File formats and appending models
Getting file types right is the first coordination skill. Learn NWC, NWD and NWF, how to append models from different tools, and how to keep a federated model up to date.
In this lesson you will
- Explain NWC, NWD and NWF files
- Export NWC files from authoring tools
- Append and align models
- Refresh models when they change
Three file types
| File | What it is | Use |
|---|---|---|
| .nwc | Cache created when Navisworks reads a native file (or exported from the authoring tool) | Fast loading; regenerated when the source changes |
| .nwf | Working file: links to the appended files plus your work (viewpoints, clash tests, sets) | The coordinator's live file |
| .nwd | Published snapshot containing all geometry and data | Sharing a fixed version; opened in Freedom |
Exporting from authoring tools
Revit, AutoCAD and other tools can export NWC files directly (with the Navisworks exporters installed). In Revit, export from a dedicated 3D view set up for coordination — with only the needed categories visible — and choose settings such as converting element properties and coordinates (shared or internal, as agreed in the BEP).
Appending
- 1Home › Append and choose the NWC, RVT, DWG, IFC or other files.
- 2Check they line up; if not, check the export coordinate settings rather than moving models in Navisworks where possible.
- 3Check units (File Options › Units) if something appears 1000 times too big.
- 4Save as an NWF.
Refreshing
When teams send updated models, replace the NWC files in the same folder with the same names, then Refresh in Navisworks. Your NWF keeps viewpoints, sets and clash tests. Publish an NWD snapshot for each coordination round as a record.
Quick reference
| Command / tool | How to start it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Append | Home tab | Adds models to the scene |
| Refresh | Home tab | Reloads changed files |
| Publish | Output tab | Creates an NWD |
| Units and Transform | Right-click model in Selection Tree | Adjusts a model's units/position |
Common mistakes
Models don't line up.
Re-export with the agreed coordinate setting (usually shared coordinates).
Saving an NWD as the working file loses links.
Work in NWF; publish NWD snapshots.
Exercise
Build a federated model
- Export NWC files from two models (or use provided files).
- Append them in Navisworks and check alignment.
- Save as
Project-Coordination.nwf. - Replace one NWC with an updated version and Refresh.
- Publish an NWD snapshot.
You should end up with: A working NWF and a published NWD.
Checklist
0 of 5 checked · saved on this device
Lesson quiz
Match each file type.
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