Once I drop that image into FrameMaker 8 and create my document, I am then able to generate a PDF file (this is using Acrobat 3D which comes with the Suite) that is capable of handling 3D content. I can then pass this on to an end user, who, in using any version of Acrobat Reader 7.1 and greater, will be able to interact with the file. The second image above shows the PDF as it would be received as a PDF file, and the third image shows it in interactive mode.

In interactive mode, the end user will be able to rotate the image on all axes' turning right, left, up, down, and to any angle to see the entire image. They could then explode the image to see how it moves apart and fits back together again. Once it is exported to PDF, all of the rich media; Flash, 3D, etc, jumps to life and is usable by anyone with Acrobat reader. No special files to send to interact in 3D.

Needless to say that FrameMaker 8 still does what it has done best for so many years, that is create long documents and technical documents. It is superb for working with collaborated works as it has the ability to share files and facilitate peer reviews.

If there is one thing that seems a bit out of place, it is the interface, which seems a bit long in the tooth with respect to many of the other Adobe products, but if the important point is productivity then you have a state of the art engine that will get the job done. With the addition of DITA which breaks down a publishing project into reusable topics and brought together by maps and makes for a very natural fit with FrameMaker's XML handling. Then add the 3D support, this makes for a very good upgrade indeed.