Implementing Autodesk Navisworks typically follows a structured process that ensures the software is properly installed, configured, and customized for project needs. Here's a step-by-step overview:
Installation
Begin by installing Navisworks on the designated system using the standard installation package provided by Autodesk. This can be done via Autodesk Account or Autodesk Desktop App.
Initial Configuration
Launch Navisworks and access the Options Editor via the application menu. Configure global settings such as navigation speed, model appearance, clash detection preferences, and quantification parameters.
Exporting Global Options
Use the Options Editor to export the customized settings into an XML file. This file can be reused across multiple machines to ensure consistency in configuration.
Creating Site and Project Folders
Set up centralized Site and Project directories on a network location. These folders will store the exported global options and other shared resources.
Deploying Configuration Across Teams
Place the exported XML configuration file into the appropriate folders within the Site and Project directories. Navisworks will reference these folders during startup to apply consistent settings across users.
Locking Configuration (Optional)
For enterprise environments, administrators can lock certain settings using the stand-alone Options Editor in admin mode. This prevents users from altering critical configurations.
Testing and Validation
Open sample models and test clash detection, quantification, and simulation features to ensure everything is functioning as expected.
Typical Duration:
The implementation process can take 1–2 weeks depending on the scale of deployment, number of users, and complexity of customization.
Autodesk Navisworks offers extensive customization capabilities to align with specific business workflows and project requirements. Here are key data points and options:
Global Options Customization
Navisworks allows users to configure global settings such as navigation speed, rendering quality, clash detection rules, and quantification parameters. These settings can be exported and shared across teams to maintain consistency.
File-Level Customization
Each Navisworks file (NWF or NWD) can store unique viewing options, annotations, and viewpoints tailored to specific project needs. These are reloaded each time the file is opened.
Locked Configuration
Administrators can lock certain global options to prevent unauthorized changes, ensuring compliance with company standards.
Custom Deployment Packages
Organizations can create deployment packages with pre-configured settings, plugins, and folder structures. This streamlines onboarding and ensures uniformity across large teams.
Site and Project Directory Integration
Settings can be applied at both the site and project level, allowing granular control over how Navisworks behaves in different contexts. This is ideal for firms managing multiple projects with varying requirements.
These customization features make Navisworks highly adaptable for use in industries ranging from commercial construction to infrastructure and industrial design.
Autodesk Navisworks pricing primarily includes subscription fees, but there may be additional costs depending on your deployment and support needs:
Setup Fees: There are no mandatory setup fees for standard installations. However, enterprise deployments may incur costs if you hire Autodesk-certified partners for configuration, deployment, or integration services.
Premium and Enterprise Plans: Offer advanced support, including live agents, priority case handling, and administrative tools for managing users and licenses
Autodesk provides a robust ecosystem of training and support for Navisworks users:
Autodesk Knowledge Network: Offers documentation, tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and FAQs for all Navisworks features.
Quick Start and Essential Skills Videos: These are ideal for beginners and cover navigation, clash detection, quantification, and simulation workflows.
Autodesk Services Marketplace: Connects users with certified consultants and trainers for personalized onboarding, workflow optimization, and custom development.
Autodesk Navisworks incorporates several security features to protect user data:
Autodesk Navisworks typically releases major updates annually, aligned with Autodesk’s product cycle (e.g., Navisworks 2024, 2025), and minor updates or patches several times per year. For example, Navisworks 2023 had four updates (20.1 to 20.4), and Navisworks 2022 had five updates (19.1 to 19.5).
Updates are managed through:
These updates include bug fixes, performance improvements, and occasionally new features. Enterprise users can control update deployment centrally to ensure compatibility across teams.
Autodesk’s general terms of use clarify that users retain ownership of their data, including models, annotations, and project files created or stored using Navisworks. Autodesk acts as a data processor, especially when cloud services like Autodesk Construction Cloud are used.
Key points:
Data Processing Addendum (DPA): Available via Autodesk’s Trust Center, this outlines Autodesk’s obligations under GDPR and other privacy laws.
Autodesk offers flexible licensing options that support scaling:
This flexibility ensures that businesses can adapt Navisworks usage to match evolving project demands without overcommitting resources.
Autodesk Navisworks subscriptions follow Autodesk’s general terms of use and renewal policies:
Changing Subscription Terms: You can switch between monthly, annual, or 3-year terms. Changes take effect after the current term ends, and you’re charged at the start of the new term.
Annual or Longer Subscriptions: Can be canceled within 30 days of purchase or renewal for a refund
Autodesk Navisworks, especially when used with Autodesk cloud services, adheres to several key compliance and security standards:
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): Autodesk complies with GDPR for users in the EU, offering data access, portability, and deletion rights through its Data Processing Addendum.
Navisworks
By Autodesk Inc.
