how to open pdo on mac?

ClassX

New Member
Hi folks...I need some help.

Does anybody know how to open pdo-files on mac?
I have read that you need a software called pepakura.
But for mac it's not available.

Are there any other options?
 
Z

Zathros

Buy Wndows 7 and Bootcamp. There are ways to change a .pdo to a .pdf, but you cannot do or ask that of a member unless the author of that model has authorized that such re-distribution be allowed. You cannot do that procedure on a Mac. Actually, when it comes to paper models, or CAD, there are so many programs that do not work on Mac, a P.C., for purely pragmatic reasons may be in your future.

Such redistribution would be in violation of forum rules. If you download the file, and bring it to a friends PC, and do that process, then, you will have the model.

This may be another option, but I have not tried it.

http://www.fanhow.com/knowhow:Online_Convert_.Doc_to_.Pdf_with_Google_Docs_82074829
 

ClassX

New Member
Buy Wndows 7 and Bootcamp. There are ways to change a .pdo to a .pdf, but you cannot do or ask that of a member unless the author of that model has authorized that such re-distribution be allowed. You cannot do that procedure on a Mac. Actually, when it comes to paper models, or CAD, there are so many programs that do not work on Mac, a P.C., for purely pragmatic reasons may be in your future.

Such redistribution would be in violation of forum rules. If you download the file, and bring it to a friends PC, and do that process, then, you will have the model.

This may be another option, but I have not tried it.

http://www.fanhow.com/knowhow:Online_Convert_.Doc_to_.Pdf_with_Google_Docs_82074829

I thought as much. Software for 3D paper models mainly exists for P.C. and as a mac user you're neglected again :cry:
But I'm used to this.

I think that you're right and the best way for the future would be to buy a cheaper P.C. And of course I would try to get the permission of the author first before converting any files or maybe better...I ask the author if he can make pdf files available.
 
Z

Zathros

Many authors do this. If you download the model, and have a friend convert it on their P.C., there is nothing wrong with that. As long as you don't distribute the .PDF without permission. I think a lot of people don't know they can convert it to .pdf. Also, in .PDO format, you really get help with how the model goes together. You lose that in the .PDF. :)
 
I have a mac, I also have a copy of windows XP from before I used macs at home (the dark days). I am using virtual box and that copy to use paperkura. It works well and does not require rebooting. To use bootcamp you would need to windows vista or 7 if you are using lion.
Too bad the only way to open pdos on mac requires having a copy of windows (which is quite expensive if I recall) lying around.
 

ClassX

New Member
Therefor I need to buy any windows software and like you said it's quite expensive. And unfortunately I'm an amateur with the windows OS. Since the early nineties I'm working with apple and that's why I'm used to it.

I'll rather ask a friend with a P.C. to convert the files to pdf. I think that will work as well.
 

Vortex_4200

Member
Weeelllll.... my suggestion is to use the Mac for a paperwight and go for a PC :mrgreen:
But truthfully I have heard of a program out there that will emulate a PC on a Mac but don't ask me what it is, sorry.
 
S

sgoti

But truthfully I have heard of a program out there that will emulate a PC on a Mac but don't ask me what it is, sorry.
In the old days, you had VirtualPC. This was when PowerPC was the processor of choice for Macs. Worked, but slooww (had to emulate the x86 processor as well as run the operating system).

For Intel-based Macs, there's VirtualBox (free), Parallels Desktop, and VMWare Fusion (both paid). All are good for running another "guest" operating system (Windows, Linux, etc) without having to reboot the Mac.

The problem is that for Windows, you still need a valid copy of whichever version of the Windows OS to install. A copy of WinXP from eBay might set you back $50 on up (just checked).

Least expensive option has already been pointed out: Get someone who already has a Windows box to convert the file to PDF.
 
Z

Zathros

I have an unopened copy of Vista Professional 64 bit, I thought about selling it cheap but figure if I need an emergency computer, I should keep it. Kind of a worthless point, I guess my point is, there are probably people who bought Vista and decided to stay with XP, like I did? It can probably be had free. :)
 
The problem with using a pdo printed as pdf is that you are missing the instructions. The reason is that when the pdo is published there is usually no other instructions, the 3d file and the program which shows you which edge is to be glued with which and where each part goes in the 3d is taking their place. That means it only works for simple models.
 
Z

Zathros

I have to agree with that. There are some tutorials on how to turn .PDO's into .PDF's ad they actually make a better pictures. Doing this, and having the .PDO as a reference for instructions is really necessary, especially on some of the more difficult ones, and on some of the figurines, I think it would be impossible. :)
 

clif52

Banned
There is a program call WINE that is supposed to run some Windows programs on a MAC without having to install the whole Windows program but I haven't had time to try it yet. You should be able to find it with a quick Google search.

Clif

PS: If you don't run a MAC please quit bashing them. Most graphic designers and artists do run MACs.
 
Z

Zathros

There is a program call WINE that is supposed to run some Windows programs on a MAC without having to install the whole Windows program but I haven't had time to try it yet. You should be able to find it with a quick Google search.

