This is a plugin, or client extension, for FirstClass Client for Mac OS, which can view 3DMF files within the FirstClass application. 3DMF, short for 3D metafile, is the file format for Apple's 3D technology QuickDraw 3D. FirstClass is a cross-platform messaging and conferencing system developed and published by SoftArc. 3DMF is the file format for Apple's 3D technology, QuickDraw 3D.
To use the plugin you need FirstClass Client for Mac OS, version 3.5 or later, an account on a FirstClass system, and QuickDraw 3D. To install QuickDraw 3D you need a PowerMac with at least 16MB of RAM. QuickDraw 3D comes with a number of sample 3DMF models and is included with Mac OS 7.6 or later. You can find out more about it, download the latest version and additional models from Apple's QuickDraw 3D site.
To use this plugin it drop it in the 'Plugins' folder in the same folder as the FirstClass Client application. If FirstClass Client is running quit it, then start FirstClass and connect to a FirstClass server.
To view 3DMF files attached to messages either select an attached file and choose 'View File' from the 'File' menu or option-double click on the attached file. The plugin uses the Macintosh file type information to decide whether it can open the file, so it doesn't matter what the file is called or what application created it.
Once the 3DMF data has been downloaded the plugin will display it using QuickDraw 3D's standard viewer. This includes a menu to select different views and buttons to zoom, rotate and pan the model. Choose 'Save' from the file menu to save the model as a 3DMF file. To drag it to another application such as the Scrapbook click on the viewer's edge or hold down option and click anywhere.
If you find yourself running out of memory when using this plugin you may need to increase FirstClass Client's preferred memory requirements, though not by much as QuickDraw 3D mainly uses system memory. To do this select the FirstClass Client application's icon, choose 'Get Info' from the 'File' menu, and increase the number in the 'Preferred Size' box.
This plugin is being distributed as freeware, and can be uploaded anywhere as long as its documentation is included, but may not be distributed by other means, distributed commercially, or modified and distributed, without my prior express permission. This documentation contains no warranty, express or implied, as to it's fitness for any purpose. In case of it's failiure to function as described my liability is at most double the price you paid for it, or a pint of Guiness to be collected at the drinking establishment of my choice.
© John Blackburne, johnb@hk.super.net, 17th August 1997
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