Can't NWCOUT or Export to Navisworks?

This is a common call we get here in support. It happens when users can’t export from Revit or AutoCAD even though they have the Navisworks Exporters installed. Typically this is caused from the Exporters installed prior to the CAD or BIM application and therefore doesn’t know to “hook” into that program.

Here’s how you fix the problem:

1. Go to Control Panel, Uninstall a Program

2. From the list select Autodesk Navisworks 64 bit Exporters or Autodesk Navisworks 32 bit Exporters. This will depend on what bit version your CAD or BIM application has been installed as.

3. Click Uninstall/ Change

4. Once the Navisworks splash screen appears click Repair or Reinstall

  5. Select Reinstall, and click the Reinstall button

Once the Exporters have finished reinstalling you’ll now be able to export out of your CAD or BIM software. For example to export out of AutoCAD you will use the command NWCOUT. *Note prior to 2012 you could use the command NWDOUT but this command no longer exists.

To export a Revit model click the Add-Ins tab on the Ribbon, External Tools.

Are you being asked to provide .nwc files, but don’t own a copy of Navisworks?

No problem- For users that don’t own a seat of Navisworks, Autodesk provides the Navisworks Export Utility.

It’s a free download which allows you to export your CAD or BIM model to an .nwc file so you can fully collaborate with your Navisworks users.

Still not quite sure what Navisworks is or does?

Autodesk Navisworks is an extremely powerful BIM tool, which allows you to bring building information models together from multiple sources including Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, 3ds Max, Microstation, Bentley, and others. Once all models are merged together you can perform clash detections, construction communication, construction time-lining and sequencing. We’re seeing an increased interest in Navisworks and its abilities to highlight potential construction conflicts before they happen in the field. Naturally construction management firms and general contractors are most interested in this product, but it’s becoming increasingly important for the architect and engineers to utilize Navisworks as well.

For more information take a look here.

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Derek Wielkopolski
Technical Support Manager/Application Specialist
Derek holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Roger Williams University, Rhode Island. He is experienced working within the AEC industry from concept design through construction administration for both small and large scale projects. As Ideate’s Support Manager he ensures a timely and quality response to support requests and questions. Follow Derek on Twitter: @dwielk

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WARNING! Disconnected - Revit MEP 2012

A few days ago, I received a tweet about one of Ideate's videos on YouTube. He was interested in the new Disconnect Warnings that were introduced in Revit MEP 2012.

"@MNelsonIdeate: I saw ur placeholers vid. I don't have the triangle warnings that you have. I'm using rmep 2012. is there a setting? Thanks"

His request struck me as odd at first but then I realized, I never mentioned in the video how to turn them on! So I promptly responded to him.

"@TwitterUser: Yes. The new disconnect warnings are toggled on the analyze tab>check systems panel. You can trigger the warnings there."

I wanted to take the opportunity to dig a little deeper and show you all where the setting is, and what elements in RMEP are affected by this new feature.

Disconnect Warnings:

First off, Lets see what this feature actually controls.

Almost every MEP element can have a disconnect warning. Any component or system family that contains a Duct, Pipe, or electrical connectors will display a disconnect warning when the connector is left open. This is fantastic! In previous releases of Revit, I have always had the unfortunate task of skimming through an entire project looking for minute open connections on ducts and pipes to ensure that the systems were connected properly. Not anymore, it is quickly visible in any Plan or 3D View! Big time saver!

So how do we enable this great enhancement?

It's easy. Within any open project follow the following steps:

1. Click on the Analyze Tab:

2. Click on the Show Disconnects command.

3. A dialog will appear allowing you to enable disconnects for any of the MEP elements:

4. Take a look in any 3D or Plan views to see any open connections.

Additionally, if you select the disconnect warning, an error box will explain what connector is open and what where it should be connected. As you can see in the example below, I had selected an electrical device that is looking to be placed on a circuit.  I find this very helpful for families that have multiple connectors(I.E. a VAV box with a powered fan).

Thank you for the question!

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Matthew Nelson
MEP Solutions Application Specialist
Matthew has a deep understanding of Autodesk products. He studied Mechanical Engineering at SUNY Stony Brook. He has been a BIM manager and CAD manager for a leading international consulting services firm utilizing AutoCAD MEP, Civil 3D and Revit MEP. During that time, he focused his skills on understanding the dynamics of inter-discipline coordination on large scale civil and building engineering projects. At Ideate, Matthew provides training and support for Revit MEP, Navisworks and AutoCAD MEP. @MNelsonIdeate

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eLearning – Upcoming Revit Classes

Join the Ideate Tech Experts for eLearning - live online classes that provide your entire organization with easy access to premium education.

Upcoming classes include:

6.7.11::Revit 201: Converting Blocks to Families
6.14.11::Revit 201: Revit Architecture 2012 Update

Each class is designed to give you specific, improved results in a particular topic. You can interact with the instructor right from your own office, while eliminating travel time. Because the class schedule rotates, you can easily select your topics of interest and choose the day which best meets your schedule.

Click here for class descriptions, times and registration link. Questions? Contact education@ideateinc.com

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Scheduling Areas of Filled Regions: Ideate BIMLink Can Do That!

Question: Is it possible to schedule the ‘Area’ property of filled regions in Revit?

Answer: Not without using Ideate BIMLink!

Ideate BIMLink very easily allows you to extract the area information of filled regions into a Microsoft Excel spread sheet that can be used for a variety of tasks such as representing different material areas on site plans, to trace shaded areas on a façade through the day and year to derive shading percentages for a PV calculator, to document repair and replacement areas on building elevations of a renovation or historic preservation projects, basically any task requiring quick calculation of custom building areas.

For more information about Ideate BIMLink and to download a free trial go to: www.ideatebimlink.com

Going to the Revit Technology Conference? Stop by our booth to learn more about Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Explorer.

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Shruti Harve,

LEED AP, AEC Solutions Application Specialist
Shruti holds a Master of Science degree in Architectural Computing from University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom and is LEED accredited. Her experience includes working in Architecture and Construction firms in India and the United Kingdom as well as Structural Engineering firms in the Bay Area providing design, 3D modeling and drafting services. At Ideate, Shruti provides training and support for Revit Architecture, Revit Structure, 3ds Max, Ecotect and AutoCAD Architecture.

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