Clif

PS: If you don't run a MAC please quit bashing them. Most graphic designers and artists do run MACs.


Stating the functionality of software on a P.C. or Mac, or Linux (I use Linux programs for repairing P.C.'s), or whatever, is not Bashing. This forum encourages dialog and exchange of information, regardless of any personal preferences. The Moderators here decide what is within the rules. No one has been insulted in this thread, nothing insulting has been posted. I will NOT allow healthy dialog to be derailed by personal preferences. Post only facts. Posting vague "look it up" responses are not helpful. This issue has been around for many years. .PDO files are not native to Mac's. The solution has been, convert the .PDO to a .PDF on a P.C., then you can use it on your Mac. That is not bashing Mac's.

The assertion about what Graphic Designers and Artists use is not fact either. The ones making money, working professionally, are using P.C.'s. That is fact. That does not mean they do not use Mac's,. The ones I know, one in particular, quite well known, who works for Disney, would scoff at that statement. If you have a program that does not work on a P.C., you have a problem. If it doesn't work on a Mac, you need to find a P.C.. The next post will be about opening a .PDO on a Mac, if it can be done. As far as I know, and this has been discussed many times on many forums, it is not possible, I have never read of anyone doing it unless they were "BootCamping" Windows on their P.C.. That is not bashing.

I have a problem when people start telling other people what to say based on their own preferences. The .PDO Mac incompatibility issue is well known and documented. Post answers, not vague generalities. Exchange information, save the opinions for some other forum.

The next posts should be on opening .PDO files on Mac's. No answer = no post.











.
 

THE DC

Highly Esteemed Member
Be wary of some mac emulators. I open with bootcamp, but tried FUSION with awful results and worse support.

Parallels wasn't much better.

Mac support is good in their service and Bootcamp works well.

Hint: be wary of spending money as though Macs are excellent machines, not everyone allowing parallel desktops is invested in more than getting your $$$!

I usually open my pdo's on my old PC and copy the pages with Paint! It isn't pretty, but what I try to build is!

Good luck,

The DC
 
Z

Zathros

It would be "inclusive", if model makers would offer .PDF versions of their .PDO models. You will lose the instructional aspect. A few designers have told me they worry people will say their models aren't buildable because they won't have the inherit instructions that come with .PDO files. This is a genuine concern. I think that .PDO's are established enough that Apple should offer a solution. I wonder if any Mac users have voiced this concern with Apple? It's kind of ridiculous. If Adobe Photoshop can run on Mac's, I am sure it would not be hard for someone to come up with a solution. Tamasoft does not seem to have the motivation or care. It seems to me the ball is in both Apple's court, and Tamasoft's too, their both at fault.
 

THE DC

Highly Esteemed Member
I have. They say they look forward to someone developing the App for them!!!!


It would be "inclusive", if model makers would offer .PDF versions of their .PDO models. You will lose the instructional aspect. A few designers have told me they worry people will say their models aren't buildable because they won't have the inherit instructions that come with .PDO files. This is a genuine concern. I think that .PDO's are established enough that Apple should offer a solution. I wonder if any Mac users have voiced this concern with Apple? It's kind of ridiculous. If Adobe Photoshop can run on Mac's, I am sure it would not be hard for someone to come up with a solution. Tamasoft does not seem to have the motivation or care. It seems to me the ball is in both Apple's court, and Tamasoft's too, their both at fault.
 

zathros

*****SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR*****
Staff member
Administrator
Moderator
Anyone who can use a Mac can easily use a Windows 7 P.C.. Now, just for the record, I not only work on Windows based systems. I work on proprietary systems that the public will never see. Truth is, if you can work a computer, you can work a computer, if you can't, then you would not be reading this. I have a friend who writes code for the government. This Person wrote the code for some well know fences on the south end of this country. Broadening horizons is what this is about. When you can buy a P.C. for $199, complete ( sans Monitor), with windows 8.1, 64 bit, with a 12 months parts and labor warranty, with extendable warranties available, now really, there is no excuse. This is better than bootcamping. Windows 8.1 64 cost almost this much. This is the best way to access Windows based programs, with Windows. It's only $200 bucks!! No one is saying to get rid of your Mac, Linux, abacus, or whatever. Stop bothering your friends, dazzle them with your brilliance. (This statement is a general statement, not aimed at anyone, especially not at "The DC", who's prowess on anything is well established! ). Just some info on practical alternatives, I also can't stand having dual boot computers, you use them twice as much! :)

Link=http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8986555&Sku=LCU-102406297

specs=
Lenovo H500s Desktop PC - Intel Celeron J1800 2.41GHz, 4GB DDR3 Memory, 500GB HDD, DVDRW, Windows 8.1 64-bit - 57327931

Today's Price:
$22999
Less Rebate:
-$30.00 Ends 09/30/2014. See Terms.Restrictions Apply.NOTICE: Limit (1) ONE rebate per person, billing address, company, or household
Final Price:
$19999 * After Rebate


LCU-102406297_gallery01_jm_gl_8986555.jpg
 
Top