Autodesk Navis Works Simulate 2012 User Guide Navisworks En
User Manual: autodesk NavisWorks Simulate - 2012 - User Guide Free User Guide for Autodesk NavisWorks Software, Manual
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Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
User Guide
April 2011
©2011
Autodesk, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Except as otherwise permitted by Autodesk, Inc., this publication, or parts thereof, may not
be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose.
Certain materials included in this publication are reprinted with the permission of the copyright holder.
Trademarks
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Autodesk, Autodesk Envision, Autodesk Intent, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Map, Autodesk MapGuide, Autodesk Streamline, AutoLISP, AutoSnap,
AutoSketch, AutoTrack, Backburner, Backdraft, Built with ObjectARX (logo), Burn, Buzzsaw, CAiCE, Civil 3D, Cleaner, Cleaner Central, ClearScale,
Colour Warper, Combustion, Communication Specification, Constructware, Content Explorer, Dancing Baby (image), DesignCenter, Design
Doctor, Designer's Toolkit, DesignKids, DesignProf, DesignServer, DesignStudio, Design Web Format, Discreet, DWF, DWG, DWG (logo), DWG
Extreme, DWG TrueConvert, DWG TrueView, DXF, Ecotect, Exposure, Extending the Design Team, Face Robot, FBX, Fempro, Fire, Flame, Flare,
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LightWorks, the LightWorks logo, LWA and LWA-Enabled are registered trademarks of LightWork Design Ltd. The LWA-Enabled logo, Interactive
Image Regeneration, IIR, A-Cubed, Feature-Following Anti-Aliasing and FFAA are all trademarks of LightWork Design Ltd. All other trademarks,
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This software is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG Group.
Disclaimer
THIS PUBLICATION AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS MADE AVAILABLE BY AUTODESK, INC. "AS IS." AUTODESK, INC. DISCLAIMS
ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE REGARDING THESE MATERIALS.
This User Guide was last updated on 11 April 2011.
Contents
Chapter 1
Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 . . . . . . . . . 1
What Is New in This Release? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
How to Get Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Find Information Using InfoCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Overview of InfoCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Search for Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Access Subscription Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Use Communication Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Save and Access Favorite Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Use the Help System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Specify InfoCenter Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Get More Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Learn the Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
View the Product Readme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Join the Customer Involvement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Chapter 2
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Quick Start to Stand-Alone Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepare for Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Requirements for Stand-Alone Installation .
Install Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 . . . . . . . .
Understand Administrative Permission
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Locate Your Autodesk Navisworks Serial Number and
Product Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoid Data Loss During Installation . . . . . . . . . . .
Choose a Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Install Multiple or Bundled Products . . . . . . . . . . .
Install and Run Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 . . . . .
Install Autodesk Navisworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Launch Autodesk Navisworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Launch Autodesk Navisworks in Another
Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add or Remove Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repair Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 . . . . . . .
Uninstall Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 . . . . . .
Move to Autodesk Navisworks from a Previous Release . . . .
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users . . . . . . . . . . .
Quick Start to Network Administration and Deployment . . .
Deployment Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set Up Network Tools and Your License Server . . . . . .
Distribute the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distribute an Autodesk Navisworks Product . . . . . . .
Set Up a Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preliminary Tasks for a Network Deployment . . . . . .
Choose a Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Deployment Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modify a Deployment (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Point Users to the Administrative Image . . . . . . . . .
Uninstall an Autodesk Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Installation Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How can I check my graphics card driver to see if it needs
to be updated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How do I switch my license from stand-alone to network
or network to stand-alone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When performing a Typical installation, what gets
installed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why should I specify the Project Folder and Site
Folder? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How do I share the Autodesk Navisworks settings on a
site and project basis? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How do I change which exporter plugins are
installed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How do I register and activate Autodesk Navisworks? . .
When should I reinstall the product instead of repairing
it? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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When I uninstall my software, what files are left on my
system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deployment Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Is there a checklist I can refer to when performing a
deployment? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where should deployments be located? . . . . . . . . .
Where can I check if service packs are available for my
software? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How do I choose between 32-bit and 64-bit
deployments? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What are information channels? . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What are additional deployment configuration
options? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Licensing Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What is the difference between a stand-alone license and
a network license? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What is the benefit to using a network licensed version
of the software? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What is Internet Explorer used for? . . . . . . . . . . . .
Networking Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where do I find my server name? . . . . . . . . . . . .
If I choose to create a log file, what kind of information
does the log file contain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What is an administrative image (MSI) file? . . . . . . .
What is the impact of selecting all products to be included
in the administrative image? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How should I configure a network license server for a
firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uninstall and Maintenance Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When adding or removing features, how can I tell what
features get installed by default? . . . . . . . . . . . .
Is it possible to change the installation folder when adding
or removing features? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When should I reinstall the product instead of a
repair? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When I uninstall my software, what files are left on my
system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 3
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Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Start and Quit Autodesk Navisworks . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatically Save and Recover Autodesk Navisworks Files .
Command Line Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts of Autodesk Navisworks Interface . . . . . . . . .
Application Button and Menu . . . . . . . . . .
Quick Access Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Contents | v
Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Tooltips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Keytips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Navigation Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
The Classic User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Scene View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Dockable Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Undo/Redo Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Autodesk Navisworks Workspaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Default Keyboard Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Navigation with the Wheel Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Autodesk Navisworks Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Location Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Graphics System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Display Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Search Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Gizmos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Chapter 4
Work with Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Native File Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compatible CAD Applications . . . . . . .
Supported CAD File Formats . . . . .
Supported Laser Scan File Formats . .
Use File Readers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3DS File Reader . . . . . . . . . . . .
ASCII Laser Scan File Reader . . . . .
Bentley AutoPLANT File Reader . . .
CIS/2 File Reader . . . . . . . . . . .
DWG/DXF File Reader . . . . . . . .
Overview of Object Enablers .
DWF/DWFx File Reader . . . . . . .
DGN File Reader . . . . . . . . . . .
Faro Scan File Reader . . . . . . . . .
FBX File Reader . . . . . . . . . . . .
IFC File Reader . . . . . . . . . . . .
IGES File Reader . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventor File Reader . . . . . . . . .
JTOpen File Reader . . . . . . . . . .
Leica Scan File Reader . . . . . . . .
MAN File Reader . . . . . . . . . . .
Parasolid File Reader . . . . . . . . .
PDS File Reader . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro/ENGINEER File Reader . . . . . .
Riegl Scan File Reader . . . . . . . .
vi | Contents
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RVM File Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SAT File Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SketchUp SKP File Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
STEP File Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
STL File Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VRML File Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Z+F Scan File Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use File Exporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AutoCAD File Exporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add the ARX Plugin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use the ARX Plugin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CAD Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revit File Exporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MicroStation File Exporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load the MDL Plugin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Export Files from the Key-In Command Line . . .
Export Files from the Command Line . . . . . . .
Customize the DGN File Exporter Options . . . .
Viz and Max File Exporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ArchiCAD File Exporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manage Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Open Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Save and Rename Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2D and Multi-Sheet Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add Sheets/Models to the Currently Opened File .
Project Browser Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Work with 2D and Multi-Sheet Files . . . . . . .
Add Geometry and Metadata to the Current
Sheet/Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Complex Datasets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Append Geometry and Metadata to the Current
Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delete Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjust Units and Transform . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refresh Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Merge Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Email Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receive Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Batch Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use Batch Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command Line Options for Batch Utility . . . . .
View Scene Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 5
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Explore Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Navigate a Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Contents | vii
Orientation in a 3D Workspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Product-Specific Navigation Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Navigation Bar Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
SteeringWheels Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Classic Navigation Modes and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
ViewCube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Overview of ViewCube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
ViewCube Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Reorient the View of a Model with ViewCube . . . . . . . 277
Set the View Projection Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Home View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Examine Individual Objects with ViewCube . . . . . . . . 283
Navigation Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Overview of Navigation Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Reposition and Reorient the Navigation Bar . . . . . . . . 285
Control the Display of Navigation Tools on the Navigation
Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
SteeringWheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Overview of SteeringWheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Wheel Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
View Object Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Tour Building Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Full Navigation Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
2D Navigation Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
3Dconnexion 3D Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Set Camera Projection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Control the Field of View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Position and Focus Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Navigation Aids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Head-Up Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Reference Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Control the Realism of Your Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Crouching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Third Person View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Chapter 6
Control Model Appearance and Render Quality . . . . . . . . 317
Control Model Appearance .
Select Render Mode . .
Full Render . . . .
Shaded . . . . . .
Wireframe . . . .
viii | Contents
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. 319
Hidden Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Full Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scene Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Select Background Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjust Displaying of Primitives . . . . . . . . . .
Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snap Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control Render Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use Culling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Make Objects Required . . . . . . . . . . .
Control Rendering of Objects . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjust Scene Rendering During Navigation .
Accelerate Display Performance . . . . . . .
Adjust Presenter Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stereo Rendering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 7
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. 323
. 325
. 325
. 325
. 326
. 326
. 327
. 327
. 327
. 330
. 331
. 331
. 333
. 334
. 334
Review Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Select Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interactive Geometry Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selection Tree Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selection Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selection Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set Selection Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set Highlighting Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hide Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Find Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Find Items Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quick Find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Find All Sheets and Models Containing the Selected Object .
Find Items in Other Sheets and Models Window . . . .
Create and Use Sets of Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sets Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create and Manage Selection and Search Sets . . . . . .
Compare Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Object Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
External Database Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manipulate Object Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transform Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. 337
. 337
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. 346
. 348
. 349
. 349
. 355
. 356
. 357
. 360
. 360
. 362
. 365
. 367
. 367
. 369
. 371
. 382
. 383
Contents | ix
Change Object Appearance . . . .
Snapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reset to Original Values . . . . . .
Measure Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measure Tools Window . . . . . .
Measuring . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comments, Redlines, and Tags . . . . .
Use Comments, Redlines, and Tags
Comments Window . . . . .
Redline Tools Panel . . . . .
View Redlines and Tags . . .
Tags Panel . . . . . . . . . .
Edit Comments and Tags . .
Edit Redlines . . . . . . . . .
Find Comments and Tags . . . . .
Find Comments Window . .
Quick Find Comments . . . .
Find Tags . . . . . . . . . . .
Manage Comment and Tag IDs . .
Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Link Categories . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Links . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customize Links . . . . . . . . . .
Add Links . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Find and Follow Links . . . . . . .
Manage Links . . . . . . . . . . .
Quick Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SwitchBack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Profiler . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 8
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. 425
. 427
. 428
. 431
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. 435
Use Viewpoints and Sectioning Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
Create and Modify Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . .
Overview of Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . .
Saved Viewpoints Window . . . . . . . . .
Save Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recall Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Organize Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Edit Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Default Viewpoint Options . . . . . . . . .
Share Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sectioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enable and Use Section Planes . . . . . . . .
Customize Section Plane Alignment .
Move and Rotate Section Planes . . . .
Link Section Planes . . . . . . . . . .
Enable and Use Section Box . . . . . . . . .
x | Contents
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. 439
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. 452
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. 454
. 457
. 459
. 462
. 463
Chapter 9
Record and Play Animations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469
Create and Edit Viewpoint Animations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469
Play Animations and Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 473
Share Animations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475
Chapter 10
Work Within a Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
Collaborate Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
Collaboration Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
Chapter 11
Share Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 481
Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print Preview . . . . . . . . . . .
Print Setup . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print Current Viewpoint . . . . .
Import Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Search Criteria Files . . . . . . .
Search Set Files . . . . . . . . . .
PDS Display Set Files . . . . . .
PDS Tag Files . . . . . . . . . . .
Viewpoints Files . . . . . . . . .
Export Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3D DWF/DWFx Format . . . . .
Google Earth KML Format . . . .
Autodesk FBX Format . . . . . .
Export Images and Animations .
Export an Image . . . . . .
Export a Rendered Image .
Export an Animation . . .
Piranesi EPix Format . . . .
Current Search Criteria . . . . .
Search Set Files . . . . . . . . . .
Viewpoints Files . . . . . . . . .
Viewpoints Report . . . . . . . .
TimeLiner CSV . . . . . . . . . .
PDS Tag Files . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 12
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Animate Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 499
Overview of the Animator Tool . . . . .
Animator Window . . . . . . . . .
The Animator Toolbar . . . .
The Animator Tree View . . .
The Animator Timeline View
The Manual Entry Bar . . . .
Scripter Window . . . . . . . . . .
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. 500
. 500
. 500
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Contents | xi
The Scripter Tree View . . . . .
The Events View . . . . . . . .
The Actions View . . . . . . .
The Properties View . . . . . .
Create Object Animations . . . . . . . . .
Work with Animation Scenes . . . .
Work with Animation Sets . . . . . .
Add Animation Sets . . . . . .
Update Animation Sets . . . .
Manipulate Geometry Objects .
Work with Cameras . . . . . . . . .
Work with Section Plane Sets . . . .
Work with Keyframes . . . . . . . .
Capture Keyframes . . . . . . .
Edit Keyframes . . . . . . . . .
Play Animation Scenes . . . . . . . .
Add Interactivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Work with Animation Scripts . . . .
Work with Events . . . . . . . . . .
Work with Actions . . . . . . . . . .
Enable Scripting . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 13
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. 511
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. 523
. 524
. 527
. 527
. 528
. 529
. 532
. 533
. 535
. 535
. 536
. 536
. 538
. 538
. 540
. 542
. 544
Create Photorealistic Visualizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 545
Overview of the Presenter Tool . . . . . . . .
Presenter Window . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use the Presenter Archives . . . . . . . .
Photo-Realistic Scene Rendering . . . . . . . .
Use Presenter Materials . . . . . . . . . . . .
Materials Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Apply and Remove Presenter Materials .
Organize and Manage Materials . . . . .
Edit Presenter Materials . . . . . . . . .
Advanced Materials . . . . . . . . . . .
Use Presenter Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighting Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add and Position Lights . . . . . . . . .
Organize and Manage Lights . . . . . .
Edit Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shadow Casting . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advanced Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .
Soft Shadows . . . . . . . . . . . .
Physically Accurate Lights . . . . .
Volumetric Lights . . . . . . . . .
Image-based Lighting . . . . . . .
Use Presenter RPCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RPC Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
xii | Contents
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. 545
. 545
. 547
. 549
. 552
. 552
. 552
. 555
. 557
. 561
. 564
. 564
. 565
. 567
. 569
. 572
. 573
. 574
. 574
. 575
. 576
. 579
. 579
Use Presenter Rendering Effects . . .
Effects Tab . . . . . . . . . . .
Background Effects . . . . . . .
Foreground Effects . . . . . . .
Use Presenter Rendering Styles . . .
Rendering Tab . . . . . . . . .
Rendering Styles . . . . . . . .
Predefined Rendering Styles . .
Auto Exposure . . . . . . . . .
Use Presenter Texture Space . . . . .
Use Presenter Rules . . . . . . . . . .
Rules Tab . . . . . . . . . . . .
Predefined Rules . . . . . . . .
Custom Rules . . . . . . . . .
The Presenter Rules Example .
Chapter 14
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. 583
. 583
. 584
. 589
. 590
. 590
. 591
. 592
. 594
. 594
. 596
. 596
. 597
. 598
. 600
Simulate Construction Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603
Overview of TimeLiner Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TimeLiner Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tasks Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Sources Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configure Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Simulate Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Choose TimeLiner Columns Dialog Box . . . . . . . .
TimeLiner Rules Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Field Selector Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refresh from Data Source Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . .
Simulation Settings Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overlay Text Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Definitions Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . .
Get Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TimeLiner Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Edit Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use Gantt Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attach Tasks to Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attach Tasks Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use Rules to Attach Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Validate Project Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Link to External Project Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supported Scheduling Software . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CSV Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add and Manage Data Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Import Data from an External Project Schedule .
Edit a Data Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delete a Data Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. 603
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. 611
. 613
. 615
. 615
. 616
. 620
. 620
. 626
. 628
. 629
. 633
. 635
. 637
. 639
. 640
. 641
. 642
. 645
. 646
. 647
. 650
. 650
. 650
. 654
. 654
Contents | xiii
Build Tasks from Data Sources . . . .
Synchronize Tasks with Project Changes .
4D Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Play Simulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configure Simulations . . . . . . . . . . .
Simulation Playback . . . . . . . . .
Simulation Appearance . . . . . . .
Export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add Animation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add Animation to an Entire Schedule . . .
Add Animation to Tasks . . . . . . . . . .
Add Scripts to Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 15
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. 665
. 666
. 666
. 667
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. 669
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. 671
. 672
. 673
. 673
. 674
. 675
. 675
. 676
. 676
Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 679
Animation Export Dialog Box . . . . .
Appearance Profiler Dialog Box . . . .
Background Settings Dialog Box . . . .
Collision Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . .
Convert Object Properties Dialog Box .
Culling Options Dialog Box . . . . . .
Customize Dialog Box . . . . . . . . .
Toolbars Tab . . . . . . . . . . .
Commands Tab . . . . . . . . .
Options Tab . . . . . . . . . . .
Default Collision Dialog Box . . . . .
xiv | Contents
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Use the Autodesk Vault Add-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 665
About the Autodesk Vault Add-In . . . .
Launching the Vault Application . . . .
Log into a Vault . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Log out of a Vault . . . . . . . . . . . .
Understanding the Working Folder . . .
Check Out a File . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Get Files from a Vault . . . . . . . . . .
Refresh a Vaulted File . . . . . . . . . .
Check a File into a Vault . . . . . . . . .
Undo File Check Out . . . . . . . . . . .
Vault Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Log In Dialog Box . . . . . . . . .
Check In Dialog Box . . . . . . . .
Settings Dialog Box . . . . . . . .
Select Vault Location Dialog Box .
Create Folder Dialog Box . . . . .
Select File Dialog Box . . . . . . .
Chapter 16
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. 679
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. 685
. 685
. 686
. 686
. 687
. 687
. 688
Edit Key Frame Dialog Box . . . . . . .
Edit Link Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . .
Edit Viewpoint Dialog Box . . . . . . .
Export Rendered Image Dialog Box . .
File Options Dialog Box . . . . . . . .
Culling Tab . . . . . . . . . . . .
Orientation Tab . . . . . . . . .
Speed Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight Tab . . . . . . . . . .
Scene Lights Tab . . . . . . . . .
DataTools Tab . . . . . . . . . .
Units and Transform Dialog Box . . .
Image Export Dialog Box . . . . . . .
InfoCenter Settings Dialog Box . . . .
General Node . . . . . . . . . .
Communication Center Node . .
Autodesk Channels Page . .
Balloon Notification Page .
RSS Feeds Page . . . . . . .
New Link Dialog Box . . . . . . . . .
Options Editor Dialog Box . . . . . . .
General Node . . . . . . . . . .
Undo Page . . . . . . . . .
Locations Page . . . . . . .
Auto-Save Page . . . . . . .
Interface Node . . . . . . . . . .
Display Units Page . . . . .
Selection Page . . . . . . .
Measure Page . . . . . . . .
Snapping Page . . . . . . .
Viewpoint Defaults Page . .
Links Page . . . . . . . . .
Quick Properties Page . . .
Developer Page . . . . . . .
Display Page . . . . . . . .
3Dconnexion Page . . . . .
Navigation Bar Page . . . .
ViewCube Page . . . . . . .
SteeringWheels . . . . . . .
User Interface Page . . . . .
Model Node . . . . . . . . . . .
Performance Page . . . . .
NWD Page . . . . . . . . .
NWC Page . . . . . . . . .
File Exporters Node . . . . . . .
DWG Page . . . . . . . . .
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. 690
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. 730
Contents | xv
Revit Page . . . . . . . . . . .
DGN Page . . . . . . . . . . .
Viz/Max Page . . . . . . . . . .
Publish Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Piranesi EPix Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . .
QTVR Object Movie Settings Dialog Box .
Section Plane Settings Dialog Box . . . . .
Chapter 17
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. 733
. 735
. 737
. 738
. 740
. 741
. 741
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 743
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 749
xvi | Contents
Welcome to Autodesk
Navisworks Simulate
2012
1
Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 software provides advanced tools for and
powerful features to help you better communicate project information.
Multidisciplinary design data created in Building Information Modeling (BIM), digital
prototype, and process plant design applications can be combined into a single,
integrated project model. Comprehensive 4D scheduling, animation, and
photorealism capabilities enable users to demonstrate design intent and simulate
construction, helping to drive insight and predictability. Real-time navigation
combines with a review toolset to support collaboration among the project team.
Entire project models can be published and viewed in NWD and DWF™ file formats
to provide valuable digital assets during and after construction.
What Is New in This Release?
Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 contains many new features and
enhancements.
Installation
The installation screen provides links to the installation options, deployment
options, installation tools and utilities. You also have the option of selecting
the DWG file readers that require installation, plus the exporter plugins that
you require and the Autodesk Navisworks Freedom viewer.
1
User Interface
Easy access to commonly used review and navigation tools to increase review
productivity.
■
The Viewpoint tab now includes the Navigate pane, providing access
to tools such as walk, pan, zoom, and orbit; SteeringWheels tracking
menus, 3Dconnexion 3D mouse, and the realism settings.
■
The gizmos have been updated, making it easier to manipulate objects and
section planes.
■
Section planes have also been enhanced to provide greater visual feedback
of their position and orientation.
2 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
■
Selection sets can now be created faster with the addition of the Save
Selection
option (Home tab ➤ Select & Search panel).
Appearance Profiler
The Appearance Profiler allows you to set up custom appearance profiles
based on sets (search and selection) and property values, and use them to
color-code objects in the model to differentiate system types and visually
identify their status. Appearance profiles can be saved and used on other
projects, or shared between other Autodesk Navisworks users.
See Appearance Profiler (page 435).
What Is New in This Release? | 3
TimeLiner
The TimeLiner tool has been enhanced to provide you with greater control
and flexibility when working with 4D simulations. A new interface and
integrated, editable Gantt chart allow you to create, edit and communicate
your construction schedule more effectively. The new TimeLiner API allows
you to extend and tailor the 4D toolset to meet your project and business
requirements.
4 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
■
The Tasks, Gantt View and Rules tab are now consolidated into a single
Tasks tab.
■
A column chooser allows you to select your preferred grid layout from
three default options or by choosing your own columns.
■
The interactive Gantt Chart lets you manipulate dates in the schedule
by dragging and positioning tasks, start and end dates.
■
A Gantt View is now available during 4D simulations on the Simulate
tab.
■
An ability to quickly add and edit tasks in a project schedule.
■
An ability to filter tasks by their status.
■
An ability to import / export TimeLiner rules for re-use.
■
New TimeLiner .NET API. Using the API you can now obtain a list of
tasks, task types, simulation types and data sources; add, edit and delete
tasks, task types, simulation types and data sources and modify their
properties; subscribe to events that will be triggered when the GUI or other
API users make changes to tasks, task types, simulation types and data
sources.
See Overview of the TimeLiner Tool (page 603).
Autodesk File Format Support
Autodesk Navisworks now offers 2D DWF and multi-sheet DWF support,
allowing you to open, review and explore your 2D datasets alongside your 3D
models. Importantly, the 2D view is integrated with the 3D environment -
What Is New in This Release? | 5
this enables you to select a component in the 3D model and then to find and
review the same component in a 2D representation (such as a floor plan or
section) providing you with the most appropriate view of the data for the task
that you are undertaking. When working with the FBX visualization file format
you can now achieve an accurate transfer of materials, textures and lights
when importing or exporting data between Autodesk Navisworks and other
FBX compatible applications.
■
Support for opening 2D/3D DWF and DWFx files. See DWF File Reader
(page 178).
■
Support for exporting 3D DWF and DWFx files. See Export 3D DWF/DWFx
Files (page 487).
■
Multi-sheet file support. See 2D and Multi-Sheet Files (page 212).
■
2D/3D Object Association support. See Find All Sheets and Models Containing the Selected Object (page 356).
■
FBX consistent material support for lights, materials, and textures. See FBX
File Reader.
Extended Support for Revit
A number of interoperability improvements to Revit / Autodesk Navisworks
workflows increases your productivity when working with both applications.
■
Revit SwitchBack allows you to quickly transition between views in
Autodesk Navisworks and Revit for easy navigation and location of
elements. See Revit SwitchBack (page 434).
■
Support for Revit Construction modelling enables you to pass your
construction parts into Autodesk Navisworks for 4D simulation.
■
Support for Revit linked files.
■
Support for Revit split regions.
■
Support for Revit properties including areas, volumes and points.
6 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
See Revit File Exporter (page 199).
Vault Integration
Autodesk Navisworks now offers integration with the Autodesk Vault data
management toolset. Autodesk Vault offers a comprehensive environment
for managing the large volume of data that is generated on your projects.
■
Retrieve/save data.
■
Check in/check-out data.
■
Manage file versioning and the relationship between NWF files and design
data.
See Use the Autodesk Vault Add-In (page 665).
General Integration Enhancements
■
Support for Google Sketchup v7 .skp files with backwards compatibility.
■
TimeLiner now offers support for Primavera P6 v7 web services.
■
Support for Pro/Engineer .prt, .asm, .g and .neu file formats.
What Is New in This Release? | 7
■
Point cloud server support. Autodesk Navisworks now supports the retrieval
of data from external point cloud engines for display within your Autodesk
Navisworks model. The tool is implemented as an extension to the existing
NWCreate API. A simple generic example and a customized example
demonstrating connection to Z+F LFM server are available within the
NWCreate API resources.
Autodesk Navisworks Freedom 2012 Enhancements
■
The Review tab now contains Measure tools supporting field access to
dimensioning and area calculation.
■
You can now open 2D DWF, and multi-sheet DWF files, as well as NWD
files.
■
A Gantt View is now available during 4D TimeLiner simulations.
8 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
Miscellaneous Enhancements
■
Enhanced support for the
■
3D mouse through an extended interface. See 3Dconnexion 3D Mouse
(page 298).
