How to export files from Revit to Navisworks? Exporting files from one BIM platform to another.

What are Autodesk Revit and Navisworks?

Autodesk Revit is a BIM (Building Information Modeling) software that allows its users to design projects and their separate components in three dimensions. It is possible to annotate the model and access a specific model using a special database. Since Revit supports 4D BIM (the introduction of scheduling information into existing project models), it also helps with planning and tracking the project throughout its entire lifecycle, from the beginning to the very end.

Autodesk Navisworks, on the other hand, is a project review solution that is used to combine data from different sources into one model of a project as the single source of truth for the team. It works with many different formats, helps with clash detection, simulates many different situations to predict potentially unwanted outcomes, and more.

Even though the topic of exporting files from Revit to Navisworks is highly specific, it is still essential to understand how these two tools work together. First, Revit and Navisworks are not mutually exclusive and are used together in some cases. There is also the fact that their primary purposes are slightly different from one another.

Revit is a solution for creating detailed 3D building models, with all their components and information, while Navisworks brings together models from different teams to coordinate the overall project and catch potential conflicts.

How do you prepare to export Revit files to Navisworks?

Since the same company sells both Revit and Navisworks, integration and cooperation between the platforms is expected to a certain degree. And there is such a way – or even two ways to do it. The actual process of transforming one file to another is not particularly complicated – if we’re trying to export Revit to Navisworks, for example.

However, there are some preparations that you must complete before attempting to export Revit to Navisworks – you’ll be essentially preparing your Revit model for conversion to make sure that there are as little to no problems in the process as possible.

Preparation

The first matter of preparation has to do specifically with models that are exported to be used for 4D planning and beyond. In this case, some larger or more complex elements of a model would have to be subdivided to make it easier to fit it into a construction planning schedule.

Revit even has a tool that helps with these tasks – it’s called “Parts.” An excellent example of a model needing subdivision is a retaining wall. It is modeled in its entirety inside Revit, but to make it fit into the construction schedule, you’ll have to separate it into several pieces and assign them to different construction periods.

Another topic of interest here is to double-check all of the coordinates of your Revit model. Since Navisworks assembles several models into a single comprehensive model, all shared coordinates need to be correct. While it is possible to fix issues with coordinates after exporting it to Navisworks – it’s still way easier to do it beforehand.

You’ll also need a dedicated view for the export process since model export converts only what is seen from said view, and categories that are not directly connected with the use of a model would not be exported, either. Preparing a specific name for an exported model is a good idea, too – add a “navis” string to it so that the export tool sees it as your default view for this model. Last but not least, you should also double-check that the correct detail level is chosen beforehand.

Installing the Navisworks NWC Export Utility

Before you can start exporting files from Revit to Navisworks, there is an important first step that is commonly missed. Autodesk has made changes to how users export Revit files to the NWC format (the standard data format of Navisworks files), and the Export to NWC Utility is no longer included with Revit installations. As such, you will need to download and install the NWC Export Utility separately before attempting any export operations.

First, check if the utility is already installed by opening Revit and looking for the Navisworks option under Add-ins > External Tools. If you do not see “Autodesk Navisworks” listed there, or if you do not see NWC as an option when you go to File > Export, you will need to install the utility.

How to download the utility:

1. Visit the official Autodesk download page:https://www.autodesk.com/products/navisworks/3d-viewers
2. Scroll down to find the “Navisworks NWC Export Utility” section
3. Select the version that matches your version of Revit (this is crucial for compatibility)
4. Important: Some years have two files (File 1 and File 2). If your version does, you must download both files, otherwise you will encounter error messages during installation

The installation process is comprised of several simple steps:

1. After downloading, open the .exe file (typically File 1 if you have downloaded multiple files). This will prepare the installer
2. Click “Run Installer” and wait for the installation to complete (this may take several minutes).
3. Restart your computer. This step is essential for the utility to work properly.
4. Open Revit and verify the installation by checking that you now see the NWC file format option under File > Export and the Navisworks option under Add-ins > External Tools.

Note: Administrator rights are required to install the utility, so make sure you have the necessary permissions or contact your IT department if you are on a corporate network.

Once this utility is properly installed, you are free to proceed with the export preparation and settings outlined in the following sections.

Exporting Revit Files to Navisworks

There are two main approaches to file export once the NWC Export Utility is installed and ready. Both methods produce the same result but offer different workflows depending on your preferences and project requirements.

