How to Import a Navisworks file to Revit

Navisworks is a global leader in 3D visualization, providing solutions to customers in architecture, engineering and construction.

The Navisworks software suite allows users to import different file formats into one centralized system. It helps visualize and manage data, coordinate projects, and create detailed reports. This software is compatible with many other programs like Revit or AutoCAD. Navisworks provides an interactive environment for viewing and interacting with large models as well as the ability to use 3D views in order to visualize your design.

The Navisworks application can be integrated with Revit to import files from this program. To import a Navisworks file in Revit do the following:

1. Go to the Insert tab panel and select the Coordination Model button. 
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3. Click the Add... button In the Coordination Model dialogue, and browse for the file. It should be in the format of .wc or .nwd. and click Open.
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5. Select the desired positioning option and click Ok. 
6. The linked Navisworks model will display in your current active view.
7. To make sure you do not accidently move it, you should pin it in place right away.
8. Now the linked file should be ready to be viewed or navigated within Revit. You can cut sections, rotate etc.

The import process is a one-time thing, so once the file is imported in Revit, you can save it and it will be available for future use. However, it cannot be edited inside Revit, it can only be used for viewing purpose only.

Import Text, Notes or Specifications in Revit

 Follow the steps below to import text, notes or specifications from AutoCAD into Revit:

1. First, you need to create a Drafting view for the import. Go to your "View" tab and select the "Drafting View" button.

2. Name the drafting view to whatever you want. Select the appropriate scale below.

3. Now open AutoCAD and select the text, note or specification that you want to import and make a WBLOCK out of it. Save it wherever you want then go back to Revit. You might want to change your text font to a true font type for a better viewing experience, for example Arial or Verdana font etc.

4. Go to the insert tab and select the "Import CAD".

 5. Browse to the folder where the Wblock file is saved. Select the following: "Black and white" for colors. Positioning "Auto - Origin to Internal Origin". Layers/levels "All". Import units "Auto-Detect".

6. Select "Open".

7. The text, note or specifications should be imported into your Revit file. You might need to zoom extend a little by simply typing "ZX" and you are all set.

Revit Snaps Settings

The snaps dialogue in Revit enables you to set which snaps points are active and set dimension increments displayed for both linear and angular dimensions, similar to the OSNAP settings in AutoCAD. The snap setting also displays all the keyboard shortcuts for each snap. You can use these shortcuts for a quick temporary override of the snaps.

To manage the Snap settings in Revit do the following:

1. Go to the Manage tab panel.
2. select the Snaps to open the snaps dialogue box.
3. Select or deselect any desired snap points. Please refer to the attached Figure 1 below.

Figure 1.

Revit Snaps Shortcuts

Shortcuts Oject Snaps         Descriptions

• SI       Intersections          Snaps to intersections.  
• SE      Endpoint                Snaps to endpoint of an element or component.  
• SC     Centers                  Snaps to the center of an arc.  
• SO     Snaps Off               Disables all snap settings.  
• SM     Midpoints               Snaps to to the midpoint of an element or component.  
• SN      Nearest                 Snaps to the neaerest element or component..  
• SP      Perpendicular        Snaps to perpendicular elements or components.  
• SQ     Quadrants              Snaps to quadrant points.  
• ST      Tangents                Snaps tangent to arc.   
• SW     Work Plane Grid    Snaps to a work plane grid.  
• SX      Points                    Snap to site points when editing points using the Move or Copy tool.  
• Tab Key     Cycle through snaps      Cycles through the available snap options.  
• Shift Key   Force Horizontal and Vertical    Force horizontal and vertical constraints.