■
Communication Centre now supports live updates.
■
New avatars to be used in a variety of roles ranging from construction
workers and safety professionals, to office workers. Since avatars can vary
per viewpoint, you can easily show how project stakeholders will interact
with a specific phase of the project in the relevant context.
■
Ongoing implementation of Autodesk Navisworks .NET API.
What Is New in This Release? | 9
How to Get Assistance
There are various ways to find information about how to use this program,
and multiple resources are available.
Find Information Using InfoCenter
You can use InfoCenter to search Autodesk Navisworks help file for
information. You can also easily access product updates and announcements.
Overview of InfoCenter
You can use InfoCenter to search for product-related help, display the
Subscription Center panel for subscription services, display the Communication
Center panel for product updates and announcements, and display the
Favorites panel to access saved topics.
You can use InfoCenter to:
■ Search for information in the main product Help through keywords (or
by entering a phrase)
■
Access subscription services through Subscription Center panel
■
Access to product-related updates and announcements through
Communication Center panel
■
Access saved topics through Favorites panel
To display the InfoCenter box in a collapsed state, click the arrow to its left.
10 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
To rearrange the topics displayed on a panel
1 Display a panel by doing one of the following:
■ In the InfoCenter box, click the Subscription Center button.
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Communication Center button.
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Favorites button.
2 Click and drag a category or group header to the desired position.
TIP To keep the Subscription Center, Communication Center, and the
Favorites panel expanded, click the push pin icon in the bottom-right corner
of the panel.
NOTE You can rearrange categories within a group, but you cannot move them
into other groups.
Search for Information
You can enter keywords or a phrase in the InfoCenter box to search for
information.
When you enter keywords or a phrase in the InfoCenter box, you search the
contents of the main Autodesk Navisworks Help file.
Keyword searches produce better results. The results are listed on the Help
Search tab. Click a topic to display it in help.
When you use InfoCenter to search for information, you can use the following
special symbols in your query to refine or expand it. These symbols can be
used alone or can be combined.
Symbol
Description
*
Replaces one or more characters when used at the beginning,
middle, or end of a word. For example, “*lish”, “p*lish”, and “pub*”
will find “publish”. Also, “anno*” will find “annotative”, “annotation”, “annoupdate”, “annoreset”, and so on.
How to Get Assistance | 11
Symbol
Description
?
Replaces a single character. For example, “cop?” will find “copy”,
but not “copybase”.
~
Adds grammatical form variations to a keyword when added at the
beginning or end of a word. For example, “plotting~” will find
“plots”, “plotted”, and so on. Also, “~plot” will find “preplot”,
“replot”, and so on.
When performing the exact phrase search, use double quotation marks (" ")
to enclose words that must appear next to each other in the specified text
string. For example, enter "specify units of measurement" to find only
topics with all those words in that order. You can also use the previously
mentioned symbols in a text string that is enclosed in double quotation marks.
To search the main Help file for information
1 In the InfoCenter box, enter a keyword or phrase.
2 Click the Search button.
The main Help file opens, and the search results are listed on the Help Search
tab.
Access Subscription Center
Subscription Center displays links to information about subscription services
such as product enhancements, personalized web support from Autodesk
technical experts, and self-paced e-Learning.
If you are a subscription member, you can access subscription services by
clicking the Communication Center
button in the InfoCenter box,
and then clicking a Subscription Center link. To learn more about Autodesk
subscription membership, visit http://www.autodesk.com/subscriptioncenter.
About Subscription Center
With Autodesk Subscription, you get the latest releases of Autodesk software,
incremental product enhancements, personalized web support from Autodesk
12 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
technical experts, and self paced e-Learning. Subscription services are available
to subscription members only.
By clicking the Communication Center
button in the InfoCenter box,
members have access to the following options (under Subscription Center):
■ Subscription status. Checks your subscription status.
■
Create support request. Provides direct one-to-one communication
with Autodesk support technicians. You receive fast, complete answers to
your installation, configuration, and troubleshooting questions.
■
View support requests. Tracks and manages your questions and
responses through Autodesk's state-of-the-art support system.
■
Edit Subscription Center profile. Sets up and maintains your
subscription account.
■
View e-Learning catalog. Features interactive lessons organized into
product catalogs.
■
e-Learning Lessons. (For subscription members only.) Each lesson is
15-30 minutes and features hands-on exercises, with an option to use a
simulation instead of the software application. You can use an online
evaluation tool that identifies gaps in skills, determines what lessons will
be most helpful, and gauges learning progress.
Subscription Resources and Privacy
Subscription resources provide interactive product features over the Internet.
Each time you access subscription resources (such as e-Learning or Create
Support Request) from Communication Center in an Autodesk product,
product information (such as the serial number, version, language, and the
subscription contract ID) is sent to Autodesk for verification that your product
is on subscription.
Autodesk compiles statistics using the information sent to subscription
resources to monitor how they are being used and how they can be improved.
Autodesk maintains the information provided by or collected from you in
accordance with Autodesk's published privacy policy, which is available at
http://www.autodesk.com/privacy.
To open the Subscription Center
1 Click the Communication Center
button in the InfoCenter box.
2 On the Communication Center panel, under Subscription Center,
click the subscription resource you want to access.
How to Get Assistance | 13
NOTE Subscription Center is not available to all product users. If subscription
resources are not available in your product, your product is not entitled to
subscription benefits.
Manage Files with Autodesk Vault
If you are a subscription customer, you have access to Autodesk Vault, a file
management tool that provides a repository where documents and files are
stored and managed.
Autodesk Vault gives you more power to manage files and track changes.
Versioned copies of master files are maintained, allowing you to easily revert
to earlier versions of files. You can check files out for editing and later check
them back in. The master copy is never directly edited.
Autodesk Vault consists of two required components: the Autodesk Data
Management Server and the Vault Client. Optionally, you can also install the
Vault Office Add-in.
For information about using the Vault, refer to the Vault Help system.
TIP The main components for the Autodesk Vault can be downloaded from the
Autodesk Subscription site.
Use Communication Center
Communication Center provides up-to-date product information, software
updates, product support announcements, and other product-related
announcements.
Overview of Communication Center
You can click the Communication Center button to display links to
information about product updates and announcements, and may include
links to RSS feeds.
Whenever new information is available, Communication Center notifies
you by displaying a balloon message below the Communication Center
button in the InfoCenter box.
14 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
Communication Center provides the following types of announcements:
■ Autodesk Channels: Receive support information, product updates, and
other announcements (including articles and tips).
■
RSS Feeds. Receive information from RSS feeds to which you subscribe.
RSS feeds generally notify you when new content is posted. You are
automatically subscribed to several default RSS feeds when you install the
program.
■
Product Support Information. Get breaking news from the Product
Support team at Autodesk, including when Live Update maintenance
patches are released.
■
Subscription Announcements. Receive subscription announcements
and subscription program news, as well as links to e-Learning Lessons, if
you are an Autodesk subscription member (available in countries/regions
where Autodesk subscriptions are offered).
For more information about Autodesk Subscription, see Access Subscription
Center (page 12).
■
Articles and Tips. Be notified when new articles and tips are available
on Autodesk websites.
■
Live Update Maintenance Patches. Receive automatic notifications
whenever new maintenance patches are released from Autodesk.
■
Featured Technologies and Content. Learn more about third-party
developer applications and content.
You can customize the items that display on the Communication Center
panel. For more information, see Specify InfoCenter Settings (page 22).
Communication Center Online Policy
Communication Center is an interactive feature that must be connected to
the Internet in order to deliver content and information. Each time
Communication Center is connected, it sends your information to Autodesk
so that you receive the correct information. All information is sent
anonymously to Autodesk to maintain your privacy.
Communication Center sends the following information to Autodesk:
■ Product name (in which you are using Communication Center)
■
Product release number
■
Product language
■
Country/region (specified in the Communication Center settings)
How to Get Assistance | 15
■
Your unique Customer Involvement Program (CIP) ID if you are
participating in the CIP program
Autodesk compiles statistics using the information sent from
Communication Center to monitor how it is being used and how it can
be improved. Autodesk maintains information provided by or collected from
you in accordance with the company's published privacy policy, which is
available at http://www.autodesk.com/privacy.
To open Communication Center
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Communication Center
button.
To receive new information notifications
■
Click the link in the balloon message to open the article or announcement.
Save and Access Favorite Topics
You can click the Favorites button to display saved links to topics or web
locations.
Any link that displays on the Subscription Center or Communication
Center panel can be marked as a favorite.
A link marked as a favorite displays a star icon on the Subscription Center
panel or the Communication Center panel.
To display the InfoCenter Favorites panel
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Favorites button.
NOTE The links displayed on the Favorites panel are organized into the same
groups or categories from which they were added.
To save a link in InfoCenter as a favorite
1 Display a panel by doing one of the following:
■ In the InfoCenter box, click the Subscription Center button.
16 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Communication Center button.
2 Click the star icon that is displayed next to the link that you want to
save as a favorite.
To remove a favorite link from the InfoCenter Favorites panel
1 In the InfoCenter box, click the Favorites button to display the Favorites
panel.
2 Click the star icon that is displayed next to the link that you want to
remove from the Favorites panel.
Use the Help System
You can click the Help button to display topics in Help.
You can get much more benefit from the Help system when you learn how
to use it efficiently. You can quickly find general descriptions, procedures,
details about dialog boxes and palettes, or definitions of terms.
The Help system contains complete information about using this program.
In the Help window, you use the left pane to locate information. The tabs
above the left pane give you several ways for finding the topics you want to
view. The right pane displays the topics you select.
To display topics in Help
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Help button.
How Help Topics Are Organized
Most topics in this Help system have three tabs above the right pane of the
Help window. The tabs display different types of information.
■
Concept tab. Describes a feature or function. When you click the
Concept tab, the Help Contents list in the left pane of the Help window
expands and highlights the current topic. The Contents tab displays the
How to Get Assistance | 17
structure of the Help on that topic. You can easily display nearby topics
by clicking them in the list.
■
Procedure tab. Provides step-by-step instructions for common procedures
related to the current topic. After displaying a procedure, you can click the
Procedure tab to redisplay the current list of procedures.
■
Quick Reference tab. Lists reference information related to the current
topic.
When you click a different tab, the topic remains the same. Only the type of
information displayed—concept, procedures, or quick reference links—is
different.
Search in Help
Use the Help Search tab to find relevant topics based on keywords that you
enter.
The basic search rules are as follows:
■ Type your keywords in uppercase or lowercase characters; searches are not
case-sensitive.
■
Search for any combination of letters (a-z) and numbers (0-9).
■
Do not use punctuation marks such as a period, colon, semicolon, comma,
hyphen, and single quotation marks; they are ignored during a search.
■
Group the elements of your search using double quotation marks or
parentheses to set each element apart.
Use Wild Card Characters
You can use the following wild card characters in any keyword:
Symbol
Description
*
Replaces one or more characters when used
at the beginning, middle, or end of a word.
For example, “*lish”, “p*lish”, and “pub*”
will all find “publish”. Also, “anno*” will
find “annotative”, “annotation”, “annoupdate”, “annoreset”, and so on.
18 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
Symbol
Description
?
Replaces a single character. For example,
“cop?” will find “copy”, but not “copybase”.
~
Expands the tense of the word at the beginning or end of a word. For example, “plotting~” will find “plots”, “plotted”, and so
on. Also, “~plot” will find “preplot”,
“replot”, and so on.
Search for Phrases
When searching for a phrase, use double quotation marks (“ ”) to enclose
words that must appear next to each other in the specified sequence. For
example, enter “specifying units of measurement” to find only topics with all
those words in that order. If you don’t use the quotation marks around that
text, Help finds all topics containing any one of the listed words, that is, all
topics containing “specifying”, all topics containing “units”, all topics
containing “of”, and all topics containing “measurement”.
TIP If you can’t find the information you need through a search, try using the
Contents tab.
Use Boolean Operators
With the AND, OR, NOT, and NEAR operators, you can precisely define your
search by creating a relationship between search terms. The following table
shows how you can use each of these operators. If no operator is specified,
AND is used. For example, the query spacing border printing is equivalent to
spacing AND border AND printing.
Search for
Example
Results
Both terms in the same
topic
“tree view” AND “palette”
Topics containing both the words
“tree view” and “palette”
Either term in a topic
viewpoint OR animation
Topics containing either the word
“viewpoint” or the word “animation” or both
How to Get Assistance | 19
Search for
Example
Results
The first term without
the second term
nwd NOT nwc
Topics containing the word
“NWD”, but not the word
“NWC”
Both terms in the same
topic, close together
user NEAR menu
Topics containing the word
“user” within eight words of the
word “menu”
NOTE The |, &, and ! characters do not work as Boolean operators. You must use
AND (also +), OR, and NOT (also -).
Find Information in Help Topics
The tabs on the left side of the Help window provide different methods for
finding information.
Contents Tab
■
Presents an overview of the available documentation in a list of topics and
subtopics.
■
Allows you to browse by selecting and expanding topics.
■
Provides a structure so you can always see where you are in Help and
quickly jump to other topics.
Index Tab
■
Displays an alphabetical list of keywords related to the topics listed on the
Contents tab.
■
Accesses information quickly when you already know the name of a feature,
command, or operation, or when you know what action you want the
program to perform.
Search Tab
■
Provides a keyword search of all the topics listed on the Contents tab.
■
Accepts the Boolean operators AND (+), OR, NOT (-), and NEAR.
20 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
■
Accepts the wild cards *, ?, and ~.
■
Allows you to perform a search for a phrase when the phrase is enclosed
in double quotes.
■
Displays a ranked list of topics that contain the word or words entered in
the keyword field.
■
Arranges the results alphabetically by title or by location if you click on
the Title and Location column headings.
To find a specific word or phrase in the currently displayed Help topic
1 Click in the topic text and press CTRL+F.
2 In the Find text box, enter a keyword or phrase.
3 Click Next. If the keyword or phrase is located, the topic scrolls to display
the result.
Print Help Topics
The quickest way to print the current topic is to right-click within the topic
and click Print.
The Print button on the Help toolbar provides these print options:
■ Print the selected topic (recommended)
■
Print the selected heading and all subtopics
NOTE When you select the second option, you may get numerous printed pages,
depending on how many subtopics the currently selected topic contains.
To print a Help topic
1 Display the topic you want to print.
2 Right-click in the topic pane. Click Print.
3 In the Print dialog box, click Print.
To print a selected heading and all subtopics
1 Display the topic you want to print and make sure that the Contents
tab is displayed.
2 On the Help toolbar, click Print.
How to Get Assistance | 21
3 In the Print Topics dialog box, click Print the Selected Heading
and All Subtopics.
4 Click OK.
Show and Hide the Contents Pane
You can control the size of the Help window.
Use the Hide
button on the Help toolbar to shrink the Help window
to a compact size by hiding the pane that contains the Contents, Index,
and Search tabs. The compact window size is best for displaying procedures
while you work.
Use the Show
button to expand the Help window to display the pane
that contains Contents, Index, and Search tabs. The expanded window
size is best for locating and displaying conceptual and reference information.
Specify InfoCenter Settings
You can specify general and Communication Center settings in the
InfoCenter Settings dialog box.
In the InfoCenter Settings dialog box, you can specify the following settings:
■ General. Your current location, frequency for checking new online content
and option to turn on or off animated transition effects for the InfoCenter
panels.
■
Communication Center. Set the maximum age of the articles displayed
on the Communication Center panel.
■
Autodesk Channels. Channels to display in the Communication Center
panel as well as the number of articles to display for each channel.
■
Balloon Notification. Notifications for new product information,
software updates, and product support announcements. Also, you can
customize the transparency and the display time of the balloon.
■
RSS Feeds. RSS feed subscriptions. You can add or remove RSS feeds. RSS
feeds generally notify you when new content is posted.
22 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
To specify the channels to display in the Communication Center panel
1 Display a panel by doing one of the following:
■ In the InfoCenter box, click the Subscription Center button.
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Communication Center button.
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Favorites button.
2 Click the InfoCenter Settings
button.
3 In the InfoCenter Settings dialog box, in the left pane, click Autodesk
Channels.
4 In the right pane, select or clear the channels you want to display in the
Communication Center panel.
5 Click OK.
To specify InfoCenter balloon notification settings
1 Display a panel by doing one of the following:
■ In the InfoCenter box, click the Subscription Center button.
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Communication Center button.
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Favorites button.
2 Click the InfoCenter Settings
button.
3 In the InfoCenter Settings dialog box, in the left pane, click Balloon
Notification.
4 In the right pane, select or clear the options to turn balloon notification
on or off.
5 Enter the number of seconds to set the length of time for balloon
notifications to display.
6 Enter the transparency value of the balloon or set the value using the
slider.
7 Click OK.
To add an RSS feed to Communication Center
1 Display a panel by doing one of the following:
■ In the InfoCenter box, click the Subscription Center button.
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Communication Center button.
2 Click the InfoCenter Settings button
.
3 In the InfoCenter Settings dialog box, in the left pane, click RSS Feeds.
How to Get Assistance | 23
4 In the right pane, do one of the following:
■ Click Add.
■
Right-click anywhere in the right pane. Click Add.
5 In the Add RSS Feed dialog box, enter the location of the RSS feed you
want to add. Click Add.
6 In the InfoCenter - RSS Feed Confirmation dialog box, click Close.
7 Click OK.
To remove an RSS feed from Communication Center
1 Display a panel by doing one of the following:
■ In the InfoCenter box, click the Subscription Center button.
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Communication Center button.
■
In the InfoCenter box, click the Favorites button.
2 Click the InfoCenter Settings
button.
3 In the InfoCenter Settings dialog box, in the left pane, click RSS Feeds.
4 In the right pane, do one of the following:
■ Click Remove.
■
Right-click an RSS feed. Click Remove.
5 In the InfoCenter - Remove RSS Feed dialog box, click Yes.
6 Click OK.
Get More Help
You can access several additional sources of help.
■
Use Communication Center. Display the Communication Center
panel for product updates and announcements.
■
Press F1. Displays context-sensitive reference information.
■
Click the Help button in many dialog boxes. Displays reference
information for the dialog box.
■
View the product Readme. Displays late-breaking information about
this product.
24 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
Other resources help you get information about Autodesk products and
assistance with your questions about this program.
■ Autodesk website. Access http://www.autodesk.com.
■
Local support. Check with your dealer or Autodesk country/region office.
Learn the Product
Training programs and products from Autodesk help you learn the key
technical features and improve your productivity.
For the latest information about Autodesk training, visit http://www.autodesk.com/training or contact your local Autodesk office.
Autodesk Authorized Training Centers
The Autodesk® Authorized Training Center (ATC®) network delivers
Autodesk-authorized, instructor-led training to design professionals who use
Autodesk software. Autodesk Authorized Training Centers use experienced
and knowledgeable instructors. More than 1,200 ATC sites are available
worldwide to meet your needs for discipline-specific, locally based training.
To find a training center near you, contact your local Autodesk office or visit
http://www.autodesk.com/atc.
Autodesk Official Training Courseware
Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC) is technical training material
developed by Autodesk. Designed for traditional 1/2-day to 5-day, instructor-led
classroom training and used by Authorized Training Centers and other
Autodesk partners, AOTC is well-suited for self-paced, stand-alone learning.
The manuals cover key concepts and software functionality with hands-on,
step-by-step, real-world exercises. You can purchase AOTC from your local
reseller or distributor, or you can order it online from the Autodesk Store at
http://www.autodesk.com/aotc.
e-Learning
Autodesk e-Learning for Autodesk Subscription customers features interactive
lessons organized into product catalogs. Each lesson is 20-40 minutes in length
and features hands-on exercises, with an option to use a simulation of the
product or the actual application. You can also use an online evaluation tool
How to Get Assistance | 25
that identifies gaps in skills, determines what lessons will be most helpful,
and gauges learning progress.
If you are a member of Autodesk subscription, you can access e-Learning and
other subscription services from within your Autodesk product.
For more information about how to access e-Learning in the product, see Access
Subscription Center (page 12).
For more information about Autodesk subscription resources, visit http://www.autodesk.com/subscriptioncenter.
Autodesk Developer Network
The Autodesk Developer (ADN) program for ADN members provides support
for full-time, professional developers who want to build software based on
Autodesk products. As an ADN member, you will receive the business, software,
support, and training you need to be successful. If you are a developer, visit
http://www.autodesk.com/adn.
Autodesk Consulting
Autodesk Consulting provides services that help set up processes and provide
critical training that will help increase productivity so you can capitalize on
the power of your products. For more information on general consulting,
systems integration, or custom training services, visit http://www.autodesk.com/consulting.
Partner Products and Services
Autodesk works together with thousands of software partners around the
world. These partners provide products and services that enhance Autodesk
products for design professionals. Visit the Partner Products & Services page
at http://www.autodesk.com/partnerproducts for a list of resources available for
your Autodesk product and your industry.
View the Product Readme
You can find late-breaking information about this software in the Readme.
It is suggested that you read through the Autodesk Navisworks Readme for
information about recommended hardware, updated installation instructions,
and known software problems. The Readme file is available from the product’s
program group on the Windows Start menu.
26 | Chapter 1 Welcome to Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
Join the Customer Involvement Program
You are invited to help guide the direction of Autodesk design software.
If you participate in the Customer Involvement Program (CIP), specific
information about how you use Autodesk Navisworks is forwarded to Autodesk.
This information includes what features you use the most, problems that you
encounter, and other information helpful to the future direction of the
product.
See the following links for more information.
■ Learn more about the Autodesk Customer Involvement Program: http://www.autodesk.com/cip
■
Read the Autodesk Privacy Statement: http://www.autodesk.com/cipprivacy
When you join, you will be able to view reports that can help you optimize
your use of Autodesk Navisworks.
To turn the CIP on or off
1 On the InfoCenter toolbar, to the right of the Help button, click the
drop-down arrow.
2 Click Customer Involvement Program.
3 In the Customer Involvement Program dialog box, select to start or stop
participating.
4 Click OK.
How to Get Assistance | 27
28
Installation
2
Quick Start to Stand-Alone Installation
This section provides step-by-step instructions about how to prepare, and then
install Autodesk Navisworks.
Stand-alone installation is recommended for individual users or small groups.
The key point is that you will repeat the installation process on each computer.
For a stand-alone license this is the only valid installation type, but it can also
be used with a multi-seat stand-alone or network license.
If you have never installed the product before, you should familiarize yourself
with the entire installation process and options before beginning.
For information about installing network-licensed or multi-seat stand-alone
versions of the program, see Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users
(page 44).
Prepare for Installation
To prepare for installation, you should review the system requirements,
understand administrative permission requirements, locate your Autodesk
Navisworks Simulate 2012 serial number and product key, and close all running
applications.
Complete these tasks, and you are ready to begin installing Autodesk Navisworks
Simulate 2012.
NOTE It is also recommended that you install Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 before
installing the product. See Install Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 (page 31).
29
System Requirements for Stand-Alone Installation
The first task you need to complete is to make sure that your computer meets
the minimum system requirements. If your system does not meet these
requirements, problems can occur, both within Autodesk Navisworks and at
the operating system level.
Whether your Windows operating system is the 32-bit or the 64-bit version,
the version is automatically detected during installation.
See the following table for hardware and software requirements.
Hardware and software requirements for client machine
Hardware/Software
Requirement
Operating System
Microsoft® Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit) Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate (recommended)
Microsoft® Windows Vista® SP2 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate
Microsoft® Windows XP SP3 (32-bit) Home, or
Professional
Microsoft® Windows XP SP2 (64-bit) Professional
Web browser
Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 7.0 or later
Processor
AMD Athlon™, 3.0 GHz or faster (minimum); Intel®
Pentium® 4, 3.0 GHz or faster (recommended) with SSE2 technology
Memory (RAM)
512 MB (minimum); 2 GB or more (recommended)
VGA Display
1024 x 768 with true color (minimum)
1280 x 1024 32-bit color video display adapter with
true color (recommended)
30 | Chapter 2 Installation
Hardware and software requirements for client machine
Graphics Card
Direct3D 9® and OpenGL® capable graphics card
with Shader Model 2 (minimum)
Hard disk
11 GB free disk space for installation
Pointing device
Microsoft® Mouse-compliant pointing device
DVD-ROM
Any speed (for installation only)
Optional hardware
Printer or plotter
Modem or access to an Internet connection
Network interface card
Install Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0
Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 requires Microsoft .Net 4.0 to be installed
prior to product installation.
Most Windows updates should include Microsoft .NET Framework 4, however,
for old versions of Windows, you can download and install Microsoft .NET
Framework 4 redistributables from: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=0a391abd-25c1-4fc0-919f-b21f31ab88b7 or install Microsoft
.Net Framework 4 from the following directory in the installation media:
\3rdParty\NET\4\wcu\dotNetFramework\.
The Installation wizard will install Microsoft .Net Framework 4 if it detects
that required updates have not been installed.
Quick Start to Stand-Alone Installation | 31
NOTE If the Installation wizard prompts you to install the Microsoft .NET 4.0
Framework, the .NET 4.0 Framework installer may prompt you to first install the
Windows Imaging Component (WIC). This can occur if you do not have the latest
Microsoft Windows updates or service packs. You are most likely to need WIC if
you are running Windows XP SP2 without certain Windows Updates installed. If
required, the Microsoft WIC installers are available at the following locations:
■ 32-bit installer: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=8e011506-6307-445b-b950-215def45ddd8&displaylang=en
■
64-bit installer: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=f64654ac-6e26-41d9-a90a-0e7783b864ee
Understand Administrative Permission
Requirements
To install Autodesk Navisworks, you must have administrator permissions.
