How to Open MiTS 3D View in Navisworks

In MiTS, the 3D view of the modelling can be generated inside the software and the users are able to export it to different file types. However, direct export to Naviswork file format (NWC, NWF, NWD) is not available. This blogpost will guide users on how the 3D view can be opened in Navisworks.

Supported File Formats #

Even though there are no direct Navisworks file formats available to be exported, users are still able to open the 3D view in Navisworks. Listed are the file formats supported by Navisworks that are available to be selected in MiTS.

However, users need to mind that these supported file formats can only be opened in Navisworks Manage which is the full version (license is required).

DWG/DXF #

To get the exact 3D modelling as in MiTS, it is advisable to export your 3D view to DWG or DXF file format. Guidelines to export 3D view to DWG/DXF format can be referred here.

OBJ #

IGES #

STEP #

STL #

Recommended File Format #

While Navisworks supports multiple 3D file formats, the best format for exporting models from MiTS to Navisworks would still be the DWG/DXF format. This format preserve the best overall fidelity and compatibility between MiTS and Navisworks.

Opening Exported Files in Navisworks #

First Option – Direct Open #

• Open Navisworks Manage > Click Open to browse the files > Select the file > Click Open

Second Option – Use Append Option #

• Open Navisworks Manage > Click New

• Click Append > Once clicked, file will be browsed for you to select the file > Click Open

Please note that once the file has been successfully appended or opened in Naviswork Manage Application, an NWC file will be automatically created (usually it is located under the same file path as your files).

Other Option – Use Navisworks NWC Export Utility #

Other than opening the exported files directly in Navisworks, there is another method that allows users to directly save the 3D view as the NWC format file using the Navisworks NWC Export Utility plugin. This method requires users to export the 3D view to DWG file format.

To download the installer, open the link to the Official Autodesk website and hover to the Navisworks NWC Export Utility section. You will find the installer listed and make sure that you download the correct installer (same year as your Civil 3D version). For installation guidelines, you may refer to the steps elaborated here.

Once installation of the plugin is successful, relaunch your DWG 3D view file. NWCOUT command should be available for you to directly save the file as .nwc format.

Once command is activated, you will be prompted to save the file as .nwc extension which will allow you to open the file directly in Navisworks Manage.

What If I Only Have Access to Navisworks Freedom #

Unfortunately, if you don’t have access to Navisworks Manage there will be no choice for you to open the MiTS 3D view in the Navisworks environment as only Navisworks Manage is able to save as file to be in .nwd file format.

However, if you have the means for the file to be saved as .nwd format (for example your colleague has access to Navisworks Manage), then there should be no issue for you to open the file in the Navisworks Freedom version.