The first method exports directly from Revit using the installed Navisworks plugin, giving you full control over the process and creating independent NWC files. The second method opens Revit files directly in Navisworks, which creates connected files that update automatically when the source changes.

Knowing about all the coordinate settings is crucial for both methods, as incorrect coordinate choices are the primary cause of the misalignment of models in Navisworks. The key is knowing when to use shared coordinates versus project internal coordinates based on your project setup and coordination requirements.

Step-by-step export process from Revit

The most common export method uses Revit’s Navisworks plugin:

1. Open your prepared Revit model and ensure that you are in the correct 3D view.
2. Go to Add-ins > External Tools > Navisworks (this option appears after the NWC Export Utility is installed).
3. In the export dialog, choose your destination folder and file name.
4. Click “Navisworks settings…” to access the configuration options.
5. Critical step: Choose your coordinate system (see coordinate guidance below).
6. Configure other export settings based on your workflow needs.
7. Click “Export” to begin the process.

Coordinate system decision: Choose “Shared” when multiple disciplines are coordinating with properly established shared coordinates. Choose “Project internal” when models appear misaligned with shared coordinates or when working with single models without coordinated systems.

Alternative method: opening RVT files in Navisworks

Converting Revit (RVT) files by opening them directly in Navisworks is the alternative option we mentioned above. It is initiated in the following manner:

1. Launch Navisworks and go to File > Open.
2. Select your Revit (.rvt) file directly.
3. Access the settings by going to Menu > Options > File Readers > Revit.
4. Configure the same coordinate and export settings (note that the “Convert” options are renamed to “Export” in this interface).
5. The resulting file remains connected to the original Revit model and will be updated when the source file changes.

This method is useful when you want files that automatically reflect changes in the original Revit model. However, for most coordination workflows, the method of direct export from Revit provides better control and independence.

If the exported models are not aligned properly in Navisworks, try switching between shared and project internal coordinates, or use Navisworks’ Units and Transform tools for manual adjustment.

Comparing export methods: NWC export vs direct RVT import

While there are technically other export options (such as DWG export, which loses material information and parametric data), the two methods we have covered represent the best approaches for maintaining the quality of BIM data when moving from Revit to Navisworks.

The choice between the two boils down to a number of important factors and considerations.

Use NWC export when:

• Working with multiple external consultants who need standalone files
• Creating final coordination packages or archives
• You need precise control over what data gets exported
• File paths might change or Revit access is limited
• Sharing models with teams who do not have access to your Revit files

Use Direct RVT import when:

• Working with internal teams who have access to Revit files
• Models change frequently and you need automatic updates
• You are in active design development with rapid iterations
• File management is centralized and paths are stable
• You want the simplest workflow without manual export steps

It is important to mention that NWC files typically load faster in Navisworks since they are pre-processed, while direct RVT import requires conversion time each time the file is opened. However, RVT import eliminates the need to remember to re-export when changes occur.

Most coordination workflows benefit from NWC export due to its reliability and independence, but direct RVT import excels in fast-moving design environments where frequent updates are essential.

Are there any differences between the NWC and NWD file formats?

After successfully exporting from Revit, you will encounter two main Navisworks file formats that serve different purposes. Learning about their differences helps companies choose the right format for sharing and collaboration.

NWC Files (Navisworks Cache): NWC files contain “a cached version of the converted Revit model geometry” and are “not intended for general use“. These are the files created when you export from Revit using the methods we have covered. NWC files include all geometry, object properties, and display settings from your original Revit model, making them perfect for loading into Navisworks for coordination work.

However, NWC files have limitations: they’re read-only, meaning you cannot save changes back to them, and “NWC files are created to load the model more quickly when opened next” but are not meant for sharing with others.

NWD Files (Navisworks Document): When you publish an NWD, it is possible to specify a range of settings for the document, including metadata, model data, password protection, an expiry date, and even a read-only state. NWD files are essentially published snapshots that contain all loaded models, viewpoints, clash results, and markup data in a single, complete file.

NWD files are smaller than CAD files (meaning less loading time) and are easily accessible by anyone, even if they do not have Navisworks, with the help of the free Navisworks Freedom viewer.

When to use each format:

• Use NWC files for importing into Navisworks for coordination work. They are your working files.
• Use NWD files for sharing the results of final coordination with stakeholders, clients, or team members who need to review but not edit the model.