You do not need to have domain administrative permissions. See your system
administrator for information about administrative permissions.
To run Autodesk Navisworks, you do not need administrator permissions. You
can run the program as a limited user.
Locate Your Autodesk Navisworks Serial Number
and Product Key
When you install Autodesk Navisworks, you are prompted for your serial
number and product key in the User and Product Information page.
The serial number must contain a three-digit prefix followed by an eight-digit
number. The product key consists of five digits.
The serial number and product key are located on the outside of the product
packaging, or in the email you received if you downloaded your product. Make
sure to have these available before you install the program so that you don't
have to stop in the middle of the installation. Also make sure to have these
available before you activate the program.
The information you enter is permanently retained with the product. Because
you can’t change this information later without uninstalling, take care when
32 | Chapter 2 Installation
entering the information. To review this product information later, in the
InfoCenter box, click the down arrow next to the Help button ➤ About
Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012.
NOTE If you have lost your serial number or product key, contact your local
Autodesk office for assistance.
Avoid Data Loss During Installation
The Autodesk Navisworks installation process may stop if some applications
(such as Microsoft® Outlook® or virus-checking programs) are running.
Close all running applications to avoid possible data loss.
Choose a Language
You can select a different language for installation instructions, and a language
for individual product installations in the same install process.
When you start the installation process, the installer automatically determines
your operating system language. If a supported language is detected, your
install pages are displayed in that language. If you want to change that
language, you select a different one from the Installer Language list on the
first page of the Installation wizard.
NOTE Some products may not have multi-language support at the time of product
release. Additional language support may be available later. Check http://support.autodesk.com for the availability of additional language packs.
Using Language Packs
Language packs support use of different languages in each Autodesk Navisworks
product, including exporters. Pack names start with NAVFREE_, NAVSIM_,
NAVMAN_, and exporters_ respectively.
NOTE You must install at least one language pack for each product.
Quick Start to Stand-Alone Installation | 33
It is possible to install additional language packs to Autodesk Navisworks
products later. You can manually install the required language packs by
double-clicking on the language pack MSI file.
Language packs are located on the installation DVD and unpacked downloaded
media under the x86 folder for 32-bit products and under the x64 folder for
64-bit products.
■
Language packs for specific products are included in the NAVFREE,
NAVSIM, NAVMAN, and NWEXPORT subfolders of x86 and x64 folders.
■
Language packs for specific languages are included in the en-US (English),
de-DE (German), es-ES (Spanish), fr-FR (French), it-IT (Italian), ja-JP
(Japanese), ko-KR (Korean), pt-BR (Brazilian Portuguese), ru-RU (Russian)
and zh-CN (Chinese PRC) subfolders of the product folders.
So, for example, to install the 32-bit French language pack for Autodesk
Navisworks Simulate, double-click x86/NAVSIM/fr-FR/NAVSIM_LP.msi.
Configuration
During the installation process, you choose either a typical installation (install
the product with default settings), or a customized installation. On the Install
➤ Configure Installation page, for any product you have selected to install,
you will see a triangular control for access to a configuration panel.
Click anywhere in the product box to open the configuration panel:
■ Installation Type. If you choose a Typical installation (default settings)
the product installs the most common application features. A Custom
installation installs only the application features that you select from the
Select Features To Install list. The available features will depend upon
the product you are installing:
Redistributable ActiveX Control
34 | Chapter 2 Installation
Contains Autodesk Navisworks Redistributable ActiveX control.
API
Contains the Component Object Model
interface for customizing and extending
the Autodesk Navisworks functionality.
Example NWD files
Contains various feature sample files.
Batch Utility
Contains an add-in to run and schedule
commands.
Program
Contains full set of Autodesk Navisworks
files.
Sample RPCs
Contains several Rich Photorealistic Content
files.
NOTE For Autodesk Navisworks exporter plugins, you can change which
plugins are installed.
Indicates the third-party software already installed on your computer.
Indicates plugins for the third-party software, that are either not installed
or have not been detected by the Installation wizard.
Select the check boxes next to all required plugins. If the third-party
software has not been detected by the wizard, you can manually enable
the plugins for it. Selecting the check box automatically opens the dialog
box, which enables you to browse for the correct software installation
directory.
■
Create the Desktop Shortcut. Select the check box to create the desktop
shortcut for Autodesk Navisworks.
■
Project and Site Folders. Use the Browse buttons to select the
directories that will contain Autodesk Navisworks settings that can be
shared across an entire project site, or across a specific project group (see
Select the Project and Site Folders (page 64)).
■
Service Packs. If a service pack is available for your installation, you can
include it in the installation.
After you have configured the settings as required, click the product name to
close the configuration panel.
Quick Start to Stand-Alone Installation | 35
Install Multiple or Bundled Products
Some Autodesk packages are comprised of multiple products or are part of
multi-product bundles.
The Installation wizard for packages that are comprised of multiple products
gives you the option to choose which products you want to install.
In the Installation wizard, for packages containing multiple products, you can
choose which products and languages you want to install. During the install
process, you are informed whether a copy of the software is already installed.
You are also warned if your system does not meet the minimum system
requirements for the product. Each product name is displayed on its own
tabbed panel; you can configure them individually.
If you purchased a package that is a multi-product bundle, such as an
educational or institutional package, you may have a package that includes
several Autodesk products. For these bundled packages, an Installer disc
contains information for all the products in the package. The Installer disc
helps you install all of the products.
Install and Run Autodesk Navisworks
Simulate 2012
To use the product, you must install the product, register and activate it, and
then launch it.
You must have administrative permissions to install Autodesk Navisworks.
This section provides instructions for installing and activating Autodesk
Navisworks for an individual user on a stand-alone computer.
For information about installing network-licensed or multi-seat stand-alone
versions of the program, see Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users
(page 44).
When you have successfully installed Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012,
you are ready to register your product and start using the program. To register
the product, start Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 and follow the on-screen
instructions. For more information, see How do I register and activate Autodesk
Navisworks? (page 75)
NOTE Autodesk does not recommend or support the distribution of an Autodesk
product using imaging software.
36 | Chapter 2 Installation
Install Autodesk Navisworks
The Autodesk NavisworksInstallation wizard contains all installation-related
material in one place.
From the Installation wizard, you can access user documentation, change
the installer language, select a language-specific product, install supplemental
tools, view support solutions, and learn about deploying your product on a
network.
NOTE The 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 are
on separate DVDs. Insert the appropriate Autodesk Navisworks DVD in the DVD
drive to start the installation process. Follow the prompts to complete the
installation. As long as the DVD is in the drive, you can access user documentation
by clicking the Installation Help link.
■
Review installation documentation before you install. It is
recommended that you take the time to familiarize yourself with the
complete installation process before you install Autodesk Navisworks.
Documentation is accessible from links on the lower left corner of the
installer.
■
Install Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012. From the Installation
wizard, click Install. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the
installation.
Install Autodesk Navisworks Using Default Values
This is the fastest means of installing Autodesk Navisworks on your system.
Only default values are used which means it is a typical installation being
installed to C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Navisworks Simulate 2012.
To install Autodesk Navisworks using default values on a stand-alone computer
1 Close all running applications on your computer and start the
Installation wizard.
Quick Start to Stand-Alone Installation | 37
2 On the Installation wizard, if required, select an alternate language
for the Installation wizard from the Installation Instructions
drop-down, and then click Install.
3 Review the Autodesk software license agreement for your country or
region. You must accept this agreement to proceed with the installation.
Choose your country or region, click I Accept, and then click Next.
NOTE If you do not agree to the terms of the license and want to terminate
the installation, click Cancel.
4 On the Product Information page, select Stand-Alone and enter
your serial number and product key, then click Next.
5 On the Configure Installation page, select the products to install,
and if required add a language pack(s) from the Product Language
drop-down (see Choose a Language (page 33)).
6 If required, use the Installation PathBrowse button to select the
drive and location where product will be installed.
7 Click Install. The wizard installs the products you selected using a
Typical installation, which installs the most common application
features. To see which features are included in a Typical installation,
refer to Typically Installed Features (page 72).
NOTE By default, the Installation wizard automatically enables the exporter
plugins for all third-party products already installed on your computer.
8 Click Finish.
Install Autodesk Navisworks Using Configured
Values
With this installation method, you can fine-tune exactly what gets installed.
You can alter the license type, the installation type, the install path, and
specify the location of the Project and Site folders.
To install Autodesk Navisworks using configured values on a stand-alone
computer
1 Close all running applications on your computer and start the
Installation wizard.
38 | Chapter 2 Installation
2 On the Installation wizard, if required, select an alternate language
for the Installation wizard from the Installation Instructions
drop-down, and then click Install.
3 Review the Autodesk software license agreement for your country or
region. You must accept this agreement to proceed with the installation.
Choose your country or region, click I Accept, and then click Next.
NOTE If you do not agree to the terms of the license and want to terminate
the installation, click Cancel.
4 On the Product Information page, select the License Type
(Stand-Alone or Network) and enter your serial number and product
key, then click Next.
5 On the Configure Installation page, select the products to install,
and if required add a language pack(s) from the Product Language
drop-down (see Choose a Language (page 33)).
6 Click the product name to open the configuration panel where you can
review and change settings. See Configuration (page 34). After you have
configured the settings as required, click the product name to close the
configuration panel.
7 If required, use the Installation PathBrowse button to select the
drive and location where product will be installed.
8 Click Install. The wizard installs the products you selected using your
Custom installation settings.
9 Click Finish.
Launch Autodesk Navisworks
Assuming that you’ve followed all of the previous steps outlined in this Quick
Start section, you can launch Autodesk Navisworks and start taking advantage
of its new and updated features.
You can start Autodesk Navisworks in the following ways:
■ Desktop shortcut icon. When you install Autodesk Navisworks, a
shortcut icon is placed on your desktop. Double-click the Autodesk
Navisworks icon to start the program.
■
Start button. Click Start ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤ Navisworks
Simulate 2012 ➤ Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012.
■
Location where Autodesk Navisworks is installed. If you have
administrative permissions, you can run Autodesk Navisworks in the
Quick Start to Stand-Alone Installation | 39
location where you installed it. If you are a limited-rights user, you must
run Autodesk Navisworks from the Start button or from the desktop
shortcut icon. If you want to create a custom shortcut, make sure that the
Start In directory for the shortcut points to a directory where you have
write permissions.
NOTE When the product is started, by default, it uses the language that best
matches the settings on your computer. You can also launch Autodesk Navisworks
in another of the supported languages.
How to Launch Autodesk Navisworks in Another
Language
To run Autodesk Navisworks in another of the installed languages, you need
to add one of the language selector arguments to the desktop shortcut.
To run Autodesk Navisworks in another language
1 Right-click the Autodesk Navisworks desktop shortcut, and click
Properties on the shortcut menu to open the Autodesk
NavisworksProperties dialog box.
2 On the Shortcut tab, enter a space in the Target field after
..\roamer.exe, and then enter one of the following arguments:
■ -lang en-US for English localization
■
-lang de-DE for German localization
■
-lang es-ES for Spanish localization
■
-lang fr-FR for French localization
■
-lang it-IT for Italian localization
■
-lang ja-JP for Japanese localization
■
-lang ko-KR for Korean localization
■
-lang pt-BR for Brazilian Portuguese localization
■
-lang ru-RU for Russian localization
■
-lang zh-CN for Chinese (PRC) localization
3 Click OK to save the changes.
40 | Chapter 2 Installation
Add or Remove Features
You can add or remove Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 features at any
time. For example, you may have chosen a Custom installation option when
you first installed Autodesk Navisworks, but now you want to add features
that you did not install originally. Or you may no longer need to use all of
the features that were installed originally.
You can add or remove features by using the Control Panel.
To add or remove features
1 Do one of the following:
■ (Windows XP) Click Start ➤ Settings ➤ Control Panel ➤ Add
or Remove Programs.
■
(Windows Vista and Windows 7) Click Start ➤ Control
Panel ➤ Programs and Features.
2 From the list of programs, click Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012,
and then click Change/Remove (Windows XP) or Uninstall/Change
(Windows Vista and Windows 7).
The Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012Installation wizard re-opens
in Maintenance Mode.
3 Click Add or Remove Features. On the Add/Remove Features
page, select a feature to install or uninstall. The icons to the left of the
selections give you an indication of the action that will be taken.
Indicates a feature that was marked for installation will be in a typical
installation.
Indicates a feature that is not currently scheduled for installation.
Indicates a feature that was not originally marked for installation,
but was added to the installed feature list.
Indicates an installed feature that is chosen for removal.
NOTE If you need to revert to the Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
features that you selected in your original installation, click Cancel.
Click Update.
4 On the Update Complete page, you are informed when the updates
have been performed. Click Finish.
Quick Start to Stand-Alone Installation | 41
Repair Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
If you accidentally delete or alter files that are required by Autodesk Navisworks
Simulate 2012, Autodesk Navisworks might not perform correctly, and you
might receive error messages when you try to execute a command or find a
file. You can attempt to fix this problem by repairing Autodesk Navisworks
Simulate 2012.
Repairing uses the features that were part of the installation type you chose
when you initially installed the program.
To repair Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
1 Do one of the following:
■ (Windows XP) Click Start ➤ Settings ➤ Control Panel ➤ Add
or Remove Programs.
■
(Windows Vista and Windows 7) Click Start ➤ Control
Panel ➤ Programs and Features.
2 From the list of programs, click Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012,
and then click Change/Remove (Windows XP) or Uninstall/Change
(Windows Vista and Windows 7).
The Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012Installation wizard re-opens
in Maintenance Mode.
3 Click Repair or Reinstall.
4 On the Repair or Reinstall page, click RepairAutodesk Navisworks
Simulate 2012. This option replaces all registry entries that Autodesk
Navisworks initially installed and restores Autodesk Navisworks Simulate
2012 to its default state. Click Repair.
NOTE ReinstallAutodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 repairs the registry
and reinstalls all files from the original installation. Use this option if the
RepairAutodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 option does not solve the
problem.
5 On the Repair Complete page, click Finish.
Uninstall Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
When you uninstall Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012, all components are
removed. This means that even if you've previously added or removed
42 | Chapter 2 Installation
components, or if you've reinstalled or repaired Autodesk Navisworks Simulate
2012, the uninstall removes all Autodesk Navisworks installation files from
your system.
IMPORTANT Do not use registry cleaning programs or attempt to modify the
registry entries yourself to uninstall Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012. Failure
to follow the official uninstall procedure will result in the inability to re-install the
software .
To uninstall Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
1 Do one of the following:
■ (Windows XP) Click Start ➤ Settings ➤ Control Panel ➤ Add
or Remove Programs.
■
(Windows Vista and Windows 7) Click Start ➤ Control
Panel ➤ Programs and Features.
2 From the list of programs, click Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012,
and then click Change/Remove (Windows XP) or Uninstall/Change
(Windows Vista and Windows 7).
The Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012Installation wizard re-opens
in Maintenance Mode.
3 Click Uninstall.
4 When informed that the product has been successfully uninstalled, click
Finish.
NOTE Even though Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 is removed from
your system, the software license remains. If you reinstall Autodesk Navisworks
Simulate 2012 at some future time, you will not have to register and
re-activate the program.
Move to Autodesk Navisworks from a
Previous Release
If you have a previous version of Autodesk Navisworks installed on your
system, you can install Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 and keep other
versions of the program on the same system. This is called a side-by-side
installation.
If you’ve purchased an upgrade version of Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012,
you are required to uninstall the previous version within 120 days of installing
Quick Start to Stand-Alone Installation | 43
Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012. See your license agreement for more
information.
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users
This section provides step-by-step instructions for installing network-licensed
or multi-seat stand-alone versions of the Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012.
Quick Start to Network Administration and
Deployment
Network deployment of this program requires careful planning and execution.
Deployment installation is recommended for network administrators, using
either a multi-seat stand-alone or network license. In the deployment process,
the installation is configured once, stored on the network, and then distributed
efficiently to users' computers.
If you are not familiar with network administration and deployment, you
should familiarize yourself with the following topics before you attempt to
deploy and administer the program over a network.
Deployment Preparation
To prepare for a deployment, you should take the time to review the following
requirements and options.
System Requirements for a Deployment
This section contains the system requirements for the location of the
administrative image that you create, the network license server, and the client
workstation.
Before you begin installing the program on a network, make sure that your
servers and client workstations meet the minimum recommended hardware
and software requirements for a deployment.
44 | Chapter 2 Installation
Whether the Windows operating system is the 32-bit or the 64-bit version is
automatically detected when installing Autodesk Navisworks. You can choose
which versions of Autodesk Navisworks will be installed.
See the following tables for administrative image, license server, and client
workstation system requirements.
Hardware and software requirements for the location of the administrative
image
Hardware/Software
Requirement
Hard disk
6 GB
Hardware and software requirements for client machine
Hardware/Software
Requirement
Operating System
Microsoft® Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit) Home Basic,
Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate (recommended)
Microsoft® Windows Vista® SP2 (32-bit or 64-bit) Home
Premium, Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate
Microsoft® Windows XP SP3 (32-bit) Home, or Professional
Microsoft® Windows XP SP2 (64-bit) Professional
Web browser
Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 7.0 or later
Processor
AMD Athlon™, 3.0 GHz or faster (minimum); Intel®
Pentium® 4, 3.0 GHz or faster (recommended) - with
SSE2 technology
Memory (RAM)
512 MB (minimum); 2 GB or more (recommended)
VGA Display
1024 x 768 VGA with true color (minimum)
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 45
Hardware and software requirements for client machine
1280 x 1024 32-bit color video display adapter with true
color (recommended)
Graphics Card
Direct3D 9® and OpenGL® capable graphics card with
Shader Model 2 (minimum)
Hard disk
11 GB free disk space for installation
Pointing device
Microsoft® Mouse-compliant pointing device
DVD-ROM
Any speed (for installation only)
Optional hardware
Printer or plotter
Modem or access to an Internet connection
Network interface card
Hardware and software requirements for the network license server (Windows)
Hardware/Software
Requirement
Operating System
Microsoft® Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)
■
Windows 7 Enterprise
■
Windows 7 Ultimate
■
Windows 7 Professional
■
Windows 7 Home Premium
Microsoft® Windows Vista® SP2 or later (32-bit or 64-bit)
■
Windows Vista Enterprise
■
Windows Vista Ultimate
■
Windows Vista Business
■
Windows Vista Home Premium and Basic (32-bit)
46 | Chapter 2 Installation
Hardware and software requirements for the network license server (Windows)
Hardware/Software
Requirement
■
Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
Microsoft® Windows XP SP2 or later (32-bit or 64-bit)
■
Windows XP Professional
■
Windows XP Home
Windows Server SP1 or later (32-bit or 64-bit)
■
Windows 2008 Server R2
■
Windows 2008 Server
■
Windows 2003 Server R2
■
Windows 2003 Server
Computer/processor
Intel® Pentium® III or higher
450 Mhz (minimum)
Network interface card
Compatible with existing Ethernet network infrastructure
NOTE The Network License Manager supports multiple network interface
cards, but at least one must be an Ethernet card.
Communication protocol
TCP/IP
NOTE The Network License Manager uses TCP packet types.
Browsers
Internet Explorer® 6.1
Internet Explorer 7
Internet Explorer 8
FLEXnet
11.9.0.0
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 47
Determine the Installation Type
When you set up your deployment, you specify the installation type by target
platform and license type.
Target Platform
Specify either a 32-bit or 64-bit platform, depending on the operating system
of the computers that will use the deployment. For some Autodesk products,
you can install a 32-bit version on a 64-bit operating system.
License Type
Specify one of the following license types, based on the type of license you
purchased:
■
Network License installation. With this type of installation, you install
the program to workstations with the files and registry entries that allow
the program to communicate with the Network License Manager. You
also define the configuration of the Network License Manager so that
the licenses can be accessed. Workstations running the program based on
a network installation do not require individual activation. Licensing of
this program is managed by at least one license server.
The main advantage is that you can install Autodesk Navisworks Simulate
2012 on more systems than the number of licenses you have purchased
(for example, purchasing 25 licenses but installing on 40 workstations).
At any one time, Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 runs on the
maximum number of systems for which you have licenses. This means
you get a true floating license.
■
Multi-Seat Stand-Alone installation (Stand-Alone option). Choose
this type of installation for stand-alone installations where a single serial
number and product key are used for multiple seats. Multi-seat stand-alone
installations do not rely upon a Network License Manager to manage
product licenses; however, you can still use the Autodesk Navisworks
Simulate 2012Installation wizard to create administrative images and
create deployments. Registration and activation is more automated for
multi-seat stand-alone installations. After the first activation using the
multi-seat stand-alone serial number, activation occurs automatically for
all workstations based on this deployment, as long as your systems are
connected to the Internet.
■
Stand-Alone installation (Stand-Alone option). Choose this type
of installation for stand-alone installations where a single serial number
48 | Chapter 2 Installation
and product key are used for a single seat. Like a multi-seat stand-alone
installation, you do not use the Network License Manager to manage
product licensing, but installation, registration, and activation occurs on
each workstation.
If you choose one of the stand-alone installation types, you can proceed to
the section Distribute the Program (page 52).
Choose a License Server Model
If you chose the Network License option, you need to decide which license
server model to use to distribute the product licenses.
TIP If you are deploying a stand-alone or multi-seat stand-alone installation type,
you do not use a license server model. Proceed to the section Distribute the Program (page 52).
For the network installation, use one of the following license server models:
■ Single license server model. The Network License Manager is
installed on a single server, so license management and activity is restricted
to this server. A single license file represents the total number of licenses
available on the server.
■
Distributed license server model. Licenses are distributed across more
than one server. A unique license file is required for each server. To create
a distributed license server, you must run the Network License Manager
on each server that is part of the distributed server pool.
■
Redundant license server model. You use three servers to authenticate
a single license file. One server acts as the master, while the other two
provide backup if the master server fails. With this configuration, licenses
continue to be monitored and issued as long as at least two servers are still
functional. The license file on all three servers is the same. You must install
the Network License Manager on each server.
Each of these license server models is described in detail in the Autodesk
Licensing Guide. It is strongly recommended that you read that guide before
you deploy the program. You can find the Autodesk Licensing Guide by clicking
the Installation Help link at the lower left corner of the Autodesk
Navisworks Simulate 2012Deployment wizard.
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 49
Set Up Network Tools and Your License Server
If you are planning to have users run the program using network licenses, you
need to use the Network License Manager.
The Network License Manager helps you configure and manage license
servers.
Install the Network License Manager
The Network License Manager is used to configure and manage the license
servers.
To install your Network License Manager
1 In the Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012Installation wizard, click
Install Tools and Utilities.
2 On the Configure Installation page, select Network License
Manager and click Install.
NOTE You can accept the default installation path (C:\Program Files\Autodesk)
or Browse to specify a different path. If you enter a path that does not exist,
a new folder is created using the name and location you provide.
WARNING Do not install the Network License Manager on a remote
drive. When you install the Network License Manager files, you must
provide a path to a local drive. You must specify the drive letter; the universal
naming convention (UNC) is not supported.
3 Review the Autodesk software license agreement for your country or
region. You must accept this agreement to proceed with the installation.
Choose your country or region, click I Accept, and then click Next.
4 When the Installation Complete page displays, click Finish.
To Activate a Network License Through
Autodesk.com
If your product does not include the Network License Activation Utility, you
can activate your license by going to https://registeronce.autodesk.com, and
following the on-screen instructions.
50 | Chapter 2 Installation
Configure Your License Server
You configure a license server so that you can manage the Autodesk Navisworks
product licenses.
You can configure the license server with the lmtools.exe utility.
You should be logged in with Administrator rights when working with the
LMTOOLS utility.
To configure your license server
1 Do one of the following:
■ (Windows XP) Click Start ➤ All
Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤ Network License
Manager ➤ LMTOOLS.
■
(Windows Vista and Windows 7) Double-click the LMTOOLS icon
on the desktop.
2 In the Lmtools program, on the Service/License File tab, select the
Configure Using Services option.
3 Click the Config Services tab.
4 In the Service Name list, select the service name you want to use to
manage licenses.
By default, the service name is FLEXnet Service 1. If FLEXnet® is managing
other software on your computer in addition to Autodesk, you can change
the service name to avoid confusion, for example, you can rename
FLEXnet Service 1 to Autodesk Server1.
NOTE If you have more than one software vendor using FLEXnet for license
management, the Service Name list contains more than one option. Make
sure that only one Autodesk service is listed.
5 In the Path to Lmgrd.exe File field, enter the path to the Network
License Manager daemon (lmgrd.exe), or click Browse to locate the file.
By default, this daemon is installed in the C:\Program Files\Autodesk
Network License Manager folder.
6 In the Path to the License File box, enter the path to your license
file, or click Browse to locate the file.
7 In the Path to the Debug Log File box, enter a path to create a debug
log, or click Browse to locate an existing log file.
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 51
It is recommended that you save to the \Program Files\Autodesk Network
License Manager folder. The log file must have a .log file extension. For
new log files, you must enter the .log extension manually.
8 To run lmgrd.exe as a service, select Use Services.
9 To automatically start lmgrd.exe when the system starts, select Start
Server at Power Up.
10 Click Save Service to save the new configuration under the service
name you selected in step 4. Click Yes when prompted if you would like
to save the settings to the service.
11 Click the Start/Stop/Reread tab and do one of the following:
■ If a service has not yet been defined for Autodesk, click Start Server
to start the license server.
■
If a service for Autodesk is already defined and running, click ReRead
License File to refresh the Network License Manager with any
changes made to the license file or Options file.
