RE: exporting part of .nwd file to other file

[Anonymous]

I have an sample .nwd file which I am working on and I want to use the elements (viz. the .dwg drawings) in new .nwd files but I am not able to export them individually. 

If I use append or merge command, it imports all the .dwg or revit files (even if I hide them). Can someone please suggest any possible option. 

I am trying to export a truck model into a construction site to make an animation. 

-vvsoni

[lee.mullin · Accepted solution]

Which application are you using to make the animation?

Assuming this is Navisworks then you would need to hide the model and ensure your viewpoints use the 'Hide/Required' Option which will respect hidden items. More information on this can be found in the help.

If you are looking to export part of the NWD for use in another application then you may have problems as this is something Navisworks is not intended to be used for. You can use FBX or DWF export but you may have varying results as I believe they do not respect hidden items.

If you look at the selection tree you should be able to look at what the original files were that the NWD was created from. You should then go back and try and find the native CAD models.

You may want to use Autodesk SEEK or Google Warehouse to get an individual element for the animation, such as cranes, doors etc.

[Anonymous]

I was making the animation in Naviworks only. But thanks a lot for the information. I did not know about google warehouse or autodesk seek at all. It's really cool stuff. 

Also hiding the other features and exporting as fbx helps. 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I miss the oportunity to extract/export part(s) of a nwd very much. I don't have access to the originanal files/software, but is combining input from a number of other companies. Most of the time my colleges and I work on a small area but even if I use "Section" and "Hide" the whole file has to be loaded, which can be a challange for non-CAD PC's.

At other times I wish I could extract a part from one project and import it into another.

I have tested the FBX solution and it actually works, but only on small size files. The files sizes I'm working with, will produce a file that eg. AutoCAD would never open.

I don't understand why it's not possible to delete/extract as I please, it's basic features in many programs? Is there NO way of doing it?

Best regards

Ulrik

Systems Coordinator, GEA

[dgorsman]

One of the reasons why you can't do it is for the very reason you are trying - it provides at least a small amount of copy protection.  If you want bits and pieces of a model then request the original model or portions of it.  But please don't use Navisworks in an attempt to circumvent access rights to content.

[Anonymous]

One very often used method in real life is to re-use all or part of existing CAD-material in sales, which is the case here. So please don't accuse me of violating anybody's intellectual property. Also, the logic of what you are saying is, that Navisworks is suitable for copying everything, but not some things. That is really not very reassuring.

The intellectual property issue is a whole different matter that deserves its own discussion. Its hardly solved with the lack of freedom to extract parts in Navisworks.

Br Ulrik

[Anonymous]

That can't be correct!!.. there are many instances where permission just isn't an issue, but the software fails because it doesn't allow the extraction of selected elements.  We shouldn't have to reconsolidate project files to extract information that can be done from Navisworks in minutes.  when creating the NWD file we should be able to dictate if the recipient of the NWD file can create partial exports. BIM is meant to make things easier, it's unacceptable that companies invest 1000's in BIM software just to be told "Navis can't do that!!" Just utter nonsense!!