The typical workflow moves from Revit → NWC (for coordination) → NWD (for sharing), ensuring that data quality is maintained throughout while providing appropriate access levels for different project participants.

What export settings does Navisworks offer?

When you click the “Navisworks settings…” button in the export window, you will see multiple configuration options that significantly impact the quality and usability of your exported model. These settings control everything from data transfer to file organization, making it essential to understand each option before proceeding with your export.

The settings window contains several categories of options: essential data conversion settings, construction planning options, technical performance controls, and coordinate system choices. Each category serves different workflows, from simple model review to complex 4D construction planning.

Knowing the capabilities and limitations of these settings helps prevent common issues like missing data, misaligned models, or oversized files that slow down most Navisworks workflows.

Which export settings are essential for data transfer?

The most critical settings control how your Revit data is transferred to Navisworks, including convert element priorities, divide file into levels, and export room geometry. These three settings are the foundation of most successful exports.

Convert element properties should be set to “All” in most cases. This option controls the transfer of parameters:

• None: No parameters are converted (avoid this)
• Elements: Only the parameters for the elements found are converted
• All: All parameters are converted, including referenced elements, providing comprehensive property data

Divide file into levels should be enabled for better organization. This splits your Revit structure into levels in Navisworks’ selection tree, organised by file, category, family, type, and instance. This option makes navigation significantly easier, although it may struggle with unusual designs like multi-level walls.

Export room geometry should be enabled if your project includes rooms. This converts room geometry into construction sub-parts, making rooms visible and queryable in Navisworks.

What are construction planning and 4D settings in Revit’s export settings?

Specific settings become crucial for construction sequencing and 4D planning workflows:

• Convert construction parts enables the export of construction parts instead of original elements. This is essential when using Revit’s construction modeling and assemblies features for detailed construction scheduling and sequencing.
• Convert room as attribute captures comprehensive room data such as windows, fixtures, doors, and other room-related elements. Use this when room analysis is important for your project workflow.
• Convert element IDs exports ID numbers for each Revit element, enabling precise tracking and referencing between Revit and Navisworks. This is particularly valuable for construction management and issue tracking purposes.

These settings are specifically designed for users who need detailed construction information and element tracking capabilities in their Navisworks models.

Do performance and technical settings affect export results?

Some other settings also have a direct impact on total file size and performance. Convert linked files should generally be kept unchecked. Exporting links separately from the main model is more efficient and less error-prone. Handle linked models as individual exports for better control.

Find missing materials (enabled by default) searches for material matches when materials are missing. It should be disabled only if inappropriate materials appear on your geometry.

Faceting factor controls curved surface detail, with “1” as the default:

• Lower values (0.5): Fewer triangles, smaller files, reduced detail
• Higher values (2.0): More triangles, larger files, higher detail
• Recommendation: Use the lowest value that meets your quality requirements

These settings are aimed toward helping balance file size with visual quality and processing speed.

How do coordinate systems and view settings affect exports?

Proper coordinate and view settings prevent alignment issues. The options for coordinate consist of two choices:

• Shared (default): Use for multiple coordinated models requiring precise alignment
• Project internal: Use when shared coordinates cause misalignment or for single-model exports

Export viewpoint chooses the reference point for export:

• First 3D View: Uses the first available 3D view
• 3D View with “Navis” in name: Looks for specifically named views (recommended)

You need to be in 3D view with proper detail level set before exporting. Creating a dedicated “Navisworks” view in Revit ensures consistent export results and helps organize your workflow.

What are the recommended settings by workflow?

Different use cases require different combinations of settings. Here, we present three major options to choose from depending on the overall purpose of the export – general review, construction planning, or clash detection.

For general model review:

• Convert element properties: All
• Divide file into levels: ✓
• Export room geometry: ✓ (if rooms exist)
• Convert linked files: ✗
• Faceting factor: 1

For 4D construction planning:

• Convert element properties: All
• Convert construction parts: ✓
• Divide file into levels: ✓
• Export room geometry: ✓
• Convert room as attribute: ✓
• Faceting factor: 0.5-1

For clash detection:

• Convert element properties: All
• Divide file into levels: ✓
• Convert linked files: ✗ (export separately)
• Coordinates: Shared
• Faceting factor: 1

The best recommendation we can provide is to start with general review settings and adjust them based on your specific project requirements.

How difficult is it to troubleshoot common export issues?