The license server starts running and is ready to respond to client
requests.
12 Close lmtools.exe.
Distribute the Program
Once you have fully prepared for creating a deployment, you are ready to set
up and distribute Autodesk Navisworks by using the Deployment wizard
and choosing a deployment method.
Create a Network Share
A network share is an installation folder that you make available to users'
computers on a network. You point users to this location to install the program.
Create a network share that will be used by the Autodesk Navisworks
Deployment wizard during the creation of a client deployment.
A shared folder is required for network license and multi-seat stand-alone
methods of installation.
It is recommended that you name the network share folder Deployments on
the desktop of the system where you want deployments stored. You can then
add subfolders inside the shared Deployments folder that clearly convey the
52 | Chapter 2 Installation
name of product you plan to deploy. This is also beneficial if you plan to
deploy multiple products.
Any subfolders that are placed inside a shared folder are automatically shared.
TIP You must have Full Control permissions set for your shared folder when you
are creating your deployment images. Read permissions are necessary to access
the network share and administrative permissions on the workstation where the
program is deployed.
To create your network share
1 On the desktop of a network server, create a folder named Deployments.
2 Right-click the Deployments folder and click Share and Security (or
Sharing).
3 In the [folder name]Properties dialog box, Sharing tab, select Share
This Folder.
4 Specify a Share Name, such as Deployments, if necessary.
5 Click the Permissions button. In the Permissions dialog box make
sure Full Control is active. Click OK.
In Windows Vista and Windows 7, right-click the Deployments folder
and then click Share. In the Properties dialog box select Sharing and
then Advanced Sharing to share the folder. Click the Permissions
button to make sure Full Control is active. Click OK.
These steps are important when creating your deployment images.
6 Click OK or Close to close the Properties dialog box.
7 For each product you plan to install, create a subfolder in the Deployments
folder. Name each folder with the pertinent product name.
Minimize the Chances of Installation Failure
The Autodesk Navisworks installation process may stop if some applications,
such as Microsoft Outlook or virus checking programs, are running when you
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 53
are creating a deployment. Close all running applications and temporarily
disable virus checking utilities.
Distribute an Autodesk Navisworks Product
You can choose from several methods of distributing an Autodesk program.
Network sharing is the default method.
■ Network Share. Users launch the program with the shortcut icon that
you created with the Deployment wizard. The program is installed on users'
local computers, and a product icon appears on their desktop.
NOTE Users must have Read permissions to access the network share and
administrative permissions on the workstation where this program is installed.
■
Scripting. A script executes a command or a set of commands. Scripts
are similar to batch files but are more flexible. Installation scripts are most
useful for stand-alone installation of programs on computers that are
connected to a network. Scripts are also useful for installing service packs,
extensions, and object enablers on a network.
■
Imaging Software. You can use imaging software, such as Norton Ghost,
to create a master image to distribute Autodesk products. Once created,
the master image is then replicated to other computers throughout your
facility.
Care needs to be taken since the use of imaging software can result in
conflicts with the product licensing, incomplete installations, and problems
with activation.
Set Up a Deployment
The deployment process provides you with numerous options for creating,
and customizing your deployments, so you should set aside ample time to
complete the process in one sitting.
To be successful it is recommended that your review the following checklist
and information before you begin. The deployment process is initiated from
the Deployment wizard. Once a deployment is created, users then access the
deployment to install products to their computers.
54 | Chapter 2 Installation
Preliminary Tasks for a Network Deployment
This checklist identifies preliminary tasks to complete, information to gather,
and decisions to make before creating a network deployment.
TIP To review deployment settings, including details of product configuration,
you can create a test deployment. After the learning process, you can delete the
test deployment.
Deployment Checklist
Review the system requirements by clicking the System
Requirements link in the installer. Confirm that your
network, servers, and client workstations meet these
system requirements.
You understand the type of license you’ve purchased. If
you plan a network license deployment, you should also
be familiar with the type of license server model you
want to use and the license server names.
You have installed and activated any supporting tools
and utilities. For example, if you are using a network license, install the Network License Manager from the installer.
You have located your product serial number and
product key. The serial number and product key are
located on the outside of the product packaging, or in
the email you received if you downloaded your product
or upgrade from Autodesk.
You have identified the location (such as a shared folder)
where deployments will reside for each program you
plan to deploy.
You have closed all other programs and disabled antivirus software.
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 55
Deployment Checklist
You have decided what languages you will include in
your administrative image, and what languages you will
use for your deployment package.
NOTE Languages can be included when you initially
create a deployment, or when you create a new deployment configuration, but not when you modify a deployment.
Determine whether to create log files on individual
computers, in the deployment folder, or both.
Determine whether to run installations in silent mode.
NOTE When products are installed in silent mode, the
user's system can automatically reboot without warning
when the installation is complete.
Identify other applicable configuration settings such as
locations of support files, and whether to automatically
install service packs.
You have decided if you want to include centralized
product settings with your deployment, such as global
options, workspaces, datatools, avatars, Clash Detective
rules and custom tests, Presenter archives, object animation scripts, and so on.
Choose a Language
You can select a different language for deployment instructions, and a language
for product installations in the same deployment process.
For example, if you need to provide Autodesk Navisworks to users in one or
more languages different than your own, you can download language packs
from the installer that will allow you to deploy the product in the languages
you need to support.
56 | Chapter 2 Installation
NOTE Language packs can only be included in an administrative image during
the creation of the deployment and not during modification.
When you start the deployment process, the installer automatically determines
your operating system language. If a supported language is detected, your
deployment pages are displayed in that language. If you want to change that
language, you can choose a different one from the installer language list on
the opening page of the Installation wizard.
NOTE Some products may not have multi-language support at the time of product
release. Additional language support may be available later. Check http://support.autodesk.com for the availability of additional language packs.
Using Language Packs
Language packs support use of different languages in each Autodesk Navisworks
product, including exporters. Pack names start with NAVFREE_, , NAVSIM_,
NAVMAN_, and exporters_ respectively.
NOTE You can only select one language pack for each product for deployment.
It is possible to manually install additional language packs to Autodesk
Navisworks products later by double-clicking on the language pack MSI file.
Alternatively, you can set up and run scripts to install additional language
packs.
Language packs are located on the installation DVD and unpacked downloaded
media under the x86 folder for 32-bit products and under the x64 folder for
64-bit products.
■
Language packs for specific products are included in the NAVFREE, ,
NAVSIM, NAVMAN, and NWEXPORT subfolders of x86 and x64 folders.
■
Language packs for specific languages are included in the en-US (English),
de-DE (German), es-ES (Spanish), fr-FR (French), it-IT (Italian), ja-JP
(Japanese), ko-KR (Korean), pt-BR (Brazilian Portuguese), ru-RU (Russian)
and zh-CN (Chinese PRC) subfolders of the product folders.
Your Deployment Choices
When you create a deployment, you will make several choices during the
process to create various client deployment images and deployment types.
The following sections outline your choices in more detail.
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 57
What Is Silent Mode?
When silent mode is active and a user initiates the deployment, the installation
proceeds without any explicit user input.
No dialog boxes are presented that require interaction from the user. This
includes all error and warning dialog boxes. Check the log file for errors that
may occur in the event of installation problems.
Enable silent mode by clicking the Run installations in silent mode check
box in the Configure page.
To prevent a silent install from failing on client computers:
■ Install Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 on the client computers
■
Reboot client computers before installing Autodesk Navisworks Simulate
2012
Specify Log File Locations
On the Create Deployment ➤ Configure page of the deployment process,
you can choose whether or not to create a log file by selecting the appropriate
check box in the Installation Settings area. The program has two types of
log files with which you can monitor information about deployments and
installations.
■
Network log. The network log file keeps a record of all workstations that
run the deployment. The log lists the user name, workstation name, and
the status of the installation. Refer to this file for status information and
details about problems that users encountered during installation (for
example, low disc space or inadequate permissions).
The network log is named with the same name you chose for your
deployment. You can specify where the log file is created by entering either
58 | Chapter 2 Installation
a valid UNC (universal naming convention) path or hard-coded path on
your network, for example \\MyComputer\Autodesk\.
Users should use their actual computer name in place of MyComputer.
NOTE The folder where the network log resides must be a shared folder where
users who install the program have Change permissions. Otherwise, successes
or failures for user installations cannot be written to the log file.
■
Client log. The client log contains detailed installation information for
each workstation. This information may be useful in diagnosing installation
problems. The client log is located in the "Temp" directory of each client
workstation.
To specify a log file location
1 While creating a deployment, on the Configure Deployment page,
select the Create a Network Log File check box. Enter the name of
the folder where you want the network log to be located.
2 If you want to create a client log, select the Create a Log File in Each
Workstation's Temp Folder option.
3 Click Next.
Select a License Type
When you set up your deployment, you choose the type of installation to
deploy based on the type of software license you purchased: stand-alone or
network. You also select the network license server model you want to use to
distribute product licenses.
IMPORTANT Depending on the type of option you choose, network or stand-alone
license, note that you must use the same type of installation for all those products
in your deployment session. If you select products that do not support the type
of license you purchased, you will not be able to activate those products.
Specify the license type to use during deployment
■
Stand-Alone License (a single serial number for a single seat). For a
Stand-Alone License, you install, register, and activate the program on
each workstation.
■
Network License. With this type of installation, you install the program
to workstations with the files and registry entries that allow the program
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 59
to communicate with the Network License Manager. You also define
the configuration of the Network License Manager so that the licenses
can be accessed. Workstations running the program based on a network
installation do not require individual activation. Licensing of this program
is managed by at least one license server.
Specify the license server model during deployment
If you choose the Network license option, you need to decide which license
server model to use to distribute your product licenses - single, distributed or
redundant license server model.
If you are deploying a stand-alone or multi-seat stand-alone installation type,
you do not use a license server model. For more information on server models,
see Choose a License Server Model (page 49).
To deploy a Stand-Alone License
1 While creating a deployment, on the Product Information page,
select Stand-Alone.
2 Click Next.
To deploy a network license using a single license server model
1 While creating a deployment, on the Product Information page,
select the Network option.
2 Select Single License Server as the license server model you want to
use with the Network License Manager.
If you have already used the Network License Manager to create a
license server model, you must select the same license server model in
this step. If you have not yet used the Network License Manager to
create a license server model, make sure that you select the same settings
in the Network License Manager that you choose here.
3 Enter the server name of the server that will run the Network License
Manager, or click the Browse button to locate the server. Click Next.
60 | Chapter 2 Installation
For more information about license server models and setting up your license
server, see Choose a License Server Model (page 49) or Configure Your License
Server (page 51).
To deploy a network license using a distributed license server model
1 While creating a deployment, on the Product Information page,
select the Network option.
2 Select Distributed License Server as the license server model you
want to use with the Network License Manager.
If you have already used the Network License Manager to create a
license server model, you must select the same license server model in
this step. If you have not yet used the Network License Manager to
create a license server model, make sure that you select the same settings
in the Network License Manager that you choose here.
3 Enter the name of one of the servers that will run the Network License
Manager, or click the Browse button to locate the server. Click Add
to add the server to the Server Pool. Once all the servers are added to
the Server Pool list, use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to
arrange the servers in the order you want them to be searched by a user's
workstation. You must enter at least two servers. Click Next.
For more information about license server models and setting up your license
server, see Choose a License Server Model (page 49) or Configure Your License
Server (page 51).
To deploy a network license using a redundant license server model
1 While creating a deployment, on the Product Information page,
select the Network option.
2 Select Redundant License Server as the license server model you
want to use with the Network License Manager.
If you have already used the Network License Manager to create a
license server model, you must select the same license server model in
this step. If you have not yet used the Network License Manager to
create a license server model, make sure that you select the same settings
in the Network License Manager that you choose here.
3 In the First Server Name field, enter a server name of one server that
will run the Network License Manager, or click the Browse button
to locate the server. Enter the server names for the remaining two servers
that you will use in the redundant server pool. Click Next.
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 61
NOTE If you are not sure how to obtain the server host name, see Plan
Your License Server Configuration in the Autodesk Licensing Guide by
clicking the Installation Help link at the lower left corner of the
Deployment wizard.
For more information about license server models and setting up your license
server, see Choose a License Server Model (page 49) or Configure Your License
Server (page 51).
Customize Deployment
When you create a deployment, you can accept the default settings for any
product you choose to install, or you can configure these settings to create a
custom deployment. To configure product settings, on the Create
Deployment page of the installer, ensure that the product is selected for
installation, and then click the product in the scrolling list. The configuration
panel opens. Most products allow you to choose an installation type, either
Typical to select the most common options, or Custom to review options
in more detail. You can also select the Project and Site Folders and
configure additional deployment settings.
After you have configured the settings as required, click the product name to
close the configuration panel.
NOTE The configuration settings you choose apply to every instance of the product
installed from the deployment. After the deployment is created, these settings can
be changed only by modifying the deployment. For more information, see Modify
a Deployment (page 69).
Configure Individual Products
As part of making your deployment choices, you can accept the default settings
for any product you choose to install, or you can configure these settings to
create a custom deployment.
■
Typical. Installs the most common application features. This option is
recommended for most users.
■
Custom. Installs only the application features that you select.
62 | Chapter 2 Installation
To deploy a typical installation, and specify a product location
1 During the deployment, Typical is the default installation type. You
can confirm this on the Configure Deployment page, by clicking a
product name to open the configuration panel where you can view the
installation type.
2 Enter the path on the client workstation where you want to install the
program, for example C:\Program Files\.
3 Click the product name again to close the configuration panel.
To deploy a custom installation, choose optional features, and specify a
product location
1 During the deployment, on the Configure Deployment page, click a
product name to open the configuration panel.
2 Select the Custom option as the type of installation that you want.
3 From the Select Features to Install list, select the features that you
want to install.
Your choices are as follows:
Redistributable ActiveX Control
Contains Autodesk Navisworks Redistributable ActiveX control.
API
Contains the Component Object Model
interface for customizing and extending
the Autodesk Navisworks functionality.
Example NWD files
Contains various feature sample files.
Batch Utility
Contains an add-in to run and schedule
commands.
Program
Contains full set of Autodesk Navisworks
files.
Sample RPCs
Contains several Rich Photorealistic Content
files.
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 63
NOTE For Autodesk Navisworks exporter plugins, currently you cannot
change which plugins are installed. By default, the exporter plugins for all
third-party products installed on a client computer will be automatically
enabled.
If, after making feature changes, you decide you want the original
selections, click the Restore Defaults.
4 Click the product name to close the configuration panel.
5 Enter the path on the client workstation where you want to install the
program, for example C:\Program Files\.
Select the Project and Site Folders (optional)
When you set up your deployment, you can share various Autodesk Navisworks
settings across entire project site, or across a specific project group depending
on the required level of granularity.
See also:
How do I share the Autodesk Navisworks settings on a site and project
basis? (page 73)
To select the Project and Site folders
1 On the Configure Installation page, click the product name to open
the configuration panel where you can review and change settings.
2 In the Project Folder box, click the Browse button to select the
directory that contains the Autodesk Navisworks settings specific to a
project group.
3 In the Site Folder box, click the Browse button to select the directory
that contains the Autodesk Navisworks settings standard across the entire
project site.
Select Additional Configuration Options
You can customize user preferences, include additional files and service packs,
and specify Communication Center options and access to online resources
for each of the products you choose to install. See Additional Deployment
Configuration Options (page 79).
64 | Chapter 2 Installation
Create a Deployment
A deployment contains a Microsoft Transform (MST) file that modifies the
default behavior of the installation program.
As you begin a deployment, you need to select the location of your
administrative image, a deployment name, and if your target systems are 32or 64-bit operating systems.
Create a Deployment Using Default Values
This is the fastest means of creating client deployment images.
To create a default deployment using default values
1 Close all running applications on your computer and start the
Installation wizard.
2 On the Installation wizard, if required, select an alternate language
for the Installation wizard from the Installation Instructions
drop-down, and then click Create Deployment.
3 On the Configure Deployment page, Administrative Image
section, specify the following data:
a In the Deployment Configuration Name field, enter a
descriptive name for the deployment that identifies the user group,
platform, or other attribute to differentiate this deployment from
others. The name you enter here is the name of the shortcut users
will access to install the product.
b In the Administrative Image Path field, enter the path to your
existing shared network location, or use the Browse button to
navigate to that location. This area is where you create and store
your administrative image. Users install the program from this
location.
NOTE If you do not know how to create a network share, see Create
a Network Share (page 52).
c Under Target Platform select either 32-bit or 64-bit for your
target operating system. This selection does not identify the system
your deployment was created on; it identifies your target system.
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 65
d Choose whether to Include Only the Products Required by
this Configuration.
■ If selected, the deployment cannot be modified in future to
include additional products.
■
If unselected, the administrative image will include all possible
products, so the current deployment can be modified in any
way.
TIP It is recommended that you include all available products if you plan
to create multiple deployments from this administrative image with different
product mixes, and prefer not to use the installation media again. If there
are products you will never use, or if you do not expect to create additional
deployments, you should select a subset of products.
4 In the Installation Settings section, select one or more of these
options:
■ Silent Mode. The installation runs in background, without
prompting the user for any input.
NOTE Silent mode can automatically restart the user's computer without
warning after installation.
■
Workstation Log. Log file on each workstation can enable users
to review and troubleshoot their own installations.
■
Network Log. Log file in a central location supports the network
administrator in reviewing data for all installations.
NOTE The network log file must be in a shared folder where users of the
deployment have read-write access. Otherwise, log data for user
installations cannot be written to the log file. For more information
regarding log files, refer to Specify Log File Locations (page 58).
5 Click Next.
6 Review the Autodesk software license agreement for your country or
region. You must accept this agreement to proceed with the installation.
Choose your country or region, click I Accept, and then click Next.
NOTE If you do not agree to the terms of the license and want to terminate
the installation, click Cancel.
7 On the Product Information page, select a License Type (page 59)
and enter your Serial Number and Product Key. If the data is valid,
green check marks appear. Click Next.
66 | Chapter 2 Installation
8 On the Configure Deployment page, select the products to include
in the deployment, and if required add language pack(s) from the
Product Language drop-down (see Choose a Language (page 33)).
9 Click Create.
After the deployment is created, the Deployment Configuration
Complete page opens, presenting useful paths to the new deployment
and a link for registering products online.
10 After you have finished using this screen, click Finish.
Create a Deployment Using Configured or
Customized Values
If you plan on altering your deployment by removing features or restricting
access to online resources you can create a configured or customized
deployment.
To create a custom deployment
1 Close all running applications on your computer and start the
Installation wizard.
2 On the Installation wizard, if required, select an alternate language
for the Installation wizard from the Installation Instructions
drop-down, and then click Create Deployment.
3 On the Configure Deployment page, Administrative Image
section, specify the following data:
a In the Deployment Configuration Name field, enter a
descriptive name for the deployment that identifies the user group,
platform, or other attribute to differentiate this deployment from
others. The name you enter here is the name of the shortcut users
will access to install the product.
b In the Administrative Image Path field, enter the path to your
existing shared network location, or use the Browse button to
navigate to that location. This area is where you create and store
your administrative image. Users install the program from this
location.
NOTE If you do not know how to create a network share, see Create
a Network Share (page 52).
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 67
c Under Target Platform: select either 32-bit or 64-bit for your
target operating system. This selection does not identify the system
your deployment was created on; it identifies your target system.
d Choose whether to Include Only the Products Required by
this Configuration.
■ If selected, the deployment cannot be modified in future to
include additional products.
■
If unselected, the administrative image will include all possible
products, so the current deployment can be modified in any
way.
TIP It is recommended that you include all available products if you plan
to create multiple deployments from this administrative image with different
product mixes, and prefer not to use the installation media again. If there
are products you will never use, or if you do not expect to create additional
deployments, you should select a subset of products.
4 In the Installation Settings section, select one or more of these
options:
■ Silent Mode. The installation runs in background, without
prompting the user for any input.
NOTE Silent mode can automatically restart the user's computer without
warning after installation.
■
Workstation Log. Log file on each workstation can enable users
to review and troubleshoot their own installations.
■
Network Log. log file in a central location supports the network
administrator in reviewing data for all installations.
NOTE The network log file must be in a shared folder where users of the
deployment have read-write access. Otherwise, log data for user
installations cannot be written to the log file. For more information
regarding log files, refer to Specify Log File Locations (page 58).
5 Click Next.
6 Review the Autodesk software license agreement for your country or
region. You must accept this agreement to proceed with the installation.
Choose your country or region, click I Accept, and then click Next.
NOTE If you do not agree to the terms of the license and want to terminate
the installation, click Cancel.
68 | Chapter 2 Installation
7 On the Product Information page, select a License Type (page 59)
and enter your Serial Number and Product Key. If the data is valid,
green check marks appear. Click Next.
8 On the Configure Deployment page, select the products to deploy,
and if required add a language pack(s) from the Product Language
drop-down (see Choose a Language (page 33)).
9 If you need to configure settings for a product, click the product name
to open the configuration panel, where you can review and change
settings. See Customize Deployment (page 62).
NOTE The configuration settings you choose apply to every instance of the
product installed from the deployment. After the deployment is created,
these settings can be changed only by modifying the deployment.
10 Click the product name to close the configuration panel.
11 Click Create.
After the deployment is created, the Deployment Configuration
Complete page opens, presenting useful paths to the new deployment
and a link for registering products online.
12 After you have finished using this screen, click Finish.
Modify a Deployment (optional)
After a deployment is created, it may be necessary to modify the deployment
for some client workstations.
You can apply a patch or select various custom files that are not part of the
base administrative image. You can also perform modifications such as
changing the installation directory from drive C to drive D.
To modify a deployment
1 Open the shared network folder where you originally chose to place your
product deployment.
2 In the Tools folder, double-click the Create and Modify a
Deployment shortcut.
This re-opens the Deployment wizard.
3 Click through the deployment pages and make the necessary changes.
4 After all the modifications have been made, click Create Deployment.
Install Autodesk Navisworks for Multiple Users | 69
Point Users to the Administrative Image
When you have completed the deployment process, you are ready to have
users install the newly created or modified deployment.
You need to notify your users of the shortcut that was created in the
administrative image. The shortcut is the same name that you chose when
you created a deployment (page 65).
To point users to the administrative image
■
The simplest method of notifying users how to install the deployment is
to email them with instructions about using the shortcut. At a minimum,
the instructions need to include the location of the deployment and
instructions about double-clicking the shortcut to the deployment.
Uninstall an Autodesk Product
When you uninstall an Autodesk product, all components are removed in the
process.
This means that even if you have previously added or removed components,
or if you have reinstalled or repaired an Autodesk product, uninstalling removes
all Autodesk product installation files from your system.
IMPORTANT Do not use registry cleaning programs or attempt to modify the
registry entries yourself to uninstall an Autodesk product. Failure to follow the
official uninstall procedure will result in the inability to re-install the software.
To uninstall the program
1 Do one of the following:
■ (Windows XP) Click Start ➤ Settings ➤ Control Panel ➤ Add
or Remove Programs.
■
(Windows Vista and Windows 7) Click Start ➤ Control
Panel ➤ Programs and Features.
2 From the list of programs, click Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012,
and then click Change/Remove (Windows XP) or Uninstall/Change
(Windows Vista and Windows 7).
The Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012Installation wizard re-opens
in Maintenance Mode.
70 | Chapter 2 Installation
3 Click Uninstall.
4 On the UninstallAutodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 page, click Next
to remove Autodesk Navisworks from the system.
5 When informed that the product has been successfully uninstalled, click
Finish.
NOTE Even though Autodesk Navisworks is removed from your system, the
software license remains. If you reinstall Autodesk Navisworks at some future time,
you will not have to register and re-activate the program.
Installation Troubleshooting
This section provides solutions to installation issues and answers to commonly
asked questions that may arise while installing your products.
Additional troubleshooting information and support is also available at http://support.autodesk.com.
General Installation Issues
This section provides solutions to installation issues and answers to commonly
asked questions that may arise while installing your products.
How can I check my graphics card driver to see if
it needs to be updated?
It is recommended that you ensure your computer has the most current
graphics card driver for the best possible display performance.
To identify your graphics card driver
1 Start Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012.
2 In the InfoCenter box, click the down arrow next to the Help button
➤ System Info.
The Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 information dialog box opens.
3 Review the information about your system including the graphics card
driver and driver version, and click OK to close the dialog.
Installation Troubleshooting | 71
To check the Web for an updated graphics card driver
■
Use Windows Update. If a more recent graphics card driver is available,
select it to have Windows Update download and install it.
■
Search the graphics card manufacturer’s website for the type of installed
graphics card. If a more recent graphics card driver is available, install it
following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
To install an updated graphics card driver
1 Check the Web for to see if an updated driver is available.
■ Use Windows Update.
■
Search the graphics card manufacturer’s website for the type of
installed graphics card.
2 If a more recent graphics card driver is available, follow the instructions
from the website to download and install it.
How do I switch my license from stand-alone to
network or network to stand-alone?
If you simply entered the wrong license type by mistake, and are still running
the installer, use the Back button to return to the Product Information
page, and change the License Type.
If you want to change the license type for an installed product, contact your
Autodesk reseller or license supplier to obtain the new license and serial
number. Then uninstall your product and run a new install to change the
license type and enter the new serial number.
When performing a Typical installation, what gets
installed?
A Typical installation includes the following features:
Redistributable ActiveX Control
72 | Chapter 2 Installation
Contains Autodesk Navisworks Redistributable ActiveX control.
API
Contains the Component Object Model interface for customizing and extending the
Autodesk Navisworks functionality.
