and save the PDF file (PDF processors);
— PDF products that read and/or write PDF files for a variety of other purposes (PDF processors).
Note PDF writers and PDF readers are more specialised classifications of PDF processors.
This document does not specify the following:
— specific processes for converting paper or electronic documents to the PDF file format;
— specific technical design, user interface implementation, or operational details of rendering;
— specific physical methods of storing these documents such as media and storage conditions;
— methods for validating the conformance of PDF files or PDF processors;
— required computer hardware and/or operating system.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 10303-242, Industrial automation systems and integration — Product data representation and
exchange — Part 242: Application protocol: Managed model-based 3D engineering
ISO 32000-2:2020, Document management — Portable document format — Part 2: PDF 2.0
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
portable document format
PDF
file format defined in ISO 32000-2
3.2
STEP AP 242
file format defined in ISO 10303-242
4 RichMedia annotations conforming to the ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP 242)
specification
4.1 Document requirements
4.1.1 General
Document requirements identify PDF features that are required for correct handling of a document.
Requirements shall be stored as requirement dictionaries in accordance with ISO 32000-2:2020, 12.11.
4.1.2 Requirement types
Requirements types shall be as defined in ISO 32000-2:2020, 12.11.2.
4.1.3 STEP requirement
ISO 32000-2:2020, Table 275, lists requirement types that have been defined through PDF 2.0. As shown
in Table 1, a new requirement type STEP specifies that a STEP AP 242 RichMedia annotation is stored
in a PDF file.
Table 1 — ISO 32000-2:2020, Table 275 — Requirement types
Type Description
STEP Requires support for RichMedia annotations (ISO 32000-2, :2020, 13.7.2.2) conform-
ing to the ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP 242) specification. This also includes support for
associated ECMAScripts.
If a V key is present in its requirement dictionary, it shall represent the version of the
STEP AP 242 data in the PDF file and not the PDF version.
4.1.4 Identifying STEP AP 242 3D Artwork in a requirement dictionary
PDF documents containing RichMedia annotations with assets conforming to the STEP AP 242
specification shall have a requirement dictionary containing an S key with the value of STEP.
A V key in a requirement dictionary is used to specify the version number for a specific technology
related to the requirement in question (see ISO 32000-2:2020, 12.11.4).
RichMedia annotations with assets conforming to the STEP AP 242 specification shall have a V key
that specifies the version of ISO 10303-242 used by the asset, represented as a year (decimal integer)
followed by a period and a zero. For example, “2014.0” or "/2020.0" for edition 1 or 2 respectively.
4.2 3D views
4.2.1 General
3D views shall be as defined in ISO 32000-2:2020, 13.6.4.
Named views are specified in PDF as 3D view dictionaries.
4.2.2 Changes to the MS key in a 3D view dictionary
The MS key in a 3D view dictionaries specifies how the 3D camera-to-world transformation matrix is
determined. The description of this key is modified to include the STEP AP 242 format as shown in
Table 2.
Tabl
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