Even with proper preparation and settings, most users are likely to encounter issues when exporting from Revit to Navisworks. Here are the most common problems and their solutions, based on documented issues and proven fixes.

Installation and setup issues

The most frequent problem users encounter is missing the Navisworks export option in Revit. If you do not see “Autodesk Navisworks” under Add-ins > External Tools or the NWC format under File > Export, the NWC Export Utility is not properly installed.

This typically happens because the utility has not been downloaded from the official Autodesk site, the wrong version has been installed, or only one file was downloaded when two were required. Some versions of Revit need both executable files to work correctly, and downloading only one will cause export failures.

To fix installation issues, download the correct year-specific utility from Autodesk’s official download page, ensure you have both files if required, and restart your computer after installation. Administrator rights are necessary for installation, so contact your IT department if you are on a corporate network.

If the export process starts but fails with error messages, this usually indicates an incomplete installation where the second utility file is missing.

Model alignment and coordinate problems

Coordinate issues are the primary cause of models appearing in the wrong location or failing to align properly in Navisworks. This happens when the choice of coordinate system does not match your project setup or when shared coordinates have not been properly established across all models.

The most common scenario occurs when shared coordinates in a Revit host model have not been published to linked models, causing the links to use default project internal coordinates instead. This creates misalignment issues, even though everything looks correct in Revit.

When models are not aligned, first try switching between “Shared” and “Project Internal” coordinate settings in your export. If you are working with multiple disciplines, verify that all team members have used the same survey point and coordinate establishment method. For projects where shared coordinates were not properly set up from the beginning, project internal coordinates often work better.

As a last resort, it is possible to adjust alignments manually in Navisworks using the Units and Transform tools, though proper coordinate setup in Revit prevents this extra work.

Missing data and performance issues

Revit elements sometimes do not appear in the exported Navisworks model, or the resulting files may be unexpectedly large and slow. Missing elements usually occur because they were not visible in the 3D view used for export or because the export settings were not configured to include all the necessary data.

To prevent missing data, ensure that all required elements are visible in your export view and set “Convert element properties” to “All” rather than “Elements” or “None.” Room information requires both “Export room geometry” and “Convert room as attribute” to be enabled. For linked models, export each one separately rather than using the “Convert linked files” option, which often causes problems.

Performance issues typically stem from excessive detail levels or trying to export too much in a single file. If your NWC files are very large or Navisworks runs slowly, try reducing the faceting factor to 0.5-1.0, hide unnecessary categories in your export view, or consider exporting separate files per discipline rather than one comprehensive model.

Version compatibility also causes some issues, since NWC files are version-specific – as in, a file exported from Revit 2024 requires Navisworks 2024 to open properly.

How do you export Navisworks data to Revizto?

Speaking of importing from one platform to another, Revizto also has the power to import information from other platforms – Navisworks, in this case. After installing Revizto, you should see the module being installed in Navisworks, which allows you to export data, track issues, and more.

The export process begins just as when you export Revit to Navisworks – by setting up a viewpoint for your export process. This includes setting up a proper 3D view of the entire model and ensuring that none of the secondary parts of a model are interfering, like vegetation.

After that, go to “Revizto 4 – Export to Revizto” to start the export process. The next step in this process is creating a new Revizto project or exporting it to an existing one. Both options allow you to customize the settings of the export process, such as the viewpoint, whether to export levels or not, the ability to update materials, and so on.

Make sure to mark your export-related viewpoint accordingly to avoid confusion when choosing the viewpoint. Other than that, all you have to do is to click “Export” to begin the process. After a bit of waiting, you’ll be presented with a new Revizto window with your Navisworks project imported to it.

This window is used in all kinds of operations, including sharing it as a project with other team members, tracking issues, marking, generating reports, etc.

Key takeaways

• Proper preparation prevents most export problems – install the utility, set up dedicated 3D views, and establish shared coordinates early
• Choice of coordinate system determines success in alignment – test both “Shared” and “Project Internal” settings when models do not align
• Export settings directly impact data quality – always use “All” for element properties and enable “Divide file into levels”
• NWC export is recommended for most workflows – it offers the best balance of control, data preservation, and reliability
• Common issues have simple fixes – coordinate misalignment (switch settings), missing elements (check view visibility), or large files (reduce faceting factor)
• Different methods serve different needs – use NWC export for external sharing, direct RVT import for frequent internal updates