Example NWD files
Contains various feature sample files.
Batch Utility
Contains an add-in to run and schedule
commands.
Program
Contains full set of Autodesk Navisworks
files.
Sample RPCs
Contains several Rich Photorealistic Content
files.
Why should I specify the Project Folder and Site
Folder?
You can share global Autodesk Navisworks settings, workspaces, datatools,
avatars, Clash Detective rules and custom tests, Presenter archives, object
animation scripts, and so on, with other users.
These settings can be shared across an entire project site, or across a specific
project group depending on the required level of granularity.
Autodesk Navisworks examines the current user profile and the all users profile
on the local machine, and then checks the settings in the Project Directory
and the Site Directory. The files in the Project Directory take precedence.
How do I share the Autodesk Navisworks settings
on a site and project basis?
Sharing Autodesk Navisworks settings requires you to export the desired
settings as an XML file to the appropriate Site or Project directory’s
global_options folder. The name of the XML file is not significant. However it
must be stored in the global_options folder.
Installation Troubleshooting | 73
TIP When you configure global options, you can lock some of the options to
prevent users from editing them later on local machines. To create a locked global
options file, run the stand-alone Options Editor from the command line by
typing “drive:pathname\OptionsEditor.exe” -l. The Options Editor opens
with the locking facility.
To share settings on a site and project basis
1 Create appropriate Site and Project directories and subfolders in a central
location to be accessed by other Navisworks users.
2 In Autodesk Navisworks, click the application button ➤ Options
Editor.
3 Click Export.
4 In the Select Options to Export dialog box, check all options you
want to export and click OK.
5 In the Save As dialog box, name the XML file as desired and save it to
the global_options folder in the appropriate Site or Project directory.
See also:
Location Options (page 154)
Autodesk Navisworks Options (page 150)
Select the Project and Site Folders (optional) (page 64)
74 | Chapter 2 Installation
How do I change which exporter plugins are
installed?
For Autodesk Navisworks exporter plugins, you can change which plugins are
installed by clicking on an exporter plugin to open the configuration panel
on the Configure Deployment page of the Installation wizard.
Indicates the third-party software already installed on your computer.
Indicates plugins for the third-party software, that are either not installed
or have not been detected by the Installation wizard.
Select the check boxes next to all required plugins. If the third-party software
has not been detected by the wizard, you can manually enable the plugins
for it. Selecting the check box automatically opens the dialog box, which
enables you to browse for the correct software installation directory.
How do I register and activate Autodesk
Navisworks?
The first time you start Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012, the Product
Activation wizard is displayed. You can either activate Autodesk Navisworks
at that time or run Autodesk Navisworks and activate it later.
Until you register and enter a valid activation code for Autodesk Navisworks
Simulate 2012, you are operating the program in trial mode and the Product
Activation wizard is displayed for 30 days from the first time that you run
the program. If after 30 days of running Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
in trial mode you have not registered and provided a valid activation code,
your only option is to register and activate Autodesk Navisworks Simulate
2012. You will not be able to run in trial mode after the 30 days expires. Once
you register and activate Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012, the Product
Activation wizard is no longer displayed.
TIP The fastest and most reliable way to register and activate your product is by
using the Internet. Simply enter your registration information and send it to
Autodesk over the Internet. Once you submit your information, registration and
activation occur almost instantly.
If you installed Autodesk Navisworks as part of a suite, a single trial period,
usually 30 days, applies to all Autodesk products in the suite. When the first
product is started, the trial period countdown begins for all products. If you
Installation Troubleshooting | 75
do not activate one of the products before the trial period ends, access to all
of the products is denied. After the trial period ends, you can restore access
to the products by entering an activation code.
To register and activate Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
1 Click Start ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤ Autodesk Navisworks
Simulate 2012 ➤ Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012.
2 In the Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012Product Activation wizard,
select Activate the Product, and then click Next.
This starts the Register Today process.
3 Click Register and Activate (Get an Activation Code).
4 Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you do not have Internet access, or if you want to use another method
of registration, you can register and activate Autodesk Navisworks
Simulate 2012 in one of the following ways:
■
Email. Create an email message with your registration information
and send it to Autodesk.
■
Fax or Post/Mail. Enter your registration information, and fax or
mail the information to Autodesk.
Run the installer again from the original media, and click Install Tools &
Utilities on the first screen. The installer guides you through the process of
selection, configuration and installation of tools and utilities.
When should I reinstall the product instead of
repairing it?
Reinstall your product if you accidentally delete or alter files that are required
by the program.
Missing or altered files adversely affect the performance of your product and
cause error messages when you try to execute a command or find a file.
If an attempt to repair an installation fails, reinstalling is the next best option.
76 | Chapter 2 Installation
When I uninstall my software, what files are left
on my system?
If you uninstall the product, some files remain on your computer such as files
you created or edited (for example, drawings or custom menus).
Your license file also stays on your computer when you uninstall your product.
If you reinstall on the same computer, the license information remains valid;
you do not have to reactivate the product.
Deployment Issues
This section outlines common issues and their solutions with regards to
software deployments.
Is there a checklist I can refer to when performing
a deployment?
The Installation chapter contains a complete section that describes preliminary
actions and the entire deployment process. See Preliminary Tasks for a Network
Deployment (page 55).
Where should deployments be located?
Shared folders are required for both network license and multi-seat stand-alone
methods of installation.
The shared folder (network share) is created before you run the Installation
wizard and is where product deployments are stored. It is recommended that
you name the network share folder Deployments on the desktop of the system
where you want deployments stored. You can then add subfolders inside the
shared Deployments folder that clearly convey the names of products you plan
to deploy. For example:
Installation Troubleshooting | 77
Any subfolders that are placed inside a shared folder are automatically shared.
NOTE You must have Full Control permissions set for your shared folder when
you are creating your deployment images. Read permissions are necessary to
access the network share and administrative permissions on the workstation where
the program is deployed.
Where can I check if service packs are available
for my software?
To find out if a patch or Service Pack is available for your product, visit the
Autodesk Product Support page at http://support.autodesk.com.
How do I choose between 32-bit and 64-bit
deployments?
You have a choice of selecting 32-bit or 64-bit deployment. This choice controls
which operating system the deployment is targeted at, NOT what sort of
products to include in the deployment.
■ Selecting 32-bit deployment gives you a choice of 32-bit products, and will
only install on 32-bit operating systems.
■
Selecting 64-bit deployment gives you a choice of 32-bit and 64-bit
products, and will only install on 64-bit operating systems.
So, for example, if you want to install available 32-bit products on a 64-bit
operating system, you need to choose 64-bit deployment.
NOTE You can make either type of deployment from either type of operating
system.
What are information channels?
The Communication Center allows you to receive announcements from
various information channels. Through information channels, you can receive
the following:
■ Product Support information, including maintenance patch notifications.
78 | Chapter 2 Installation
■
Subscription Center announcements and subscription program news,
as well as links to e-Learning Lessons, if you are an Autodesk subscription
member.
■
Notifications of new articles and tips posted on Autodesk websites.
What are additional deployment configuration
options?
The following options are available in the configuration panel in the
Configure Deployment page of the Installation wizard.
User Preferences
■
Require Internet Explorer for Installation (does not apply to
Autodesk Navisworks)
■
Set DWFx as the Default Publishing Format (does not apply to
Autodesk Navisworks)
■
Set the Default Profile Name (does not apply to Autodesk Navisworks)
■
Create a Desktop Shortcut for Autodesk Navisworks Simulate
2012
Service Packs
■
Include Service Pack(s) from Local Drive or Local Network
■
Do Not Include Service Pack(s)
TIP See Where can I check if service packs are available for my software (page
78).
Communication Center Options
■
Enable Live Updates
■
Enable CAD Manager Channel (does not apply to Autodesk Navisworks)
■
Enable RSS Feeds
■
Allow User to Add RSS Feed
Installation Troubleshooting | 79
Access to Online Resources
■
Specify the Ability to Access Online Tools (does not apply to
Autodesk Navisworks)
■
Specify the Customer Error (CER) Settings
■
Specify the InfoCenter Search Settings (does not apply to Autodesk
Navisworks)
Licensing Issues
This section outlines common issues and their solutions with regards to
software licenses and licensing your products.
What is the difference between a stand-alone
license and a network license?
Stand-alone licensed products are registered and activated to an individual
workstation. While the software can be installed on multiple systems in your
facility, the license only allows one system to be operational. The Portable
License Utility can be used if a license needs to be transferred to another
system. If you need to run more systems, you need to purchase more
stand-alone licensed products, or consider converting to network licenses.
Network licensed products rely on the Network License Manager to keep
track of software licenses. The software can be installed and run on multiple
systems, up to the maximum number of licenses you’ve purchased. The
Network License Manager “checks out” licenses until they are all in use.
No further systems can run the program until a license is “checked in”. One
main advantage of a network license is that you can install products on more
computers than the number of licenses you have purchased. For example, you
can purchase 25 licenses but install them on 40 computers for ease of access.
At any one time, products can run on the maximum number of computers
for which you have licenses. This means you get a true floating license. A
network licensing system can also be configured to allow users to borrow a
license for a limited time to use on a computer disconnected from the network.
80 | Chapter 2 Installation
What is the benefit to using a network licensed
version of the software?
Network licensed products are recommended for large drafting/design facilities,
classrooms, and lab environments.
The main advantage is that you can install products on more systems than
the number of licenses you have purchased (for example, purchasing 25
licenses but installing on 40 workstations). At any one time, products will run
on the maximum number of systems for which you have licenses. This means
you get a true floating license. If software needs to be run on more systems,
additional licenses can be purchased.
Registration and activation occurs only once and the licenses are maintained
on your Network License Server.
What is Internet Explorer used for?
When you choose to activate the software, Internet Explorer makes this process
much faster.
After installing your product, you can operate in trial mode for a given number
of days. Whenever you launch the program, you are prompted to activate the
software.
Once you entered your registration data and submit it to Autodesk, an
activation code is returned and you are not prompted again during startup.
Networking Issues
This section outlines common issues and their solutions with regards to
performing a network installation or configuring your network license servers.
Where do I find my server name?
When installing a network licensed product, you must specify the name of
the server that will run the Network License Manager.
If you don’t know the server name, you can quickly find it by opening a
Windows command prompt on the system that will be the Network License
Installation Troubleshooting | 81
Manager. At the prompt, enter ipconfig /all and note the Host Name
entry.
If I choose to create a log file, what kind of
information does the log file contain?
There are two types of log files that can be generated that monitor information
about deployments and installations.
■
The Network log file keeps a record of all workstations that run the
deployment. The log lists the user name, workstation name, and the status
of the installation. Refer to this file for status information and details about
problems that users may have encountered during installation.
■
The Client log file contains detailed installation information for each
workstation. This information may be useful in diagnosing installation
problems. The client log is located in the \Temp directory of each client
workstation.
What is an administrative image (MSI) file?
An administrative image is a collection of shared file resources created during
the deployment process and is used by deployments to install the program to
networked workstations. An MSI file is a Microsoft Installer file.
What is the impact of selecting all products to be
included in the administrative image?
If you elect to include all products in your deployment, the administrative
image will be larger.
You should select all products only when you create multiple deployments
from this image and prefer not to use the installation DVD. If there are products
you rarely or never use, and you do not expect to create additional
deployments, you should only select a subset of products.
You can still create a deployment at a later date, and include additional
products, but you need to create a new administrative image. You need the
installation media to do so.
82 | Chapter 2 Installation
How should I configure a network license server
for a firewall
If you have a firewall between the license server(s) and the client computers,
you need to open some TCP/IP ports on the server for license-related
communication. Open port 2080 for adskflex, and open ports 27000 through
27009 for lmgrd.
Uninstall and Maintenance Issues
This section outlines common issues and their solutions with regards to adding
and removing features, reinstalling or repairing your installation, and
uninstalling products.
IMPORTANT Do not use registry cleaning programs or attempt to modify the
registry entries yourself to uninstall Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012. Failure
to follow the official uninstall procedure will result in the inability to re-install the
software.
When adding or removing features, how can I tell
what features get installed by default?
To quickly see what gets installed during a typical, default installation, click
the Restore Defaults button on the Add/Remove Features page.
Is it possible to change the installation folder when
adding or removing features?
Once your product is installed, you cannot change the installation path from
the Add/Remove Features page. Changing the path while adding features
results in program corruption, so it is not an option.
Installation Troubleshooting | 83
When should I reinstall the product instead of a
repair?
You should reinstall your product if you accidentally delete or alter files that
are required by the program. Missing or altered files adversely affect the
performance of your product and cause error messages when you try to execute
a command or find a file.
If an attempt to repair an installation fails, reinstalling is the next best option.
Installation data is cached locally on your drive and that data is reused when
reinstalling. If any files cannot be located when reinstalling a product, you
are prompted to load the original media. If the product was installed from a
network deployment, you need access to the original deployment, unaltered
by later changes such as the addition of a service pack.
When I uninstall my software, what files are left
on my system?
If you uninstall the product, some files remain on your system such as files
you created or edited.
Your license file also stays on your workstation when you uninstall your
product. If you reinstall on the same workstation, the license information
remains valid and you do not have to reactivate the product.
84 | Chapter 2 Installation
Quick Start
3
Start and Quit Autodesk Navisworks
Once you’ve installed (page 29)Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012, you can
start it from the Windows desktop or from the command line.
To start Autodesk Navisworks, do one of the following from the Windows
desktop:
■ Double-click the Autodesk Navisworks icon, or
■
Click Start ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤ Navisworks Simulate
2012 ➤ Simulate 2012.
Autodesk Navisworks starts in the language that best matches the settings on
your computer. You can also start Autodesk Navisworks in another of the installed languages (page 40).
NOTE You can add command line switches to specify different startup routines for
the program. See Command Line Options (page 88).
To quit Autodesk Navisworks, click the application button
bottom of the application menu, click Exit Autodesk Navisworks.
. At the
If no changes were made to the current project, the project closes and Autodesk
Navisworks exits. If changes were made to the current project, you are prompted
to save the changes. To save the changes to the project, click Yes. To continue
exiting and discard the changes, click No. To return to Autodesk Navisworks,
click Cancel.
85
Automatically Save and Recover Autodesk
Navisworks Files
Power cuts, system and software failures can cause Autodesk Navisworks to
close before you can save changes to your file.
Autodesk Navisworks can automatically save backup versions of a file you are
working on, enabling you to recover your work if Autodesk Navisworks closes
abnormally.
Auto-saved files have an .nwf extension, and named as .AutoSave
where is the name of the current Autodesk Navisworks file, and
is a number that increments with each auto-save. So, for example, if you
work with a file called Enviro-Dome.nwd, the first auto-saved file is called
Enviro-Dome.Autosave0.nwf, the second auto-saved file is called
Enviro-Dome.Autosave1.nwf and so on.
You can control a number of Auto-Save options, such as how often Autodesk
Navisworks saves your work, the location of backup files, and the maximum
number of backup files you want to keep.
To customize the Auto-Save options
1 Click the application button
➤ Options.
2 In the Options Editor, expand the General node, and click
Auto-Save.
86 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
3 Adjust the Auto-Save options, as required. For example, if you want
Autodesk Navisworks to save a backup file every 20 minutes from a
significant file change, enter 20 into the Time Between Saves
(minutes) box.
4 Click OK.
To recover your work
1 Start Autodesk Navisworks. You are automatically prompted to reload
the last file you were working on.
2 Click Yes to open the most recent saved version of the file.
NOTE Click No, if you don’t want to recover your work, or if you want to
manually load a different backup file.
Automatically Save and Recover Autodesk Navisworks Files | 87
To manually load a backup file into Autodesk Navisworks
1 Start Autodesk Navisworks. If you are prompted to reload the last file
you were working on, click No.
2 Click the application button ➤ Open ➤ Open
.
3 In the Open dialog box, browse to the folder that contains the backup
files. By default, it’s \ Application
Data\\AutoSave.
4 Click Open.
5 When you are prompted to save a file with a different name, click Save
As.
6 In the Save As dialog box, enter a new file name, and browse to the
desired location.
7 Click Save.
Menu: Classic user interface: File ➤ Open
Command entry: CTRL + O
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Standard, Quick Access toolbar
Command Line Options
Command line switches can specify different startup routines for Autodesk
Navisworks.
You can use command line switches to specify several options when you start
the program. For example, you can run Autodesk Navisworks in another
language, perform additional memory checks, load and append files, output
error reports. With command line switches, you can also set up several program
icons, each with different start-up options.
Command line switches are parameters you can add to the roamer.exe command
line associated with a Microsoft® Windows® shortcut icon or the Windows
88 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
Run dialog box. You can include several switches within a single command
line. Valid switches are listed in the following table.
Command Line
Switch
Argument
Description
-dump
[file_name.dmp]
Outputs an error report to the
specified file. You must provide
the file name and file path
within quotation marks.
-lang
en-US = English
Launches Autodesk Navisworks
in the specified language. It is
possible to run Autodesk Navisworks in a language other than
the default locale (for example,
you can run a Japanese version
of Autodesk Navisworks with
English default locale).
de-DE = German
es-ES = Spanish
fr-FR = French
it-IT = Italian
ja-JP = Japanese
ko-KR = Korean
pt-BR = Brazilian Portuguese
ru-RU = Russian
zh-CN = Chinese (PRC)
-log
[filename.txt]
Outputs log to the specified
file. You must provide the full
file path within quotation
marks. For example,
“C:\temp\log.txt"
Command Line Options | 89
Command Line
Switch
Argument
-memcheck
Description
Runs Autodesk Navisworks with
additional checks for memory
errors.
-nwc
[inputfile]
Autodesk Navisworks converts
an input file into the NWC
format in the background. You
must provide the full file path
within quotation marks. For
example, “C:\temp\a.dwg"
-nwd
[outputfile.nwd] [input file]
Autodesk Navisworks converts
an input file into the NWD
format in the background, and
places it into the specified directory. You must provide the
full file paths within quotation
marks. For example,
“C:\temp\b.dwg"
-options
[filename.xml]
Starts Autodesk Navisworks,
and imports the global options
from the specified global options file. You must provide the
full file path within quotation
marks. For example,
"C:\temp\my_global_options.xml"
-regserver
Registers roamer.exe with
COM.
The syntax for using command line switches is:
“drive:pathname\roamer.exe” [switches] [“file1”] [“file2”] [“fileN”],
where [switches] are the valid command line switches in any order, and
[file1]...[fileN] are the files to be loaded and appended together, if required.
You must provide the full file paths within quotation marks.
90 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
For example, the following entry starts the program from a folder named
Autodesk Navisworks in Russian language, loads the global options file
options.xml, and creates a log file log.txt.
"C:\Autodesk Navisworks\roamer.exe" -options "C:\temp\options.xml"
-lang ru-ru -log "C:\temp\file.log"
To start the program with a command line switch
1 Right-click the program icon on the Windows desktop. Click Properties.
2 In the Autodesk Navisworks Properties dialog box, Shortcut tab, in the
Target box, edit the parameters for the switch using the following
syntax:
“drive:pathname\roamer.exe” [switches] [“file”] [“file2”]
[“fileN”], where [switches] are the valid command line switches in any
order, and [file1]...[fileN] are the files to be loaded and appended together,
if required. You must provide the full file paths within quotation marks.
For example, enter: “D:\Autodesk Navisworks\roamer.exe" -log
"D:\temp\nw_log.txt" "D:\temp\a.nwd" "D:\temp\b.dwg".
3 Click OK.
The User Interface
The Autodesk Navisworks interface contains a number of traditional Windows
elements, such as the application menu, Quick Access toolbar, ribbon, dockable
windows, dialog boxes and shortcut menus in which you complete tasks.
Parts of Autodesk Navisworks Interface
This section briefly describes the main components of the standard Autodesk
Navisworks interface.
The Autodesk Navisworks interface is intuitive and easy to learn and use. You
can adjust the application interface to match the way you work. For example,
you can hide docking windows that you rarely use, so they do not clutter the
interface. You can add and remove buttons from the ribbon and the Quick
Access toolbar.
The User Interface | 91
You can apply a different theme to the standard interface. You can also switch
back to the classic Autodesk Navisworks interface with old-style menu and
toolbars.
1. Application button and menu
5. Scene View
2. Quick Access toolbar
6. Navigation bar
3. InfoCenter
7. Dockable windows
4. Ribbon
8. Status bar
See also:
Overview of InfoCenter (page 10)
To change theme of the standard user interface
1 Click the application button
➤ Options.
2 In the Options Editor, expand the Interface node, and click the User
Interface option.
3 On the User Interface page, select the required theme type from the
Theme drop-down list.
4 Click OK.
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Application Button and Menu
The application menu enables you to access common tools.
It provides access to many common file actions, and also allows you to manage
your files using more advanced tools, such as Import, Export, and Publish.
Some application menu choices have additional menus that show related
commands.
To open the application menu, click the application button
it again closes the application menu.
Option
. Clicking
Description
(New)
Closes the currently open file, and creates
a new file.
(Open)
Opens files.
The User Interface | 93
Option
Description
Imports data into the current project.
(Import)
Saves the current file.
(Save)
(Save As)
Saves your project as one of the native
Autodesk Navisworks formats (NWF or
NWD).
Exports data from the current project.
(Export)
Publishes the current project.
(Publish)
(Print)
Prints the scene and sets print-related settings.
(Send by Email)
Creates a new email with the current file as
an attachment.
(Vault Server)
Launches the Vault standalone client and
enables you to login and logout of the Vault
server, and check files in and out. By default, this option is not shown. To turn it
on, use the Options Editor
(Tools ➤ Vault ➤ Show in User Interface).
Options
Opens the Options Editor.
Exit Navisworks
Exits the program.
94 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
Recent Documents List
You can view, sort, and access supported files that you have recently opened.
The most recent files are shown in the Recent Documents list. The list is
ordered with the most recently used file at the top.
By default, up to four files are shown. If you want to modify the size of this
list, use the Options Editor.
You can pin the files by using the push pin button to the right. Pinning enables
you to keep a file in the list until you turn off the push pin button.
Sort and Group Files
Use the drop-down list at the top of the Recent Documents list to sort or
group files by:
■
By Ordered List
■
By Access Date
■
By Size
■
By Type
Preview Documents
When you mouse over a file in the Recent Documents list, the following
information is displayed:
■
Path where the file is stored
■
Date the file was last modified
■
Name of the person who is currently working with the file
To change the number of recent documents listed
1 Click the application button
➤ Options.
2 In the Options Editor, expand the General node, and click the
Environment option.
3 On the Environment page, enter the number of recent documents to
be listed into the Maximum Recently Used Files box.
The User Interface | 95
4 Click OK.
To keep a document in the Recent Documents list
■
Click the push pin button to the right of the document.
To view the Recent Documents list by access date
■
In the top-left corner of the Recent Documents list, in the By Ordered
List drop-down list, select By Access Date.
To view the Recent Documents list by size
■
In the top-left corner of the Recent Documents list, in the By Ordered
List drop-down list, select By Size.
To view the Recent Documents list by type
■
In the top-left corner of the Recent Documents list, in the By Ordered
List drop-down list, select By Type.
Quick Access Toolbar
At the top of the application window, the Quick Access toolbar displays
frequently used commands.
96 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
You can add unlimited number of buttons to the Quick Access toolbar.
Buttons are added to the right of the default commands. You can add separators
between the buttons. Commands that extend past the maximum length of
the toolbar are displayed in a flyout button
.
NOTE Only ribbon commands can be added to the Quick Access toolbar.
You can move the Quick Access toolbar either above or below the ribbon.
To add a ribbon button to the Quick Access toolbar
1 Display the tab and panel that contains the button you want to add to
the Quick Access toolbar.
2 Right-click the button on the ribbon, and click Add to Quick Access
Toolbar.
To remove a ribbon button from the Quick Access toolbar
1 Right-click the button on the Quick Access toolbar
2 Click Remove from Quick Access toolbar.
To display the Quick Access toolbar below the ribbon
■
Click the Customize Quick Access Toolbar drop-down button, and
click Show Below the Ribbon.
Shortcut menu: Right-click any button on the Quick Access toolbar. Click
Show Quick Access Toolbar below the Ribbon.
To display the Quick Access toolbar above the ribbon
■
Click the Customize Quick Access Toolbar drop-down button, and
click Show Above the Ribbon.
The User Interface | 97
Shortcut menu: Right-click any button on the Quick Access toolbar. Click
Show Quick Access Toolbar above the Ribbon.
By default, it contains the following tools:
Option
Description
(New)
Closes the currently open file, and creates
a new file.
(Open)
Opens files.
(Save)
Saves the current file.
(Print)
Prints the current viewpoint.
(Refresh)
Refreshes the files in the project.
(Undo)
Cancels the most recent action.
(Redo)
Reinstates the most recent action.
(Select)
Selects items with a mouse click.
(Customize Quick Access Toolbar)
Customizes the items displayed on the
Quick Access toolbar. To enable or disable
an item, click next to it on the Customize
Quick Access Toolbar drop-down.
Ribbon
The ribbon is a palette that displays task-based tools and controls.
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The ribbon is divided into tabs, with each tab is supporting a specific activity.
Within each tab, tools are grouped together into a task-based series of panels.
To specify which ribbon tabs and panels are displayed, right-click the ribbon
and, on the shortcut menu, click or clear the names of tabs or panels.
You can customize the ribbon depending on your needs in the following ways:
■ Change the order of ribbon tabs. Click the tab you want to move, drag it
to the desired position, and release.
■
Change the order of ribbon panels in a tab. Click the panel you want to
move, drag it to the desired position, and release.
