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NWD file at a glance

Software

Autodesk Navisworks

Extension

.nwd

Related files

.nwf (links), .nwc (cache)

Content

Geometry, hierarchy, properties and review data

Free viewer

Navisworks Freedom

3D InterOp
Read Write

Navisworks Reader in the BIM suite

  • Building software that needs to read Navisworks files?

    3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application import Navisworks alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.
Format Role

NWD

Published, self-contained file with all geometry and review data

NWF

Stores links to the source files rather than the geometry itself

NWC

Cache format created when source data is imported

  • Aggregated geometry

    Models combined from many source files

  • Model hierarchy

    The structure of the combined project

  • Object properties

    Data attached to model elements

  • Viewpoints

    Saved views for review

  • Redlines and comments

    Review markups

  • Animations

    Walkthroughs and sequences

Aspect NWD IFC

Owner

Autodesk Navisworks

Open standard (buildingSMART)

Main role

Published review and distribution

Exchange between BIM tools

Updates

A snapshot, republished when the design changes

Re-exported from the authoring tool

  • Spatial doesn’t provide a Navisworks viewer or converter for end users. 3D InterOp is for software developers who want their own application to read Navisworks files.
  • Treating NWD as an open format

    NWD is native to Navisworks. It is a review and distribution container, not a neutral interoperability standard like IFC.

  • Assuming universal clash support

    Support depends on the downstream environment: some platforms accept NWD files for aggregation but not for clash detection.

  • Confusing the file with the live model

    An NWD doesn’t update when source files change. When the design evolves, a new NWD has to be published.

  • IFC

    Open BIM exchange standard
    IFC
  • Revit

    Autodesk BIM projects and families
    Revit
  • DGN

    MicroStation design files
    DGN
  • DWG

    AutoCAD drawings
    DWG
  • JT

    Lightweight 3D data (ISO 14306)
    JT
  • Industry · BIM / AEC

    3D InterOp for AEC and BIM applications

    Support for major AEC, BIM and plant design formats, so your application can cover a construction project’s entire lifecycle.
  • Add Navisworks import to your software

    Evaluate 3D InterOp on your own models with support from Spatial’s engineers.

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