How to export nwd from revit

Overview

Exporting files in the NWD format from Autodesk Revit is a crucial step for many workflows, particularly those involving project coordination, clash detection, and stakeholder reviews using Autodesk Navisworks. NWD files are essentially published versions of Navisworks project files that bundle together all the geometry, model data, and review information into a single, compact, and read-only file. This makes them ideal for distribution to team members who may not have access to the original design software or for creating a snapshot of the project at a specific point in time.

Revit, as a powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, generates complex 3D models with rich data. When transitioning this data to Navisworks for broader project review, the NWD format is often preferred due to its ability to consolidate information from multiple sources and disciplines into one manageable file. This unification is key to identifying potential conflicts or issues early in the design and construction process.

Understanding NWD Files

Before diving into the export process, it's important to understand what an NWD file represents. Unlike NWF files, which act as an index to linked files and require the original source files to be present, NWD files are self-contained. This means all the necessary data is embedded within the NWD file itself, making it a standalone package. This characteristic is vital for ensuring that reviewers can access the complete project model without needing to manage multiple linked files or worry about compatibility issues between different software versions.

The read-only nature of NWD files is another significant advantage. It prevents accidental modifications to the model data during the review process, preserving the integrity of the design information. Any annotations, markups, or redlines made within Navisworks on an NWD file are saved separately or attached to the NWD, rather than altering the embedded model.

The Navisworks Exporter for Revit

The primary tool for exporting NWD files from Revit is the Navisworks Exporter plugin. This plugin is typically installed automatically when you install Autodesk Navisworks. If you have Navisworks installed, you should find the exporter integrated within Revit's user interface.

Accessing the Exporter:

1. Open your Revit project (.rvt file) that you wish to export.
2. Navigate to the Add-Ins tab in the Revit ribbon.
3. Look for the Navisworks Exporter panel. Within this panel, you will find an Export button.

Clicking this button will launch the export dialog, allowing you to configure the settings for your NWD file.

Step-by-Step Export Process

1. Open Your Revit Project

Ensure you have the correct Revit project open and that the views you intend to export are set up as desired. The export process will capture the geometry and data visible or defined in your Revit model.

2. Initiate the Export

As mentioned, go to the Add-Ins tab, find the Navisworks Exporter panel, and click Export.

3. Configure Export Settings

The Navisworks Exporter dialog box offers several options to customize your export:

• Current File Only: This option exports only the currently active Revit project.
• Append Scene From File: This allows you to append the current Revit model to an existing Navisworks file (NWD or NWF). This is useful for combining models from different disciplines.
• Export Entire Project: Exports all linked Revit models along with the current project. This is often the most comprehensive option for federated models.
• Export: This dropdown menu allows you to choose the output file type. Select .nwd for a published, standalone file. You can also choose to export as .nwc (an append file) or .nwf (a lightweight index file).
• File Name: Specify the name and location for your output NWD file.
• View/Phase: You can choose to export based on a specific Revit view (e.g., a 3D view) or a particular project phase. This helps in controlling the level of detail and the stage of the project being exported.
• Export Units: Ensure the units selected here match the intended units for your Navisworks project to avoid scaling issues.
• Advanced Settings: Clicking the '...' button next to the Export type often reveals more granular control, such as:
  
  • Geometry Export Options: Such as 'Export invisible elements' or 'Export layers'.
  • Data Export Options: Including which Revit properties to export.
  • Export Render Appearance: To include visual properties.

4. Execute the Export

Once you have configured your settings, click Save or OK (depending on the dialog) to begin the export process. Revit will then process the model data and generate the NWD file.

5. Verify the Exported File

After the export is complete, it's good practice to open the generated NWD file in Autodesk Navisworks to verify that all the expected geometry, data, and views have been exported correctly. Check for any missing elements or unexpected issues.

Best Practices and Tips

• Use Navisworks Manage for Coordination: While NWD files can be viewed with Navisworks Freedom (a free viewer), full coordination and clash detection requires Navisworks Manage or Simulate.
• Consistent View Setup: Before exporting, ensure your 3D views in Revit are set up correctly, with appropriate visibility settings for linked models and worksets.
• Worksets: If your Revit project uses worksets, ensure they are configured correctly for export. You can often choose to export specific worksets or all of them.
• Phasing: Pay close attention to the phasing settings during export if your project utilizes Revit's phasing capabilities. This ensures you export the correct stage of construction.
• Element Visibility: Be mindful of what elements are visible in your chosen Revit view. Elements that are hidden in the view will typically not be exported.
• File Size Management: For very large projects, consider exporting specific areas, disciplines, or phases to manage file size and improve performance in Navisworks. You can often use the 'Append' functionality in Navisworks to combine these smaller exports later.
• Regular Updates: Export NWD files regularly throughout the project lifecycle to keep stakeholders informed and facilitate ongoing coordination efforts.
• Naming Conventions: Implement a clear naming convention for your NWD files, including project name, date, and version, to ensure easy identification and management.

By following these steps and best practices, you can effectively export NWD files from Revit, enabling seamless collaboration and robust project review within the Autodesk ecosystem.