You can control the amount of space the ribbon takes in the application
window. There are two buttons to the right of the ribbon tabs, that allow you
to choose the ribbon toggle and ribbon minimize states.
■
The first button toggles between the full ribbon state
ribbon state
■
and the minimize
.
The second drop-down button allows you to select one of four minimize
ribbon states:
■ Minimize to Tabs: Minimizes the ribbon so that only tab titles are
displayed.
■
Minimize to Panel Titles: Minimizes the ribbon so that only tab
and panel titles are displayed.
■
Minimize to Panel Buttons: Minimizes the ribbon so that only tab
titles and panel buttons are displayed.
■
Cycle Through All: Cycles through all four ribbon states in the order,
full ribbon, minimize to panel buttons, minimize to panel titles,
minimize to tabs.
Contextual Tabs
Some of the tabs are contextual. When you execute some commands, a special
contextual ribbon tab is displayed instead of a toolbar or dialog box. For
example, as soon as you start selecting items in the Scene View, the previously
hidden Item Tools tab appears. When nothing is selected, it becomes hidden
again.
The User Interface | 99
Slideout Panels
A down arrow to the right of a panel title indicates that you can slide out
the panel to display additional tools and controls. By default, an expanded
panel closes automatically when you click another panel. To keep a panel
expanded, click the push pin
panel.
icon in the bottom-left corner of the slideout
Floating Panels
If you pull a panel off of a ribbon tab and into a different area in the
application window or the desktop, that panel floats where you placed it. The
floating panel remains open until you return it to the ribbon, even if you
switch ribbon tabs.
Tool Launcher
Some ribbon panels display a dialog box or a dockable window related to that
panel. A tool launcher arrow in the lower-right corner of the panel indicates
that you can display a related tool. Click the icon to display the associated
dialog box or dockable window.
Check Boxes
Check boxes allow you to toggle an option on or off.
Sliders
When an option can be executed with varying intensity, the slider allows you
to control the setting from lower to higher, or reverse.
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To display the ribbon
If you use the Classic user interface, you can switch back to the ribbon.
1 Click the application button
➤ Options.
2 In the Options Editor, expand the Interface node, and click the User
Interface option.
3 On the User Interface page, select Standard (Recommended) from
the User Interface drop-down list.
4 Click OK.
To hide or show a ribbon tab
1 Right-click anywhere inside the ribbon.
2 Under Show Tabs, click or clear the name of a tab.
To hide or show a ribbon panel
1 Click the ribbon tab that you want to organize.
2 Right-click the ribbon tab.
3 Under Show Panels, click or clear the name of a panel.
NOTE By default, the Collaborate panel on the Review tab is hidden.
To show or hide text labels on ribbon panels
■
Right-click a ribbon tab, and click or clear Show Panel Titles.
To return a floating panel to the ribbon
■
Mouse over the right side of the floating panel and click the Return
Panels to Ribbon icon.
To toggle the ribbon size
1 Click the drop-down arrow in the ribbon tab bar, and select the desired
minimize ribbon state.
The User Interface | 101
2 Double-click the name of the active ribbon tab or anywhere in the ribbon
tab bar.
The ribbon toggles between the selected minimize ribbon state and the
full ribbon state.
To reset the ribbon and the Quick Access toolbar
1 Right-click anywhere inside the ribbon.
2 Click Restore Default Ribbon.
Home Tab
Panel
Contains tools to...
Project
control the whole scene including appending files and refreshing CAD files, resetting
changes made in Autodesk Navisworks, and
setting file options.
Select & Search
select items and save selections in the scene
via a range of methods, including using
searches.
Visibility
show and hide items of model geometry.
Display
show and hide information including
properties and links.
Tools
launch Autodesk Navisworks simulation and
analysis tools.
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Viewpoint Tab
Panel
Contains tools to...
Save, Load & Playback
save, record, load and playback saved
viewpoints and viewpoint animations.
Camera
apply various settings to the camera.
Navigate
set the linear and angular speed of motion,
select navigational tools and 3D mouse
settings, and apply realism settings such as
gravity and collisions.
Render Style
control the lighting and rendering settings.
Sectioning
enable cross- sectioning of the viewpoint in
a 3D workspace.
Review Tab
Panel
Contains tools to...
Measure
measure distances, angles, and areas.
Redline
draw redline markup on the current viewpoint.
Tags
add and locate tags in the scene.
Comments
view and locate comments in the scene.
Collaborate
connect with other Autodesk Navisworks
users across a network connection. This
panel is hidden by default.
The User Interface | 103
Animation Tab
Panel
Contains tools to...
Create
create object animations using the Animator
tool or record viewpoint animations.
Playback
select and play back animations.
Script
enable scripts, or create new ones in the
Scripter tool.
View Tab
Panel
Contains tools to...
Stereo
enable stereoscopic vision provided suitable
hardware is available.
Navigate
set the linear and angular speed of motion,
select navigational tools and 3D mouse
settings, and apply realism settings such as
gravity and collisions. This panel is hidden
by default.
Navigation Aids
toggle navigation controls, such as the
Navigation Bar, ViewCube, HUD elements,
and reference views.
Scene View
control the Scene View window including
going full screen, splitting the window and
setting the background style/colors.
Workspace
control which floating windows are shown,
and load/save workspace configurations.
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Output Tab
Panel
Contains tools to...
Print
print and preview the current viewpoint,
and set print settings.
Send
send an email with the current file as an
attachment.
Publish
publish the current scene as an NWD file.
Export Scene
publish the current scene as a 3D
DWF/DWFx, FBX, or Google Earth file.
Visuals
output images and animations.
Export Data
export data from Autodesk Navisworks, including Clash, TimeLiner, search and viewpoint data and PDS tags.
Item Tools Tab
Panel
Contains tools to...
SwitchBack
switch back to compatible design applications at the current view.
Hold
hold the selected items so that they move
with you as you navigate around the scene.
Look At
focus and zoom the current view onto the
selected items.
Visibility
control the visibility of the selected items.
Transform
move, rotate, and scale the selected items.
The User Interface | 105
Panel
Contains tools to...
Appearance
change the color and transparency of the
selected items.
Links
manage the links attached to the selected
items.
Sectioning Tools Tab
NOTE Only available in a 3D workspace.
Panel
Contains tools to...
Enable
enable/disable sectioning of the current
viewpoint.
Mode
switch the sectioning mode between planes
and box modes.
Planes Settings
control section planes.
Transform
move, rotate, and scale the section
planes/box.
Save
save the current viewpoint.
Vault
Panel
Contains tools to...
Access
open Vault and log in, log out, and append
files.
File Status
refresh files and check them in and out.
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Tooltips
Placing the mouse pointer over a menu choice or a button shows a tooltip
containing the name of the tool, a keyboard shortcut (if applicable), and a
brief description of the tool.
Some tooltips on the application menu, Quick Access toolbar, and ribbon
are progressive. If you leave the cursor over the menu choice or a button for
another moment, the tooltip may expand to show additional information.
While the tooltip is visible, you can press F1 for context-sensitive help that
provides more information about that tool.
Keytips
Autodesk Navisworks provides accelerator keys, or keytips, to enable you to
use the keyboard, rather than the mouse, to interact with the application
window.
Keytips are provided for the application menu, Quick Access toolbar, and
ribbon. You can still use ‘old style’ keyboard shortcuts, such as CTRL + N to
open a new file, and CTRL + P to print the current file.
To display keytips, press ALT. The keytips (letters or numbers) are shown on
the screen next to the corresponding command or user interface element.
Press the displayed accelerator key to immediately invoke the desired command
or to show the user interface element. For example, pressing ALT, and then
pressing 1 creates a new file.
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To hide the keytips, press ALT again.
See also:
Default Keyboard Shortcuts (page 142)
Navigation Tools
The navigation bar provides access to tools related to interactive navigation
and orientation in the model including Autodesk® ViewCube®,
SteeringWheels®, and 3Dconnexion® 3D mouse.
You can customize the navigation bar based on what you consider important
to show. You can also change the docking position of the navigation bar in
the Scene View.
The Classic User Interface
If you prefer, you can switch back to the Classic user interface, and use the
toolbars and pull-down menus from the menu bar instead of the ribbon.
NOTE The Classic user interface is no longer being updated with enhancements
to Autodesk Navisworks. It is recommended that you work using the standard
Autodesk Navisworks interface.
To switch to the classic user interface
1 Click the application button
➤ Options.
2 In the Options Editor, expand the Interface node, and click the User
Interface option.
108 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
3 On the User Interface page, select Classic from the User Interface
drop-down list.
4 Click OK.
Menu Bar
The Menu bar contains all commands available in Autodesk Navisworks,
grouped together by similar or 'like' functionality.
For example, all commands related to review functionality are located under
the Review menu, all commands related to user assistance are located under
the Help menu and so on.
When a menu has a right-pointing arrow, such as
is a submenu associated with that choice.
, there
When a menu item is followed by a series of dots, such as
, there is a dialog box associated with that choice.
File Menu
This menu contains commands for managing files.
Option
Description
New
Resets the program, and closes the currently open
Autodesk Navisworks file.
Refresh
Refreshes your scene with the latest versions of
currently loaded model files.
Open
Displays the Open dialog box.
Open URL
Displays the Open URL dialog box.
Append
Displays the Append dialog box.
Merge
Displays the Merge dialog box.
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Option
Description
Save
Saves the currently open Autodesk Navisworks
file.
Save As
Displays the Save As dialog box.
Publish
Displays the Publish dialog box.
Print
Displays the Print dialog box.
Print Preview
Enables print preview mode.
Print Settings
Displays the Print Setup dialog box.
Delete
Deletes the selected files. You can only delete
appended files.
Send by Email
Saves the currently open Autodesk Navisworks
file, accesses your email program, and adds the
saved file as an email attachment.
Import
Displays the Import dialog box, and enables you
to import Intergraph PDS review data, and various
Autodesk Navisworks data.
Export
Displays the Export dialog box, and enables you
to export data from Autodesk Navisworks.
Recent Files
Displays shortcuts to the most recently opened
files.
Exit
Exits the program.
110 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
Edit Menu
This menu contains commands for locating, selecting and editing geometry
in your model.
Option
Description
Undo
Reverses the last performed operation.
Redo
Reverses the last operation performed by the
Undo command.
Select
Gives you access to selection functionality.
Quick Find
Displays the Quick Find dialog box.
Quick Find Next
Repeats the previously run quick find search.
Find Items
Toggles the Find Items control bar.
Find Comments
Toggles the Find Comments dialog box.
Hidden
Toggles hidden mode for selected items.
Required
Toggles required mode for selected items.
Hide Unselected
Toggles hidden mode for unselected items.
Override Item
Enables you to override color, transparency, and
transform for selected items.
Reset Item
Enables you to reset selected items back to their
original state.
Reset All
Enables you to reset all overridden items back to
their original state.
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Option
Description
Sort
Enables you to sort the items in the Selection
Tree alphabetically.
File Units an Transform
Displays the File Units and Transform dialog
box.
View Menu
This menu contains commands that control the Autodesk Navisworks interface.
Option
Description
Control Bars
Enables you to toggle the display of control bars.
Workspaces
Enables you to control workspaces.
Scene View
Enable you to control the views in the Scene
View.
Head-Up Display
Enables you to toggle navigation controls, such
as ViewCube, Navigation Bar, and HUD elements.
SteeringWheels
Enables you to control the SteeringWheels.
Enable Stereo
Puts the video output into stereo mode.
Stereo Options
Displays the Stereo Options dialog box.
Scene Statistics
Displays useful scene statistics.
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Viewpoint Menu
This menu contains a set of commands that affect the current viewpoint,
including model appearance, navigation and sectioning.
Option
Description
Saved Viewpoints
Enables you to use saved viewpoints.
Look From
Enables you to look from a preset viewpoint.
Set Viewpoint Up
Sets the viewpoint up vector to align with the
selected orientation.
Rendering
Enables you to select rendering mode.
Lighting
Enables you to select lighting mode.
Display
Enables you to display primitives.
Navigation Mode
Enables you to select navigation mode.
Navigation Tools
Enables you to control the camera during interactive navigation.
Sectioning
Enables you to create a limited volume of your
model.
Edit Current Viewpoint
Displays the Edit Viewpoint dialog box for the
current viewpoint.
Review Menu
This menu contains commands for reviewing and markup.
Option
Description
Comments
Enables you to add and manage comments.
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Option
Description
Redline
Enables you to add and manage annotations.
Measure
Enables you to use the measure tools.
Links
Enables you to add and manage links.
Tags
Enables you to locate review tags.
SwitchBack
Sends the current view of the currently loaded file
back to AutoCAD or MicroStation-based program.
Renumber Comment IDs
Renumbers all comment IDs, making them unique
to the scene.
Renumber Tag IDs
Renumbers all tag IDs, making them unique to the
scene.
Tools Menu
This menu contains commands for advanced model analysis and reviewing,
and also commands for customizing Autodesk Navisworks.
Option
Description
Presenter
Toggles the Presenter tool window.
TimeLiner
Toggles the TimeLiner tool window.
TimeLiner Playback
Toggles the TimeLiner Playback window.
DataTools
Displays the DataTools dialog box.
Animator
Toggles the Animator tool window.
Scripter
Toggles the Scripter tool window.
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Option
Description
Batch Utility
Toggles the Batch Utility window.
Compare
Displays the Compare dialog box.
Redline
Toggles the Redline Tools tool window.
Links
Toggles the display of links.
Quick Properties
Toggles the display of quick properties.
Measure
Toggles the Measure Tools tool window.
Animation
Enables you to control animation playback, and
record viewpoint animations.
Background
Enables you to select a background color for the
Scene View.
File Options
Displays the File Options dialog box.
Customize
Displays the Customize dialog box.
Global Options
Displays the Options Editor.
Toolbars
Autodesk Navisworks toolbars provide quick access to frequently used
commands.
Every button on a toolbar includes a tooltip, which describes the function the
button activates. Placing the mouse over a button displays a brief instruction
on how to use this feature in the Status bar.
You can rearrange, open and close toolbars:
■ To move a toolbar, click the dotted line at the edge of the toolbar, and
drag it to a different location.
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■
To open or close toolbars, right-click an empty area next to the last toolbar
on the screen, and choose from the list of available toolbars on the shortcut
menu.
In addition to rearranging the existing Autodesk Navisworks toolbars, you can
customize their appearance and content, and create your own toolbars.
NOTE To quickly personalize a toolbar, click the Toolbar Options button on
the right, and click Add or Remove Buttons on the shortcut menu.
When a Autodesk Navisworks toolbar button has a down-pointing arrow, such
as
, a submenu toolbar is associated with that choice. Click the triangle
to open the menu, and select a specific option. As you move through the
menu, additional help is displayed in the Status bar. When the option is
selected, it becomes the current command and is displayed as a button in the
toolbar. To repeat the command, click the button in the toolbar. To choose
a different command, click the triangle again.
Some toolbar buttons enable you to choose a program mode. For example, to
look around your model, you need to be in look around mode. To rotate the
model, you need to be in Free Orbit mode and so on. Autodesk Navisworks
remains in the selected mode until instructed otherwise. To identify the mode
you are in, look at the buttons. If a button is highlighted and has a dark blue
boarder around it, the corresponding mode is currently active.
To leave the mode, either click the same button again or choose a different
mode.
Some buttons are used to toggle the display of dialog boxes, and dockable
windows (for example, the Presenter window, the Animator window etc.).
Again, if a button is highlighted and has a dark blue boarder around it, it
means that the corresponding display element is currently open.
As you open more toolbars on the screen, or resize the Autodesk Navisworks
window, the toolbars may get overlapped with each other to reduce the screen
clutter. When this happens, some buttons will be hidden under the overlaps.
To quickly access the entire set of commands on a toolbar, click the chevron
button at the right end of the toolbar. The remaining commands available
for that toolbar will appear.
In this section, you will find a complete list of Autodesk Navisworks toolbars
and associated buttons.
116 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
NOTE The actual toolbar content can differ from this reference depending on the
workspace you use.
Standard Toolbar
This toolbar provides quick access to file management commands. It also
enables you to undo/redo your actions, and open the Help system.
Button
Description
Resets the program, and closes the currently
open Autodesk Navisworks file.
Refreshes your scene with the latest versions
of currently loaded model files.
Displays the Open dialog box.
Displays the Append dialog box.
Displays the Merge dialog box.
Saves the currently open Autodesk Navisworks file.
Displays the Publish dialog box.
Saves the currently open Autodesk Navisworks file, accesses your email program,
and adds the saved file as an email attachment.
Reverses the last performed operation.
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Button
Description
Reverses the last operation performed by
the Undo command.
Displays the Print dialog box.
Displays copyright and license information
about your copy of Autodesk Navisworks.
Opens the Help system.
Selection Tools Toolbar
This toolbar provides access to the selection commands, plus enables you to
hide geometry objects.
Button
Description
Turns on Select mode.
Turns on Select Box mode.
Toggles required mode for selected items.
Toggles hidden mode for selected items.
Toggles hidden mode for unselected items.
Navigation Mode Toolbar
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This toolbar includes nine modes and six SteeringWheels for interactive
navigation around your 3D models.
Button
Description
Selects the wheel.
Turns on Walk mode.
Turns on Look Around mode.
Turns on Zoom mode.
Turns on Zoom Box mode.
Turns on Pan mode.
Turns on Orbit mode.
Turns on Free Orbit mode.
Turns on Fly mode.
Turns on Constrained Orbit mode.
Rendering Style Toolbar
This toolbar controls the model appearance in Autodesk Navisworks.
Button
Description
Selects Lighting mode.
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Button
Description
Selects Rendering mode.
Toggles the rendering of surfaces.
Toggles the rendering of lines.
Toggles the rendering of points.
Toggles the rendering of snap points.
Toggles the rendering of 3D text.
Workspace Toolbar
This toolbar gives you quick access to the Autodesk Navisworks review and
analysis tools.
Button
Description
Toggles the Redline Tools tool window.
Toggles the display of links.
Toggles the display of quick properties.
Toggles the Measure Tools tool window.
Toggles the Viewpoints control bar.
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Button
Description
Toggles the Sectioning toolbar.
Toggles the Plan View control bar.
Toggles the Section View control bar.
Toggles the Selection Tree control bar.
Toggles the Sets control bar.
Toggles the Comments control bar.
Toggles the Find Comments dialog box.
Toggles the Find Items control bar.
Toggles the Properties control bar.
Toggles the Clash Detective tool window.
Toggles the Presenter tool window.
Toggles the TimeLiner tool window.
Toggles the TimeLiner Playback window.
Toggles the Animator tool window.
Toggles the Scripter tool window.
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Button
Description
Controls workspaces.
Model Views Toolbar
This toolbar controls the views in the Scene View.
Button
Description
Splits your active scene view vertically.
Splits your active scene view horizontally.
Adds title bars to all custom scene views.
Sectioning Toolbar
This toolbar enables you to create a limited volume of your model.
Button
Description
Toggles sectioning on/off.
Enables you to link two opposing section
planes together.
Displays the Set Sectioning Box Size
dialog box.
122 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
Button
Description
Restricts the section distance to the
bounding box limits of the objects selected
in the Scene View
Displays the Sectioning Plane dialog box.
Enables/disables the current section plane.
Enables you to choose the alignment
method.
Displays the Section Plane Settings dialog box.
Animation Toolbar
This toolbar allows you to record viewpoint animations, play back object and
viewpoint animations, and toggle the scripting functionality.
Button
Description
Rewinds the current animation back to the
beginning.
Steps back a single animation frame or
keyframe.
Plays the current animation backwards.
Records the viewpoint animation.
Pauses the animation.
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Button
Description
Stops playing the current animation, and
rewinds it back to the beginning.
Plays the currently selected animation.
Steps one frame or keyframe forwards.
Fast forwards the current animation to the
end.
Toggles the Scripter engine on and off in
the Autodesk Navisworks file.
Collaborate Bar Toolbar
This toolbar enables you to participate in design review sessions across a Local
Area Network (LAN).
Button
Description
Starts Windows™ NetMeeting.
Enables you to take control of the session,
and become the ‘driver’.
Refreshes Autodesk Navisworks data on all
attendees machines.
Object Manipulation Toolbar
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This toolbar enables you to edit geometry in your model.
Button
Description
Toggles the display of the translation gizmo.
Toggles the display of the rotation gizmo.
Toggles the display of the scale gizmo.
Enables you to apply color override.
Enables/disables snapping.
Navigation Tools Toolbar
This toolbar enables you to control the camera during interactive navigation.
Button
Description
Dollies and pans the camera so that the
entire model is in the Scene View.
Zooms the camera so that the selected item
fills the Scene View.
Puts the Scene View into focus mode.
Holds the selected items. As you move
around the model, these objects will move
with you.
Uses a perspective camera.
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Button
Description
Uses an orthographic camera.
Toggles collision.
Toggles gravity.
Toggles crouching.
Toggles third person view.
Aligns the current viewpoint with the X axis.
Aligns the current viewpoint with the Y axis.
Aligns the current viewpoint with the Z axis.
Customize the Toolbars
You can customize the appearance and contents of the Autodesk Navisworks
toolbars by using the Customize dialog box.
To add a custom toolbar
1 Click Tools ➤ Customize.
2 In the Customize dialog box, Toolbars tab, click the New button.
3 Enter a name for the toolbar in the Toolbar Name box. By default,
new toolbars are named “Custom X” where “X” is the next available
number added to the list.
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4 Click OK.
The new toolbar appears in the toolbar area.
5 Close the Customize dialog box.
To rename a custom toolbar
1 Click Tools ➤ Customize.
2 In the Customize dialog box, Toolbars tab, click your toolbar.
3 Click Rename.
NOTE You can only rename custom toolbars.
4 Enter the new name for your toolbar.
5 Click OK.
6 Close the Customize dialog box.
To delete a custom toolbar
1 Click Tools ➤ Customize.
2 In the Customize dialog box, Toolbars tab, click the toolbar you don’t
need.
3 Click Delete.
NOTE You can only delete custom toolbars.
4 Close the Customize dialog box.
To add commands
1 Click Tools ➤ Customize. This opens the Customize dialog box.
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2 There are several ways to add commands to a toolbar or a menu:
■ In the Customize dialog box, Commands tab, click the desired
category, and drag the command from the commands list on to the
toolbar. If the command has a default icon assigned to it (it is shown
next to the command in the command list), the icon will appear as
a button on your toolbar. If no icon is assigned to the command, the
name of the command will appear as a button on the toolbar. For
menus, the command will appear exactly as it is shown in the
command list.
■
Drag the command from another menu or toolbar onto your toolbar
or menu. This moves the command from its original location into a
new place.
■
Hold CTRL and drag the command from another menu or toolbar
onto your toolbar or menu. This creates a copy of the command, and
does not remove the command from its original location.
3 If you want to edit the command’s appearance, right-click it on the
toolbar or menu, and use options on the shortcut menu.
4 Close the Customize dialog box.
To delete commands
1 Click Tools ➤ Customize. This opens the Customize dialog box.
2 Drag the command away from the menu or toolbar, until a cursor
displays a small cross.
128 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
3 Release the left mouse button to delete the command.
4 Close the Customize dialog box.
Scene View
This is the area where you view and interact with your 3D models.
When you start Autodesk Navisworks, the Scene View contains only one
scene view, but you can add more scene views, if needed. Custom scene views
are named “ViewX” where “X” is the next available number. The default scene
view cannot be moved.
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Looking at several views of your model simultaneously is useful when you
compare lighting and rendering styles, animate different parts of your model,
and so on.
Only one scene view can be active at a time. A scene view becomes active as
you work in it. If you left-click a scene view, the scene view is activated and
whatever you click is selected, or, if you click an empty area, everything is
deselected. Right-clicking a scene view activates it, and opens a shortcut menu.
Each scene view remembers the navigation mode being used. The recording
and playback of animations only occurs in the currently active view.
Each scene view can be resized. To resize scene views, move the cursor over
the scene view intersection and drag the splitter bar
.
You can make custom scene views dockable. Dockable scene views have title
bars, and can be moved, docked, tiled, and auto hidden the same way as
dockable windows (page 132). If you want to use several custom scene views,
but don't want to have any splits in the Scene View, you can move them
elsewhere. For instance, you can tile your scene views on the Viewpoints
control bar.
NOTE You cannot undock the default scene view.
Full Screen Mode
In Full Screen mode your current scene view takes up the full screen.
To interact with the model in the scene view, you can use the ViewCube, the
Navigation Bar, the keyboard shortcuts, and the shortcut menu.
TIP If you use two monitors, your default scene view is automatically placed on
the primary display, and the interface can be placed on the secondary display to
control the interaction.
Scene View Content
Autodesk Navisworks enables you to change the size of content displayed in
a scene view. This can be of particular use if you are composing a scene for
image or animation export. By setting the content size to the same proportions
as your intended output, you can visualize exactly how it will look.
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To create a custom scene view
■
To split your active scene view horizontally, click View tab ➤ Scene View
panel ➤ Split View ➤ Split Horizontal
■
.
To split your active scene view vertically, click View tab ➤ Scene View
panel ➤ Split View ➤ Split Vertical
.
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Model Views ➤ Split Horizontal
and Model Views ➤ Split Vertical
To make a custom scene views dockable
■
Click View tab ➤ Scene View panel ➤ Show Title Bars.
All of your custom scene views now have title bars.
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Model Views ➤ Toggle Title Bars
To delete a custom scene view
1 If your scene view is not dockable, click View tab ➤ Scene View panel
➤ Show Title Bars.
