Import Navisworks file into Revit

[antonio.delacruz]

Hi y'all,
I've worked in a steel structure model in Advance Steel and now I need to export it to Revit, so that I can add some info to the elements in that model, that's why the client requires me this. I've been doing a research about adding info and an option is doing it using Navisworks, it's interoperability with Revit is fantastic when I export from Revit but doesn't work in the other way back, don't know why. I'm using Navisworks Export addon for Revit, and when I try to, it's not working. Have anyone ever try to use it? How does it work?
Thanks in advance.

[Rafal.Gaweda · Accepted solution]

Hi Antonio

There is no way to import model from Navisworks to Revit.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/EN...

Use this plugin to import data from Advance Steel to Revit instead:

https://apps.autodesk.com/RVT/pl/Detail/Index?id=4943777542333709329&appLang=en&os=Win64

[Anonymous]

Hi,

It seems to me Autodesk doesn't know the needs "out there". Like another user expresses, a way to import (or link) back and forth in Navisworks, Revit, Autocad etc. is much wanted. And when I say wanted, I mean needed, at least for some.

My company work together with architects chosen by the customer in joint projects. My role is to compile models of mechanical equipment in Navisworks.

The problem is these models cannot be imported into architect software, not even Revit, even though it's part of same suite as Navisworks.
To work around this, the architect has to export his building to something compatible for Navisworks to import, and then do the final merging here.

But that leads to another problem: measuring in Navisworks. The measuring and snap functionality in Navisworks is neither accurate nor adequate for professional use. Escecially when it comes to pipes and holes.

Any joint project in any country requires documentation from the authorities. Typically arrangement drawings and/or hole & foundation drawings.

This present a third problem: Navisworks cannot produce these drawings. I know you can reference NWD models in AutoCad, but it is not the typical "look" and you cannot put correct measurements on it.

So come on AutoDesk, how about integration between your products? You can't be serious when your only reply is, to use some unknown plug-in as a work around!

Br Ulrik 

[zhukoven]

@Anonymous, Revit 2018 has a brand new feature to link coordination model (Navisworks *.nwd & *.nwc files) directly into the view. No need to install plugins or use workarounds:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2018/ENU/Revit-Collaborate/files/GUID-6CE237B1-68D5-49DB-82B2-1D43C464FB5E-htm.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-explore/caas/simplecontent/content/revit-2018-new-feature-coordination-model.html

[dgorsman]

Navisworks is a collaboration tool. 

It isn't a "master file converter".  There's a few reasons behind this.  One, is that the Navisworks data format is faceted for performance, which means that rounded shapes can lose precision if they were to be exported elsewhere.  That loss of precision isn't consistent either as the resolution setting can be changed and even variable.  Two, it allows various project participants to share data-rich models for coordination without exposing the original model.  If you are expecting a model you can actually work with in Revit or other software, then you need to specify that in the contract and project coordination needs to ensure everyone is using appropriate software and versions.

It isn't a drawing creator either.  There are so many different sources of models (not even including various third-party and in-house customizations on AutoCAD platforms) and types of drawings that there's no practical way that can be done.  And this also gets back to the faceted objects - there's no center snap because there's no circles or arcs.

We use the measuring tool in Navisworks, and with pipes.  It's accurate enough for checking and review.  If we need something for engineering purposes we use the appropriate design software.

[Anonymous]

I tried using every Navisworks export option, opening in cad to import a few extra clearances (sent only as nwc) into my revit model. Couldn't even open in CAD because for some reason they weren't compatible even though I am using 2018 for everything. Wow this was a huge help. Can't believe I didn't see that before.