The Autodesk Navisworks Exporter (officially the Navisworks NWC Export Utility) is a standalone tool that allows project teams to generate Navisworks Cache (.nwc) files directly from design applications like Revit, AutoCAD, or ArchiCAD. This allows members who do not have a full licensed seat of Navisworks Manage to contribute their models for coordination and analysis. Core Functionality
Direct Exporting: Converts native design geometry and metadata into the lightweight .nwc format for use in Navisworks Manage or Simulate.
Broad Compatibility: Works with a wide range of software, including AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Bentley MicroStation, and Graphisoft ArchiCAD.
Preservation of Data: Supports the transfer of both complex object geometry and associated property metadata. Download & Installation
To set up the feature, users must download the utility specific to their version of the design software:
Access the Utility: Navigate to the Navisworks 3D Viewer download page or your Autodesk Account.
Select Version: Find the Navisworks NWC Export Utility that matches the year of your design software (e.g., Revit 2024 requires the 2024 exporter).
Run Installer: Download and open the .exe file, then follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Verification: After a computer restart, the exporter typically appears under the Add-ins or External Tools tab within the host application. Workflow Integration
Revit: Go to Add-ins > External Tools > Navisworks. Users can configure settings like coordinate systems and element selection before saving the .nwc file.
AutoCAD/Civil 3D: Type the command NWCOUT in the command line to trigger the save dialog box.
Batch Exporting: Third-party tools like Free NavisExport by Bird Tools can be used for bulk exporting multiple 3D views simultaneously. autodesk navisworks exporter download
Navisworks 3D Viewer | Download Free Navisworks Freedom - Autodesk
This usually occurs after a Revit update or if the exporter version mismatches the Revit build number.
The "Autodesk Navisworks Exporter" isn't a single file—it’s a set of version-specific keys for your CAD and BIM tools. By matching your software year to the exporter year and using the official Autodesk App Store or Installer features, you’ll be clash-detecting and model-coordinating in no time.
Do you still need help finding a legacy exporter (2018 or older)? Drop a comment below or check Autodesk’s archived downloads section.
Disclaimer: Links to direct downloads change frequently. Always navigate via manage.autodesk.com or the official Autodesk App Store to ensure you are downloading safe, virus-free software.
The Autodesk Navisworks NWC Export Utility is a free standalone installer that allows design applications like Revit, AutoCAD, and ArchiCAD to export models directly into the Navisworks native NWC format. This is essential for coordinating large models, as NWC files can be up to 80% smaller than their original design files. 1. Download Sources
You can obtain the exporter through two primary official channels:
Public Download Page: The Autodesk Navisworks 3D Viewer page hosts free utilities, including Navisworks Freedom and various versions of the NWC Export Utility (2016 through 2027).
Autodesk Account: For Revit-specific "Publish to NWC" add-ons, sign in to your Autodesk Account, navigate to Products & Services, select Revit, and look under the Extensions tab. 2. Installation & Access
Setup: Run the downloaded .exe to unpack the installer. During the setup wizard, you can select which host applications (e.g., AutoCAD, 3ds Max) will receive the plugin.
Revit Access: Once installed, the exporter is found under Add-ins > External Tools > Navisworks. It also enables a direct NWC option in the standard File > Export menu. Solution: Re-run the Navisworks Exporter installer using the
AutoCAD Access: Use the command NWCOUT in the command line to initiate an export. 3. Compatibility & Requirements (2026 Edition) Requirement Specification Operating System 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 Processor 3.0 GHz or faster RAM 2 GB minimum Supported Software
Revit (Architecture, MEP, Structure), AutoCAD, Civil 3D, 3ds Max, ArchiCAD, and MicroStation 4. Troubleshooting Tips How to find the Navisworks Exporters for Revit - Autodesk
The Autodesk Navisworks NWC Export Utility is a free, distributable add-in that allows project teams to generate optimized .nwc files directly from design applications like Revit, AutoCAD, and 3ds Max without requiring a paid Navisworks license. Download and Official Sources
You can access the exporters through two primary official channels:
Public Download Page: The Navisworks 3D Viewer page hosts standalone installers for versions ranging from 2016 to 2027.
Autodesk Account: For Revit users, it is often listed as the "Publish NWC add-on" under the Extensions tab of your specific Revit product version. Compatibility and Supported Software
The exporter utility is designed to integrate with several CAD and BIM platforms:
Autodesk Products: Revit, AutoCAD (including Plant 3D and Civil 3D), and 3ds Max.
Third-Party Products: Bentley MicroStation and Graphisoft ArchiCAD.
Version Rule: It is critical to download the exporter version that matches your design software version (e.g., use the 2025 exporter for Revit 2025). Installation Best Practices Navisworks 3D Viewer | Download Free Navisworks Freedom
The Autodesk Navisworks NWC Export Utility is a free, standalone installer that allows project teams to generate entire project models directly from design applications like Revit, AutoCAD, and 3ds Max without needing a full Navisworks license. Quick Download Links Conclusion The "Autodesk Navisworks Exporter" isn't a single
You can find the latest version of the utility on the official Autodesk Navisworks Freedom & NWC Export Utility download page. Standard Utility: Navisworks NWC Export Utility
For Revit Users: Access the "Publish to NWC" add-on via your Autodesk Account under Revit > Extensions. How to Install the Exporter
Download: Select the version that matches your design software year (e.g., Use the 2025 Exporter for Revit 2025).
Run Installer: Execute the .exe file to unpack the installer to a local folder (typically C:\Autodesk).
Select Products: In the installation wizard, check the boxes for the specific programs (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.) you want the plugin to appear in.
Finish & Restart: Complete the setup and restart your design application to see the new export tools. Where to Find the Tools After Installation
Once installed, the tools appear in different locations depending on the software you are using: How to export to Navisworks from another Autodesk product
| Navisworks Version | Can open NWCs from host version... | |-------------------|-------------------------------------| | Navisworks 2024 | Revit/AutoCAD 2019 – 2024 | | Navisworks 2025 | Revit/AutoCAD 2020 – 2025 | | Navisworks 2026 | Revit/AutoCAD 2021 – 2026 |
Note: You cannot open an NWC created by a newer host exporter in an older Navisworks. (e.g., Revit 2025 NWC will crash Navisworks 2024).
Autodesk maintains a central help page for exporters. Search your browser for: "Autodesk Navisworks Exporters - Supported Versions".
knowledge.autodesk.com/support/navisworks-products/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Where-to-download-Navisworks-Exporters.htmlOnce you have the correct .exe or .msi file, follow this guide. We'll use the Revit Exporter as the example, as it is the most common.