2 Click
to close the scene view.
NOTE You cannot delete the default scene view.
To toggle Full Screen mode
■
Click View tab ➤ Scene View panel ➤ Full Screen
.
Command entry: F11
Shortcut menu: Viewpoint ➤ Full Screen
To resize the content of the active scene view
1 Click View tab ➤ Scene View panel ➤ Window Size
.
2 In the Window Size dialog box, Type drop-down list, select the sizing
type.
The User Interface | 131
■
Use View - makes the content fill the currently active scene view.
■
Explicit - defines the exact width and height for the content.
■
Use Aspect Ratio - uses the aspect ratio of the current scene view
to automatically calculate the width of the content when the height
is entered, or the height of the content when the width is entered.
3 If you selected the Explicit option, enter the width and height for your
content in pixels.
If you selected the Use Aspect Ratio, enter the width or height for
your content in pixels.
4 Click OK.
Dockable Windows
Most Autodesk Navisworks features are accessible from dockable windows.
There are several windows to choose from, which are grouped into several
functional areas:
Main Tools Windows
These windows give you access to the core Autodesk Navisworks functionality:
■
TimeLiner
■
Presenter
■
Animator
■
Scripter
■
Appearance Profiler
132 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
Review Windows
These windows contain tools required to perform select/search/review
operations:
■
Selection Tree
■
Sets
■
Find Items
■
Properties
■
Comments
■
Find Comments
■
Measure Tools
Viewpoint Windows
These windows contain tools necessary to set up and use viewpoints:
■
Saved Viewpoints
■
Tilt - 3D workspace only.
■
Plan View - 3D workspace only.
■
Section View - 3D workspace only.
■
Section Plane Settings - 3D workspace only
Multi-Sheet Windows
These window enable you to work with multi-sheet files:
■
Project Browser
■
Find Item in Other Sheets and Models
Windows can be moved and resized, and either floated in the Scene View
or docked (pinned or auto-hidden).
TIP You can quickly dock and undock a window by double-clicking the window’s
title bar.
A docked window shares one or more edges with adjacent windows and
toolbars. If a shared edge is moved, the windows change shape to compensate.
You can also float windows anywhere on the screen, if necessary.
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NOTE The Tilt window can only be docked vertically on the left or right, taking
up the full height of the canvas, or be floating.
By default, a docked window is pinned, meaning that the window remains
displayed at its current size and can be moved. When you auto hide a window
and move the mouse pointer away from it, the window is reduced to a tab
displaying the window name. Moving the mouse pointer over the tab displays
the window fully, but temporarily, over the canvas. Auto-hiding a window
can show more of the canvas while still keeping the window available.
Auto-hiding a window also prevents it from being undocked, grouped, or
ungrouped.
NOTE When you dock windows inside the default scene view, you do not get pin
and auto-hide functionality. This does not affect custom scene views.
An undocked window is one that has been separated from the program
window. Each undocked window can be moved around the screen or screens
as desired. Although undocked windows cannot be pinned, they can be resized
and grouped.
A window group is a way to have more than one window occupy the same
amount of space on the screen. When windows are grouped, each window is
represented by a tab at the bottom of the group. In a group, click a tab to
display that window. You can group or ungroup window as necessary and
save custom workspaces. After changing window positions, you can save your
settings as a custom workspace.
Auto Hide Position
When you auto hide a window, it collapses against a specific side of the canvas
- Top, Left, Right, or Bottom. The side to which it collapses is determined by
the docking position. So, for example, if you dock a window to the left of
canvas, it collapses to the left.
The Shortcut Menu
Right-clicking a dockable window displays a shortcut menu of available
commands. If you right-click a single item, or select one or more items and
right-click, this menu contains commands related to the items. If you
right-click an area that contains no items or data, the menu contains
commands related to the dockable window, if appropriate.
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To show a dockable window
1 Click View tab ➤ Workspace panel ➤ Windows
.
2 Select the check box next to the desired window in the drop-down list.
To move a dockable window
1 Click and drag the title bar at the top or side of the window.
2 Optional: to prevent a window from automatically docking while you
drag it, hold down the CTRL key.
TIP The docking tool allows you to place windows in a specific relationship to the
canvas areas.
To group dockable windows
1 Click and drag the title bar of the window to be added to another window
or group.
2 Drop the window on the title bar of the receiving window or group. A
tab with the name of the dragged window is added to the bottom of the
receiving window.
To ungroup dockable windows
1 Within the group, click the tab for the window you want to remove.
2 Click and drag the window tab out of the group.
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3 Drop the window to ungroup it.
To auto hide dockable windows
1 On a window title bar, click
.
The window continues to be displayed until you move the mouse pointer
away from it. When you move the mouse pointer, the window is
collapsed until you place the mouse pointer over the window tab on the
side of the canvas where its docked.
NOTE To move or group windows, you need to pin them first.
To pin dockable windows
1 Move the mouse cursor over the title bar to display the hidden window.
2 Click
on the title bar. The window is now pinned, and can be moved
and grouped.
To resize a dockable window or a group of windows
1 Place the mouse pointer over a window border until the mouse pointer
changes to the splitter bar
.
2 Click and drag the boarder to the desired size.
TIP You can resize both pinned and auto hidden windows. In an auto-hidden
group, each window can be resized separately from other windows. In a pinned
group, resizing one window resizes the rest of the windows.
Docking Tool
The docking tool indicates the relationship of a dragged window to the rest
of the canvas, and enables you to pinpoint drag and drop destinations.
The tool contains an inner zone and outer zone of controls representing the
drop destination. Five stickers of the inner zone are used to dock windows
relative to the closest suitable area on the canvas, while four stickers of the
outer zone are used to dock windows relative to the canvas itself.
136 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
The docking tool also provides visual previews of what space will be occupied
by a window. These previews are shown when you are moving a window and
while your mouse is over one of the stickers.
TIP To quickly create a window group, use the sticker at the center of the docking
tool when you drag a window to its location. This works anywhere on the canvas
excluding the default scene view and the Tilt window. Custom scene views can
be grouped with other windows.
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To move a window with the docking tool
1 Click and drag the title bar at the top or side of the window towards the
place where you want it to dock. This activates the docking tool.
2 Drag the window over the sticker on the docking tool that represents
the area you want the window to occupy.
3 Release the mouse button to dock the window there. The window is
automatically resized to fill the area.
Status Bar
The Status bar appears at the bottom of the Autodesk Navisworks screen. It
cannot be customized or moved around.
The left-hand corner of the Status bar is used to display short instructions
on how to use the Autodesk Navisworks features (applies to the Classic user
interface only).
The right-hand corner of the Status bar includes four performance indicators
that give you constant feedback as to how well Autodesk Navisworks is
performing on your machine, a button to toggle the Project Browser
window, and controls to navigate between sheets/models in multi-sheet files.
Multi-Sheet Navigation Controls
Click the previous/next and first/last arrows to open the desired sheet/model
in the Scene View. This is equivalent to double-clicking the sheet/model in
the Project Browser window. The sheet/model will be automatically prepared
for use in Autodesk Navisworks, if applicable.
NOTE These controls are only available for multi-sheet files.
Project Browser Button
Click the Project Browser
(page 213).
button to toggle the Project Browser window
Pencil Progress Bar
The progress bar under the left hand icon (pencil) indicates how much of the
current view is drawn, that is how much drop-out there is in the current
138 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
viewpoint. When the progress bar is at 100%, the scene is completely drawn,
with no drop-out. The icon changes color when a redraw is in progress. Whilst
the scene is being drawn, the pencil will change to yellow. If there is too much
data to handle and your machine cannot process this quickly enough for
Autodesk Navisworks, then the pencil changes to red, indicating a bottleneck.
Disk Progress Bar
The progress bar under the central icon (disk) indicates how much of the
current model is loaded from disk, that is how much is loaded into memory.
When the progress bar is at 100%, the entire model, including geometry and
property information, is loaded into memory. The icon changes color when
a file load is in progress. Whilst data is being read, the disk changes to yellow.
If there is too much data to handle and your machine cannot process this
quickly enough for Autodesk Navisworks, then the disk changes to red,
indicating a bottleneck.
Web Server Progress Bar
The progress bar under the right hand icon (web server) indicates how much
of the current model is downloaded, that is how much has been downloaded
from a web server. When the progress bar is at 100%, the entire model has
been downloaded. The icon changes color when a file load is in progress.
Whilst data is being downloaded, the web server changes to yellow. If there
is too much data to handle and your machine cannot process this quickly
enough for Autodesk Navisworks, then the web server changes to red,
indicating a bottleneck.
Memory Bar
The field to the right of the icons reports the amount of memory currently
being used by Autodesk Navisworks. This is reported in Megabytes (MB).
Undo/Redo Commands
You can undo or redo your actions in Autodesk Navisworks.
The default settings are adequate for regular Autodesk Navisworks usage, but
you can adjust (page 707) the amount of space allocated to the undo/redo
buffer, if necessary.
The User Interface | 139
To undo an action
■
Click Undo
on the Quick Access toolbar.
Command entry: CTRL + Z
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Standard ➤ Undo
To redo an action
■
Click Redo
on the Quick Access toolbar.
Command entry: CTRL + Y
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Standard ➤ Redo
Autodesk Navisworks Workspaces
Workspaces retain information about which windows are open, their positions,
and the size of the application window.
Workspaces retain changes made to the ribbon but not to the Quick Access
toolbar.
NOTE In the Classic user interface mode (that is, the ribbon is turned off),
workspaces retain information about the dockable windows and the toolbars.
The workspaces can be shared with other users. You could, for example, create
separate workspaces for occasional and power Autodesk Navisworks users, or
setup your own corporate standard.
Autodesk Navisworks comes with several pre-configured workspaces:
■ Safe Mode - selects the layout with the minimum features.
■
Navisworks Extended - selects the layout recommended for advanced
users.
■
Navisworks Standard - selects the layout with commonly-used windows
auto-hidden as tabs.
■
Navisworks Minimal - selects the layout giving the most space to the
Scene View.
You can use these workspaces as-is or modify them in accordance to your
requirements. When you first start Autodesk Navisworks, the Navisworks
Minimal workspace is used. You can choose a different workspace at any
140 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
time by clicking View tab ➤ Workspace panel ➤ Load Workspace
and then selecting the required workspace from the list.
,
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Workspace ➤ Workspaces
To save current layout to a new workspace
1 Set up your design review layout. For example, you can group together
the Properties and Saved Viewpoints windows.
If you use the Classic user interface mode, for example, you can close
all toolbars except the Standard, Selection Tools, Navigation Mode,
and Workspace.
2 Click View tab ➤ Workspace panel ➤ Save Workspace
.
3 In the Save Current Workspace dialog box, enter a name for the new
workspace. You can also select the name of an existing workspace to
overwrite it with your modified configuration.
4 Click Save.
To load a saved workspace into Autodesk Navisworks
1 Click View tab ➤ Workspaces panel ➤ Load Workspace
.
The User Interface | 141
2 In the Load Workspace dialog box, browse to the folder containing
the desired workspace, and select it.
3 Click Open.
Default Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are keyboard alternatives you can use to initiate commands
normally accessed with the mouse.
For example, to open the Selection Tree, window you can press CTRL + F12,
to open the Comments window, you can press SHIFT + F6, and so on.
Keyboard shortcuts offer a means to let you work faster and more efficiently.
Some dialog boxes or dockable windows can be closed with the same command
used to open it.
Many keyboard shortcuts are already set for most commonly used actions.
You can modify the default shortcuts or add new shortcuts, if necessary.
Default Keyboard Shortcut
Description
PgUp
Zooms to view all objects in the Scene View.
142 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
Default Keyboard Shortcut
Description
PgDn
Zooms to magnify all selected objects in the Scene View.
HOME
Takes you to Home view. This keyboard shortcut only applies to the Scene
View windows. This means it will only work when this window has focus.
ESC
Deselects everything.
SHIFT
Used to modify the middle mouse button actions.
CTRL
Used to modify the middle mouse button actions.
ALT
Turns the keytips on or off.
ALT + F4
Closes the currently active dockable window when it is undocked, or exits
the application if the main application window is active.
CTRL + 0
Turns on Turntable mode.
CTRL + 1
Turns on Select mode.
CTRL + 2
Turns on Walk mode.
CTRL + 3
Turns on Look Around mode.
CTRL + 4
Turns on Zoom mode.
CTRL + 5
Turns on Zoom Window mode.
CTRL + 6
Turns on Pan mode.
CTRL + 7
Turns on Orbit mode.
CTRL + 8
Turns on Free Orbit mode.
CTRL + 9
Turns on Fly mode.
The User Interface | 143
Default Keyboard Shortcut
Description
CTRL + A
Displays the Append dialog box.
CTRL + D
Toggles Collision mode. You must be in appropriate navigation mode (that
is, Walk or Fly) for this keyboard shortcut to work.
CTRL + F
Displays the Quick Find dialog box.
CTRL + G
Toggles Gravity mode.
CTRL + H
Toggles Hidden mode for selected items.
CTRL + I
Displays the Insert File dialog box.
CTRL + M
Displays the Merge dialog box.
CTRL + N
Resets the program, closes the currently open Autodesk Navisworks file,
and creates a new file.
CTRL + O
Displays the Open dialog box.
CTRL + P
Displays the Print dialog box.
CTRL + R
Toggles Require mode for selected items.
CTRL + S
Saves the currently open Autodesk Navisworks file.
CTRL + T
Toggles Third Person mode.
CTRL + Y
Reverses the last operation performed by the Undo command.
CTRL + Z
Reverses the last performed operation.
CTRL + PgUp
Displays the previous sheet.
CTRL + PgDn
Displays the next sheet.
144 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
Default Keyboard Shortcut
Description
CTRL + F1
Opens the Help system.
CTRL + F2
Opens the Clash Detective window.
CTRL + F3
Toggles the TimeLiner window.
CTRL + F4
Toggles the Presenter window.
CTRL + F5
Toggles the Animator window.
CTRL + F6
Toggles the Scripter window.
CTRL + F7
Toggles the Tilt window.
CTRL + F8
Applies to the Classic user interface. Toggles the Sectioning toolbar.
CTRL + F9
Toggles the Plan View window.
CTRL + F10
Toggles the Section View window.
CTRL + F11
Toggles the Saved Viewpoints window.
CTRL + F12
Toggles the Selection Tree window.
CTRL + HOME
Dollies and pans the camera so that the entire model is in view.
CTRL + Right Arrow
Play selected animation.
CTRL + Left Arrow
Reverse Play selected animation.
CTRL + Up Arrow
Record viewpoint animation.
CTRL + Down Arrow
Stop playing animation.
The User Interface | 145
Default Keyboard Shortcut
Description
CTRL + Space
Pause playing animation.
CTRL + SHIFT + A
Opens the Animation Export dialog box.
CTRL + SHIFT + C
Opens the Export dialog box and enables you to export current search.
CTRL + SHIFT + I
Opens the Image Export dialog box.
CTRL + SHIFT + R
Opens the Export Rendered Image dialog box.
CTRL + SHIFT + S
Opens the Export dialog box and enables you to export search sets.
CTRL + SHIFT + T
Opens the Export dialog box and enables you to export the current
TimeLiner schedule.
CTRL + SHIFT + V
Opens the Export dialog box and enables you to export viewpoints.
CTRL + SHIFT + W
Opens the Export dialog box and enables you to export viewpoint report.
CTRL + SHIFT + HOME
Sets current view as Home.
CTRL + SHIFT + END
Sets current view as Front.
CTRL + SHIFT + Left Arrow
Takes you to the previous redline tag.
CTRL + SHIFT + Right Arrow
Takes you to the next redline tag.
CTRL + SHIFT + Up Arrow
Takes you to the first redline tag.
CTRL + SHIFT + Down Arrow
Takes you to the last redline tag.
F1
Opens the Help system.
F2
Renames the selected item, when appropriate.
146 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
Default Keyboard Shortcut
Description
F3
Repeats the previously run Quick Find search.
F5
Refreshes your scene with the latest versions of currently loaded model files.
F11
Toggles Full Screen mode.
F12
Opens the Options Editor.
SHIFT + W
Opens the last used SteeringWheel.
SHIFT + F1
Enables you to get context-sensitive help.
SHIFT + F2
Toggles the Sets window.
SHIFT + F3
Toggles the Find Items window.
SHIFT + F4
Toggles the Find Comments window.
SHIFT + F6
Toggles the Comments window.
SHIFT + F7
Toggles the Properties window.
SHIFT + F10
Opens a shortcut menu.
SHIFT + F11
Opens the File Options dialog box.
Navigation with the Wheel Button
If you have a wheel mouse, you can use the middle mouse button to zoom,
pan, and orbit.
To
Do this...
Zoom in
scroll the wheel button forward.
Navigation with the Wheel Button | 147
To
Do this...
Zoom out
scroll the mouse wheel backward.
Pan
hold down the middle mouse button, and
then move the mouse to pan.
Orbit
press and hold SHIFT and hold down the
middle mouse button, and then move the
mouse to orbit about the currently defined
pivot point. This function is not available in
a 2D workspace.
Change the pivot point
press and hold the SHIFT and CTRL keys
and hold down the middle mouse button,
then drag to the point on the model you
want to use as the pivot point. This function
is not available in a 2D workspace.
NOTE The above does not apply when using Walk, Fly, or any of the classic
navigation modes, all of which have their own wheel/middle button behaviors.
Mouse Wheel / Middle Button Navigation
NOTE In a 2D workspace you can only pan and zoom. Also, the Shift+ Middle
Button function is only available in a 3D workspace.
Wheel
Middle Button
SHIFT + Middle
Button
Non-Navigational Tools
Select
Zoom In/Out
Pan
Orbit
Measure
Zoom In/Out
Pan
Orbit
Redline
Zoom In/Out
Pan
Orbit
Classic Navigation Modes
148 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
Wheel
Middle Button
SHIFT + Middle
Button
Walk
Look Up/Down
Glide Camera
Glide Camera (Faster)
Look Around
Zoom In/Out
Pan
Orbit
Zoom
Zoom (Roll)
Zoom (Drag)
-
Zoom Box
Zoom (Roll)
Zoom (Drag)
-
Pan
Zoom (Roll)
Zoom (Drag)
-
Orbit
Zoom (Roll)
Glide Camera
-
Examine
Zoom (Roll)
Pan
-
Fly
-
Roll
-
Turntable
Tilt Up/Down
Pan
-
Standard Navigation Modes
Pan
Zoom In/Out
Pan
Orbit
Zoom Window
Zoom In/Out
Pan
Orbit
Zoom
Zoom In/Out
Pan
Orbit
Orbit
Zoom In/Out
Pan
Orbit
Free Orbit
Zoom In/Out
Pan
Orbit
Constrained Orbit
Zoom In/Out
Pan
Orbit
Look At
Zoom In/Out
Pan
Orbit
Navigation with the Wheel Button | 149
SteeringWheels
Wheel
Middle Button
SHIFT + Middle
Button
Zoom In/Out
Pan
Orbit
Autodesk Navisworks Options
There are two types of options: File Options and Global Options.
File Options
For each Autodesk Navisworks file (NWF and NWD), you can adjust the model
appearance and the speed of navigation around it. Viewing options are stored
with Autodesk Navisworks files (NWF or NWD), and reloaded each time you
open these files.
The File Options dialog box is used to customize various file options, and
can be accessed by clicking Home tab ➤ Project panel ➤ File Options
.
150 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
Global Options
Global options, on the other hand, are set for all Autodesk Navisworks sessions.
The Options Editor can be accessed by clicking the application button
➤ Options, or it can be launched as a separate application. To do this, click
Start ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤ Navisworks Simulate 2012 ➤ Options
Editor. The options are grouped together, and presented in a tree structure,
making it quicker to find and change them.
Global options can be exported and imported, making it quick and easy for
project managers, or systems administrators, to ensure the Autodesk Navisworks
settings on all machines are identical.
To configure file options
1 Click Home tab ➤ Project panel ➤ File Options
.
2 Use the File Options dialog box to customize various file settings.
3 Click OK to save the changes.
Menu: Classic user interface: Tools ➤ File Options
See also:
File Options Dialog Box (page 696)
Autodesk Navisworks Options | 151
To configure global options
1 Click the application button
➤ Options.
2 In the Options Editor, expand the desired node, and click the option
you want to configure.
3 Click OK to save the changes.
Menu: Classic user interface: Tools ➤ Global Options
See also:
Options Editor Dialog Box (page 706)
To export global options
1 Click the application button
➤ Options.
2 In the Options Editor, click the Export button.
3 In the Select Options to Export dialog box, select the check boxes
for all options you want to be exported (or “serialized”). If an option
cannot be exported, it is greyed out.
152 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
TIP To quickly select/deselect all options for a given category, use the
top-level check boxes. For example, selecting the General check box,
instantly selects all options under this node.
4 Click OK to export the selected settings.
5 In the Save As dialog box, enter a name for the settings file. You can
also select the name of an existing settings file to overwrite it with your
modified configuration.
6 Click Save.
7 Click OK to close the Options Editor.
Menu: Classic user interface: Tools ➤ Global Options
To import global options
1 Click the application button
➤ Options.
2 In the Options Editor, click the Import button.
3 In the Open dialog box, browse to the folder containing the settings
file, select it, and click Open.
Autodesk Navisworks Options | 153
4 Click OK to close the Options Editor.
Menu: Classic user interface: Tools ➤ Global Options
Location Options
These options enable centralized sharing of global Autodesk Navisworks
settings, workspaces, datatools, avatars, Clash Detective rules, Presenter
archives, custom Clash Detective tests, object animation scripts, and so on,
with other users.
The settings can be shared across an entire project site, or across a specific
project group depending on the required level of granularity.
See also:
How do I share the Autodesk Navisworks settings on a site and project
basis? (page 73)
To configure location options
1 Click the application button
154 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
➤ Options.
2 Expand the General node in the Options Editor, and click the
Locations option.
3 In the Project Directory box, browse to the directory that contains
the Autodesk Navisworks settings specific to your project group.
4 In the Site Directory box, browse to the directory that contains the
Autodesk Navisworks settings standard across the entire project site.
5 Click OK.
Menu: Classic user interface: Tools ➤ Global Options
NOTE When you run Autodesk Navisworks for the first time, the settings are picked
up from the installation directory. Subsequently, Autodesk Navisworks examines
the current user profile and the all users profile on the local machine, and then
checks the settings in the Project Directory and the Site Directory. The files
in the Project Directory take precedence.
Graphics System
Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 supports two graphics systems: Presenter
Graphics and Autodesk Graphics.
Graphics System | 155
By default, Autodesk Navisworks automatically chooses the most appropriate
graphics system to use. For example, 3D models are rendered with Presenter
graphics, with the exception of 3D FBX files with consistent materials, which
will use Autodesk graphics. 2D sheets are rendered with Autodesk graphics.
You can use Options Editor to specify which graphics system is used.
Presenter materials are only available when using Presenter graphics system,
and Autodesk materials (also referred to as consistent materials) are only
available when using Autodesk graphics system. Real-time navigation is
supported by both graphics systems; but you need to use Presenter graphics
system if you want to create photorealistic visualizations.
Supported Drivers
You can see a list of all supported drivers in the Options Editor
(Interface ➤ Display ➤ Drivers). By default, all driver options are selected.
To specify graphics system
1 Click the application button
➤ Options.
2 Expand the Interface node in the Options Editor, and click the
Display option.
3 In the Graphics System area, clear the Auto-Select check box. The
System drop-down box is now active.
156 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
4 Use the System drop-down box to choose the graphics system you want
Autodesk Navisworks to use.
5 Click OK.
Display Units
Display units determine the scale of your model in Autodesk Navisworks.
Display units are used to measure geometry in your scene, align appended
models, set tolerances for clash detection, set texture sizes and so on.
When you open CAD and laser scan files, Autodesk Navisworks reads the units
directly from the files. If this is not possible (for example, the file is unitless),
Autodesk Navisworks uses the default units configured for that file type in the
Options Editor whenever possible. Loaded files are scaled appropriately to
the configured display units.
It is possible to rescale the file units, if they are found to be incorrect for the
scene.
To customize display units
1 Click the application button
➤ Options.
2 Expand the Interface node in the Options Editor, and click the
Display Units option.
Display Units | 157
3 Select the Linear Units from the drop-down list. Be sure to choose the
exact format required.
4 Select the Angular Units from the drop-down list.
5 Enter the number of decimal places you want to see throughout the
interface for your units in the Decimal Places box. If the unit chosen
is a fractional unit, rather than a decimal unit, then you have the choice
of what level of fraction to display the units from the Fractional
Display Precision drop-down list.
6 Click OK.
Menu: Classic user interface: Tools ➤ Global Options
Profiles
Autodesk Navisworks can be adjusted to your level of CAD technical
knowledge.
By default, a standard profile is used. If necessary, you can use a developer
profile to display additional object properties.
To use a developer profile
1 Click the application button
158 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
➤ Options.
2 Expand the Interface node, and click the Developer option.
3 Select the Show Internal Properties check box to add additional
object properties to the Properties window.
4 Click OK.
Menu: Classic user interface: Tools ➤ Global Options
Search Directories
Autodesk Navisworks searches for a variety of configuration files in
subdirectories of three standard directories.
These files can be overridden on a per user, all users or per installation basis.
The search directories are:
■ Application Data\Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 within the current user
profile. For example, C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application
Data\Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 where user is the name of the
current user.
■
Application Data\Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012 within the all users
default profile. For example, C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application
Data\Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012.
