Navisworks
By Autodesk Inc.
Navisworks is a software platform specializing in project review and coordination for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. It enables users to integrate 3D models, perform clash detection, simulate construction timelines, and manage project data collaboratively. The software is now a core part of Autodesk’s AEC suite, widely used in BIM workflows across the globe.
Navisworks was founded in 2001 in Sheffield, United Kingdom, originally as NavisWorks Ltd.. The company developed tools to exploit the benefits of 3D digital modeling, focusing on improving coordination and visualization in construction projects. Its early success in the UK and Europe attracted attention from global software leaders.
In 2007, Navisworks was acquired by Autodesk for $26 million, integrating its capabilities into Autodesk’s growing BIM ecosystem. Post-acquisition, Navisworks experienced rapid growth as part of Autodesk’s AEC strategy, becoming a standard tool for preconstruction planning and model coordination.
Navisworks operated as a privately held company before its acquisition. It had limited external funding, with Autodesk’s acquisition marking its primary financial milestone. The $26 million deal reflected its strategic value in enhancing Autodesk’s BIM offerings. Since then, Navisworks has been developed and maintained under Autodesk’s corporate umbrella, benefiting from Autodesk’s global infrastructure and R&D investment.
Navisworks is available in two main versions:
Key features include:
Navisworks itself was acquired by Autodesk, but its capabilities have expanded through integration with other Autodesk acquisitions such as:
These integrations have transformed Navisworks from a standalone desktop tool into a central hub for BIM coordination across platforms and teams.
Recent updates have focused on:
Autodesk continues to invest in making Navisworks more collaborative, data-driven, and scalable for large infrastructure projects.
As part of Autodesk, Navisworks reflects the company’s broader values:
Autodesk promotes a culture of openness, learning, and global impact, which extends to the Navisworks team and user community.
Navisworks is used by:
Its user base spans North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with strong adoption in regions undertaking large-scale construction and infrastructure projects.
The community is supported through:
