New Features to Review in Navisworks Manage 2012: File Link Support for Revit Models

The new iteration of Autodesk Navisworks Manage 2012 comes with a variety of new features focusing on workflow and interoperability. Many of these new features will enhance the workflow between Navisworks and base data products such as Revit.

My name is Teresa Martin, and I’m a senior AEC Application Specialist at Ideate, Inc. Ideate has spent time reviewing these new features and in this post, I will be covering the best new feature for those of you using the Revit to Navisworks workflow.

This year’s release of Navisworks Manage 2012, in addition to interface improvements, provides a long sought after feature: the ability to export linked files from Revit.



As users will attest, this one feature alone could potentially save 16 hours a week for large projects. Until 2012, large Revit projects needed to be exported file by file. This job proved immense for firms that wished to export the model by floor, rather than the entire kit and kaboodle. This option now appears in the export options dialog box when exporting the model to Navisworks.

Along with the ability to export linked files, the conversion of construction parts (a new feature in Revit 2012) is also supported along with additional room and volume properties.



Other improvements to look at in Navisworks 2012 are improved graphics, additional dwfx support (including sheet views) as well as some welcome changes to the Timeliner interface. In regards to the all important Clash Detection tool, improvements have been made here as well. There is a new assigned to feature (to assign clashes to a particular team member) as well as the ability to output to tabular HTML format.



Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2012 releases for Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Revit Structure, Civil 3D, AutoCAD and more: ideateinc.com/2012

Teresa Martin
AEC Solutions Application Specialist
Teresa is a graduate of Cornell University and has over 20 years experience in the architectural and construction industry. She has spent her career pursuing her interest in 3D modeling and computer-aided-design having worked alternately as a designer, project manager, CAD manager, 3D modeler and educator. Teresa currently develops curriculum and customized content as an Revit Implementation Expert. As a trainer in Revit, Navisworks, and Ecotect, Teresa brings her real-world experience to the classroom.

Get it. Know it. Use it.