Exporting AutoCAD Plant 3D Model to Navisworks

Navisworks is a popular tool for creating federated coordination models because of its capability to import many file formats. However, sometimes, importing the model directly doesn’t give you the expected result.

If you try to append a model directly from a Plant 3D DWG file, you will see the equipment as wireframes, the fittings are missing, and the element properties are missing.

To import a Plant 3D model properly, you need to export it from AutoCAD Plant 3D as an NWC file, not by importing a DWG from Navisworks. You also need to prepare some steps first.

Install the Plant 3D Object Enabler.

If you need to get the Plant 3D element properties, install the object enabler first.

AutoCAD Plant 3D Object Enabler allows AutoCAD to recognize the data when exporting the model. Navisworks exporter is a vanilla AutoCAD add-in, not specifically built for AutoCAD toolsets or verticals.

You can download Plant 3D 2017-2022 object enablers from this page: Where to download AutoCAD Plant 3D object enablers. That page also has instructions on downloading Object Enabler for version 2023 or later from your Autodesk account.

Install Navisworks NWC File Export Utility

AutoCAD doesn’t have a tool for exporting the AutoCAD model to NWC. You need to install another add-in: Navisworks NWC Export Utility.

You can download the installer here: https://www.autodesk.com/products/navisworks/3d-viewers

After you install the NWC Export Utility, you can export the model by typing NWCOUT and then press enter. There is no button on the Ribbon; you need to type it. Another command you can use after installing this add-in is NWCOPT. This command opens the options dialog box.

Export The Files Individually

The last thing to consider is opening the files individually to NWCOUT them. If you xref all the files in one DWG file and then NWCOUT the host file, you will still get the 3D model. However, you will not get the elements’ properties.

Append the Files in Navisworks

If you have multiple files for your design, you can append each file in Navisworks. You will see the files on the selection tree.

When you select an element, you can see its properties on the Properties Palette under the AutoCAD tab.

To Sum Up

While Navisworks can support many kinds of files, the best option for opening a model in Navisworks is to export the NWC file from the native application. You can do it by installing Navisworks NWC Export Utility.

However, that add-in is for AutoCAD, not Plant 3D. AutoCAD can’t read Plan 3D information, so you will not get it in Navisworks. To get the information, you need to install another add-in: Plant 3D Object Enabler.

I hope this helps!

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Sr. Consultant in PT Cipta Satria Informatika. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and I am also active in Autodesk discussion forum. I'm a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, an appreciation for individuals who give contributions to the Autodesk community.
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