■
Within the Autodesk Navisworks install directory. For example, C:\Program
Files\Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012.
Search Directories | 159
NOTE If you are using Windows 7 then the search directory paths are different.
Instead of \Users\Application Data\Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012, the path
will be \Users\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012.
Two additional directories, Site and Project, may be used to share various
configuration settings with other users. When you run Autodesk Navisworks
for the first time, the settings are picked up from the installation directory.
Subsequently, Autodesk Navisworks examines the current user profile and the
all users profile on the local machine, and then checks the settings in the
Project Directory and the Site Directory. The files in the Project Directory take
precedence.
See also:
Location Options (page 154)
Gizmos
Autodesk Navisworks provides you with gizmo-based tools to interact with
3D objects. The following types of gizmos are used:
■ Transform gizmos. Manipulate objects’ transforms (translation, rotation,
and scale) globally (as if they’d been changed in the original CAD model).
See Transform Objects (page 383).
■
Animation gizmos. Manipulate objects’ transforms temporarily for
animation purposes. See Manipulate Geometry Objects (page 529).
■
Sectioning gizmos. Manipulate section planes and section box. See Move
and Rotate Section Planes (page 459) and Enable and Use Section Box (page
463).
Each gizmo displays three colored axes at the correct angles relevant to the
current camera position. Gizmos act like 3D objects in that the axis rotate
with the viewpoint. However, they are overlaid over the top of the 3D scene,
160 | Chapter 3 Quick Start
and can’t be obscured by other objects. When you mouse over a grabable part
of the gizmo, the cursor changes to a hand
icon.
Move Gizmo
Rotate Gizmo
Scale Gizmo
When you use gizmos, you can adjust snapping to control the precision of
your operations (click the application button
node ➤ Snapping page.
➤ Options ➤ Interface
Gizmos | 161
162
Work with Files
4
You can combine these files together, and create a single Autodesk Navisworks file
with a whole-project view of your model. This file brings together geometry and
data created by multi-disciplinary teams, and enables you to explore and review
complex models in real-time.
Native File Formats
Autodesk Navisworks has three native file formats: NWD, NWF, and NWC.
NWD File Format
An NWD file contains all model geometry together with Autodesk
Navisworks-specific data, such as review markups. You can think of an NWD
file as a snapshot of the current state of the model.
NWD files are very small, as they compress the CAD data by up to 80% of the
original size.
NWF File Format
An NWF file contains links to the original native files (as listed on the Selection
Tree) together with Autodesk Navisworks-specific data, such as review markups.
No model geometry is saved with this file format; this makes an NWF
considerably smaller in size than an NWD.
NWC File Format (Cache Files)
By default, when you open or append any native CAD or laser scan files in
Autodesk Navisworks, a cache file is created in the same directory and with the
same name as the original file, but with an .nwc file extension.
163
NWC files are smaller than the original files, and speed up your access to
commonly used files. When you next open file or append file in Autodesk
Navisworks, the data is read from the corresponding cache file if it is newer
than the original file. If the cache file is older, which means the original file
has changed, Autodesk Navisworks converts the updated file, and creates a
new cache file for it.
See also:
NWC File Options (page 728)
NWD File Options (page 728)
Compatible CAD Applications
The table below is provided as a quick reference only, and does not contain
an exhaustive list of compatible CAD applications. For additional information,
please refer to the Features section on our website http://www.autodesk.com/navisworks.
Application
File Formats
Autodesk AutoCAD
DWG, DXF, 3DS
Autodesk ADT/AutoCAD Architecture
DWG, DXF, 3DS
Autodesk Building Systems/AutoCAD MEP
DWG, DXF, 3DS
Autodesk Inventor
IPT, IAM, IPJ, IGES, STEP
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
DWG, DXF, 3DS
Autodesk MDT
DWG, DXF, 3DS, VRML
Autodesk Revit
DWG, DXF, DGN
Autodesk Revit Building/Revit Architecture
DWG, DXF, DGN
Autodesk Revit Structure
DWG, DXF, DGN, CIS/2
164 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Application
File Formats
Autodesk Revit Systems/Revit MEP
DWG, DXF, DGN
Autodesk 3DS MAX
DWG, DXF, 3DS, IGES
Autodesk VIZ
DWG, DXF, 3DS
Autodesk Maya
DXF, IGES, VRML
Bentley AutoPLANT
DGN, DWG, DXF
Bentley MicroStation SE
DGN, DWG, DXF, IGES, VRML
Bentley MicroStation J
DGN, DWG, DXF, IGES, STEP, VRML
Bentley MicroStation
DGN, DWG, DXF, IGES, STEP, VRML
Bentley Triforma J
DGN, DWG, DXF, IGES, STEP, VRML
Bentley Triforma
DGN, DWG, DXF, IGES, STEP, VRML
Graphisoft ArchiCAD
DWG, DXF, DGN, IFC
Graphisoft Constructor
DWG, DXF, DGN
AceCad StruCad
DXF
auto.des.sys form.z
DWG, DXF, 3DS, IGES, STL, VRML
AEC CADPIPE
DWG, DXF, 3DS
AVEVA PDMS
RVM
CADopia IntelliCAD
DWG, DXF
Compatible CAD Applications | 165
Application
File Formats
CEA Technology Plant-4D
DWG, DGN
COADE CADWorx Plant
DWG, DXF, 3DS
COADE CADWorx Pipe
DWG, DXF, 3DS
COADE CADWorx Steel
DWG, DXF, 3DS
COINS BSLink
DWG, DXF, 3DS
COINS Framing
DWG, DXF, 3DS
CSC 3D+
DWG
Dassault Systemes CATIA
DXF, IGES, STEP
Google SketchUp
SKP, DWG, 3DS
Hannappel Software GmbH elcoCAD R4
DWG, DXF, 3DS
Integraph PDS
DRI, DRV, DWG, DXF, DGN, IGES,
STEP
Informatix MicroGDS
MAN
ITandFactory CADISON
DWG, DXF, 3DS
ITandFactory TRICAD MS
VRML
Kiwi Software GmbH ProSteel 3D
DWG, DXF, 3DS
Kubotek USA CADKEY
DWG, DXF, IGES, STEP
M.A.P. CAD-Duct
DWG, DXF, 3DS
166 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Application
File Formats
McNeel North America Rhino
DWG, DXF, 3DS, IGES, STEP
Mensch und Maschine RoCAD
DWG, DXF, 3DS
MultiSUITE MultiSTEEL
DWG, DXF, 3DS
Nemetschek Allplan
DWG, DXF, DGN, IFC
PROCAD 3DSMART
DWG, DXF, 3DS
PTC Pro/ENGINEER
IGES, STEP, VRML
PTC CADDS 5
IGES, STEP
QuickPen PipeDesigner 3D
DWG, DXF, 3DS
QuickPen DuctDesigner 3D
DWG, DXF, 3DS
RAM International CADstudio
DWG, DXF, 3DS
SolidWorks
DWG, DXF, IGES, STEP, VRML
Tekla Structures
DGN, VRML, CIS/2
Tekla Xsteel
DGN
think3 thinkdesign
DWG, DXF, IGES, STEP
UGS I-deas
DXF, IGES, STEP
UGS Solid Edge
IGES, STEP
NX
DXF, IGES, STEP
Compatible CAD Applications | 167
Application
File Formats
UGS Factory CAD
DWG, DXF, 3DS
UHP Process Piping FabPro Pipe
DWG, DXF, 3DS
UHP Process Piping x-plant
DWG, DXF, 3DS
Supported CAD File Formats
See the following table for the native CAD file formats you can open in
Autodesk Navisworks without having the CAD applications installed on your
machine.
Format
Extension
Autodesk Navisworks
.nwd, .nwf, .nwc
Autodesk
.fbx
AutoCAD
.dwg, .dxf
ACIS SAT
.sat
CIS/2
.stp, .step
DWF
.dwf
IFC
.ifc
IGES
.igs, .iges
Informatix MicroGDS
.man, .cv7
Inventor
.ipt, .iam,. ipj
168 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Format
Extension
JTOpen
.jt
MicroStation (SE, J, V8, XM)
.dgn, .prp, .prw
Parasolid
.x_b
PDS Design Review
.dri
RVM
.rvm
SketchUp
.skp
STEP
.stp, .step
STL
.stl
VRML
.wrl, .wrz
3D Studio
.3ds, .prjv
Supported Laser Scan File Formats
See the following table for the laser scan file formats you can open in Autodesk
Navisworks.
Format
Extension
ASCII Laser File
.asc, .txt
Faro
.fls, .fws, .iQscan, .iQmod, .iQwsp
Leica
.pts, .ptx
Riegl
.3dd
Compatible CAD Applications | 169
Format
Extension
Z+F
.zfc, .zfs
NOTE Native Trimble file format is not supported. To open your file in Autodesk
Navisworks, convert it into ASCII laser file format first.
Use File Readers
Autodesk Navisworks provides file readers to support a variety of CAD file
formats and laser scan file formats.
When you open a CAD file in Autodesk Navisworks, an appropriate file reader
is automatically used. If necessary, you can adjust the default file reader settings
to improve the conversion quality.
3DS File Reader
3DS is a common file format supported by many CAD applications.
The Autodesk Navisworks file reader reads all 2D and 3D geometry, as well as
texture maps. The hierarchy defined by the keyframe data from keyframe 0
is preserved, including instancing. Entities are positioned based on keyframe
0.
Supported Entities
■
All 2D and 3D geometry
■
Cameras
■
Groups
■
Texture maps in the formats: 8-bit color-mapped, 16-bit and 24-bit true
color, uncompressed or Run Length Encoded TGA, BMP, JPEG, and LWI
(LightWork Image).
NOTE Textures from 3DS files come through as Presenter materials, though
you should bear in mind that 3DS files contain file names in the 8.3 DOS format
only and that various formats are not yet supported in Presenter.
170 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
■
Colors (from material color, not wireframe color - ambient, diffuse,
shininess, transparency and self illumination).
Unsupported Entities
■
Keyframes (objects are currently taken from keyframe 0)
■
Texture maps in the formats: gray-scale TGA, TIF, GIF, and PNG.
■
Other maps (for example, opacity maps, reflections, and so on)
■
Wireframe meshes
■
Lines, splines
■
Points
■
Background images
ASCII Laser Scan File Reader
Most scanner software support exporting the point data in an ASCII text file.
Providing that the data is saved in the correct format, this data can be read
by Autodesk Navisworks.
Supported formats for ASCII laser scan data are listed below. The data must
be separated using one of the following characters: comma, tab or space. The
character used to signify a decimal must be a point (period).
■ X, Y, Z
■
X, Y, Z, Intensity
■
X, Y, Z, Red, Green, Blue
■
X, Y, Z, Intensity, Red, Green, Blue
Intensity, Red, Green, and Blue values are integers in the range 0-255.
Intensities are not gamma corrected.
Supported Entities
■
Points
Unsupported Entities
■
No other entities are supported.
Use File Readers | 171
Bentley AutoPLANT File Reader
Bentley AutoPLANT is based on AutoCAD and as such uses the DWG file
format to store model geometry. Any settings related to the DWG file format
also affect files from AutoPLANT.
AutoPLANT Object Properties can be stored in external database MDB files.
By default, Autodesk Navisworks also supports these files through the DataTools
functionality, and looks for Equipment, Nozzle and Piping datatools links.
CIS/2 File Reader
The CIS/2 file reader supports CIMSteel Integration Standards (CIS/2) adopted
by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) as their format for data
exchange between steel related CAD software.
Supported Entities
■
Assembly_design
■
Assembly_design_child
■
Assembly_manufacturing
■
Analysis_model_3d
■
Part_derived
■
Part_prismatic_simple
■
Part_sheet_bounded_complex
■
Part_sheet_bounded_simple
■
Section_profile_compound
■
Section_profile_derived
■
Section_profile_edge_defined
■
Section_profile_angle
■
Section_profile_channel
■
Section_profile_circle
■
Section_profile_circle_hollow
■
Section_profile_i_type
■
Section_profile_i_type_asymmetric
172 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
■
Section_profile_i_type_rail
■
Section_profile_rectangle
■
Section_profile_rectangle_hollow
■
Section_profile_t_type
■
feature_volume_prismatic_chamfer
■
feature_volume_prismatic_flange_notch
■
feature_volume_prismatic_flange_chamfer
■
feature_volume_prismatic_notch
■
feature_volume_prismatic_skewed_end
■
Element_curve_simple
■
Element_node_connectivity
■
Element_eccentricity
■
Located_joint_system
■
Design_joint_system
■
Joint_system_mechanical
■
Fastener_mechanism
■
Fastener_simple_bolt
■
Fastener_simple_shear_connector
Unsupported Entities
■
Part_complex
■
Part_prismatic_complex
■
Part_sheet_profiled
■
Section_profile_centreline
■
feature_cutting_plane
■
feature_edge_chamfer
■
feature_surface
■
feature_thread
■
feature_volume_complex
■
feature_volume_curved
■
feature_volume_hole
■
Element_volume
Use File Readers | 173
■
Element_surface
■
Element_point
■
Element_curve_complex
■
Element_with_material
■
Joint_system_amorphous
■
Joint_system_chemical
■
Joint_system_welded
■
Weld_mechanism
■
Joint_system_complex
■
Fastener_simple_nut
■
Fastener_simple_washer
■
Fastener_simple_stud
■
Fastener_simple_pin
■
Fastener_simple_nail
■
Fastener_simple_screw
■
Fastener_simple_countersunk
■
Fastener_simple_curve
■
Fastener_simple_complex
Supported Basic Section Profile Types
The file reader supports the following basic section profile types:
■
I-Beam
■
Tee
■
Angle
■
Channel
■
Circle
■
Rectangle
■
Double Angle
■
Joist
174 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Supported AISC Section Profile Types
The reader supports all AISC defined section profile types and maps them to
the basic section profile types:
■
I-Beam: HP, M, S, W
■
Tee: MT, ST, WT
■
Angle: L, LP
■
Channel: C, MC
■
Circle: HSRO, P, PX, PXX, RB
■
Rectangle: HSRE, HSSQ, SB, TS
■
Double Angle: DL, DLL, DLS
DWG/DXF File Reader
The DWG/DXF file reader uses Autodesk's ObjectDBX™ technology and so is
guaranteed to read all object geometry and information for those third party
applications that utilize the ObjectDBX Framework.
The structure of the drawing is preserved including xrefs, blocks, inserts,
AutoCAD color index, layers, views and active viewpoint. Entities are colored
using the AutoCAD Color Index (ACI), so will match those in an AutoCAD
‘shaded’ view.
NOTE The file reader supports files from all products based on AutoCAD 2012
and earlier.
Supported Entities
■
All 2D and 3D geometry, including arcs, lines, polylines with non-zero
thickness, ACIS objects (regions and solids), polygon and polyface meshes,
3D faces and surfaces.
■
Points and snap points.
■
Lines, polylines, circles, arcs with zero thickness.
■
Named views
■
Layers
■
Colors
■
Blocks, inserts and multiple inserts
Use File Readers | 175
■
Groups
■
External references (xrefs)
■
Hyperlinks
■
Text or multi-line text
■
Entity handles
■
Attributes
■
Textures
■
File properties
Unsupported Entities
■
Lights
■
Splines
■
Multi-lines
■
Linetypes
■
Dimensions and leaders
■
Raster bitmaps
■
Construction lines (xlines and rays)
■
Hatching
Overview of Object Enablers
Object Enablers (OEs) can be thought of as a ‘translator’ for custom objects.
Applications based on the AutoCAD® platform, (including Autodesk products
like AutoCAD® Architecture, and non-Autodesk products like Bentley
AutoPlant) generate custom objects that are saved into the DWG file format.
These custom objects are typically found in content libraries that are built
into these applications.
Many applications have the ability to read DWG files; however, outside of
the authoring application any custom objects cannot be interpreted. As a
result, DWG file readers display such custom objects incorrectly, as proxy
graphics (wireframe geometry), unless the required OE is installed on the
machine reading the DWG file.
176 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
NOTE Autodesk Navisworks contains versions of RealDWG™ for 2005, 2006, 2007,
2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012. This means you can use OE between 2005 and 2012
with Autodesk Navisworks. You cannot use any OEs older than 2005. However,
OEs are backwards compatible, and you can install a later OE to support reading
of older versions of DWG files.
To check if an OE is required
1 In Autodesk Navisworks, open a DWG file.
2 If you can only see wireframe geometry, click the Home tab, slide out
the Project panel, and click Scene Statistics. The Scene Statistics
dialog box contains the report listing any missing, or failed to load OEs.
You need to install all missing OEs to open the file correctly in Autodesk
Navisworks.
NOTE Occasionally, an OE is already installed, but does not support
non-AutoCAD-based applications, like Autodesk Navisworks. In such cases,
the OE is reported as missing in the Scene Statistics dialog box.
To install and use an OE with Autodesk Navisworks
1 Obtain the required OE, and run the installer.
2 On the OE Setup page, select the check box for the relevant Autodesk
Autodesk Navisworks products.
NOTE Some OEs have dependencies on other OEs, and, therefore, must be
installed in a specific order. For example, the AutoCAD MEP 2009 OE has a
dependency on the AutoCAD Architecture 2009 OE. As a result, the AutoCAD
MEP 2009 OE must be installed after the AutoCAD Architecture OE.
3 Click Install. When the OE is installed, click Finish.
4 Run Autodesk Navisworks.
5 Click the application button
➤ Options.
6 In the Options Editor, expand the File Readers node, and click
DWG/DXF.
7 Ensure the value in the DWG Loader Version field is the same as the
version of the installed OE, and close the dialog box. For example, if
you’ve installed OE for AutoCAD Architecture 2007, you must set the
DWG Loader Version to ‘2007’.
Use File Readers | 177
When you open a DWG file in Autodesk Navisworks, the file reader uses
the configured OE.
How do I know if I need to use an Object Enabler with Autodesk
Navisworks2012?
When a DWG file is opened in Autodesk Navisworks2012, and the objects are
displayed as wireframe geometry, it usually means that an Object Enabler is
missing.
Additionally, the Scene Statistics dialog box reports any missing or failed
to load OEs.
Where do I obtain Object Enablers from?
The recommended way to obtain OEs is to request them from the persons
authoring the DWG file. This ensures that the correct version of OE is used.
TIP You can also download many OEs from the vendor websites for the authoring
applications. For example, you can download Autodesk OEs from http://www.autodesk.com/oe.
What do I do when Object Enablers are not reported as missing but
I can only see wireframe geometry?
1 Click the application button
➤ Options.
2 In the Options Editor, expand the File Readers node, and click
DWG/DXF.
3 Select Shaded from the Render Type drop-down list.
4 Ensure the Use ADT Standard Configuration check box is selected.
5 Click OK to save the changes and close the dialog box.
6 Click New
file again.
on the Quick Access toolbar, and then open the DWG
DWF/DWFx File Reader
Autodesk DWF was specifically developed by Autodesk as a file format for
architects, engineers, and GIS professionals to share 2D- and 3D- design data.
DWF files are highly compressed and retain detailed design information and
178 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
scale. The newest version of the DWF file format, DWFx, is based on the XML
Paper Specification (XPS) from Microsoft. DWFx files can be opened and
printed instantly using the free Microsoft XPS Viewer, which comes
pre-installed on computers using the Microsoft Windows Vista® operating
system. (For the Windows XP operating system, the Microsoft XPS Viewer can
be downloaded directly from Microsoft.) Unlike DWF files, DWFx files include
additional information to display design data in the Microsoft XPS Viewer.
As such, DWFx files are larger than corresponding DWF files.
Supported Entities
■
All 3D geometry
■
Texture maps
■
Texture coordinates
■
Colors (per-vertex, per-face)
■
Property fields
■
Categories
■
2D lines/plot sections
■
Thumbnails (for 2012 files or later)
■
Sheet property (for 2012 files or later)
■
More than one 3D section per file (multi-sheet file support)
Unsupported Entities
■
Marked-up sketches
■
NURBS surfaces
■
Cameras
DGN File Reader
Autodesk Navisworks can read 3D DGN and PRP files from Bentley's
MicroStation, but does not support CEL files or 2D DGN files. Referenced files
and instances of cells are respected, and the Selection Tree reflects this file
structure.
NOTE The file reader supports files from MicroStation 95, SE and /J. It does not
support MicroStation Modeler and any versions of MicroStation before 95.
Use File Readers | 179
Supported Entities
■
All 2D and 3D geometry including shapes, complex shapes, meshes, cones,
surfaces, B-spline boundaries, solids, SmartSolids and Feature Solids, lines,
arcs and ellipses.
■
Splines and B-spline curves
■
Lights
■
Levels
■
Cells, shared cells, and their instancing
■
Colors and ambient, diffuse, and shininess properties of materials from
PAL and MAT palette and material files
■
Texture maps
■
Referenced files including aliases
■
Dynamic drawing of parametric models when loading/exporting DGN and
PRP files
■
3D text used for notes and labels is now converted and displayed by default
■
Family, part and texture information from TriForma, and PDS object
information from DRV files
■
Family, part and texture information from TriForma, and PDS object
information from DRV files
Unsupported Entities
■
Raster bitmaps
■
Dimensions and leaders
Faro Scan File Reader
The file reader supports files from all Faro™ scanners. Combined iQscan files
must be located in a folder called ‘Scans’ in the same directory as the associated
iQmod and iQwsp workspace files.
FBX File Reader
The file reader supports Autodesk FBX files.
180 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
The Autodesk FBX format is a free platform-independent 3D authoring and
interchange format that provides access to 3D content from most 3D vendors.
FBX file format offers you improved interoperability between Autodesk
Navisworks and a range of Autodesk products including Maya, 3DS MAX, and
SoftImage.
The Autodesk Navisworks FBX file reader reads all 2D and 3D geometry, as
well as texture maps and material maps. However, currently it does not support
animation.
Supported Entities
■
All 2D and 3D geometry (mesh, NURBS, patch, trimmed NURBS, NURBS
curve)
■
Texture maps
■
Material maps
■
Camera and light
■
Skeleton
■
Normals, colors (they are both from vertex)
Unsupported Entities
■
Constraint (cluster constraint, shape constraint and aim constraint)
■
Pose
■
Take of animation
■
Marker
■
Nulls
■
Point Cloud geometry
IFC File Reader
The file reader supports stand-alone IF files.
Supported Entities
■
Faceted BReps
■
Extruded area solids
Use File Readers | 181
■
Geometric sets
■
Face-based and surface-based models
■
Simple, trimmed, and composite curves
■
Simple surfaces
■
Simple parametric, arbitrary and derived profiles
■
Boolean clipping results and element-level voiding and projection CSG
operations
■
Basic styled and mapped items
■
Property sets, including simple and complex properties
Unsupported Entities
■
Voided BReps
■
Bounded half-space solids
■
Complex parametric profiles
■
BSpline curves
■
Curve styles
■
Swept surfaces
■
Textures and complex lighting
■
Loading of server-based IFC models
See also:
IFC File Reader Options
IGES File Reader
The file reader uses Inventor Server to load IGS and IGES files. All file versions
are supported.
You cannot customize the IGES file reader in the Options Editor any longer.
182 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Inventor File Reader
The file reader supports IPT (part), IAM (assembly) and IPJ (project) file formats.
IDW (drawing) file format cannot be read.
The reader supports files from Autodesk® Inventor® 2012 and earlier.
See also:
Inventor File Reader Options
JTOpen File Reader
The file reader supports 3D JT data format developed by Siemens PLM Software
(formerly UGS Corp.).
Supported Entities
■
Tri-strip set shape
■
Polyline set shape
■
Box primitive shape
■
Cylinder primitive shape
■
Sphere primitive shape
■
Models with vertex-based color and normal
■
General JT B-Rep
■
Geometric transform attribute
■
Material attribute
■
XT B-Rep segment
■
Properties
Unsupported Entities
■
Point set shape
■
Polygon set shape
■
Wire harness set shape
■
Pyramid primitive shape
Use File Readers | 183
■
Tri-prism primitive shape
■
PMI manager meta data
■
Models with facet-based or primitive-based color and normal
■
Texture
■
HSV color model
■
B-Rep CAD tag
■
Line style attribute
■
Point style attribute
■
Shader effects attribute
■
Vertex shader attribute
■
Fragment shader attribute
■
Infinite light attribute
■
Point light attribute
■
Wireframe segment
■
LOD
See also:
JTOpen File Reader Options
Leica Scan File Reader
The file reader supports files from all Leica™ HDS scanners.
Supported Entities
■
Points
Unsupported Entities
■
No other entities are supported
See also:
Leica Scan File Reader Options
184 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
MAN File Reader
The file reader supports MAN files from Informatix's MicroGDS™ version 6.0
or later. MicroGDS™ projects are not supported. The workaround is to export
the desired project window with a .man file extension.
In Autodesk Navisworks, MicroGDS renderer materials are shown in their
flat-shaded colors in shaded mode. In full render mode, or with Presenter
rendering, the full shaders are used. Only the standard LightWorks shaders
are available. The shaders which are unique to MicroGDS are not available
inside Autodesk Navisworks, and are converted as follows:
■ Height band color shader is treated as plain grey
■
Wrapped random color shader is treated as a plain color using the
flat-shaded color from MicroGDS
■
Wrapped stencil transparency is ignored
■
Undulate, wrapped brick, wrapped grid and wrapped ripple displacement
shaders are ignored
■
Object axis texture space is equivalent to the Autodesk Navisworks box
texture space
■
Auto axis and object XY axis texture spaces are treated as the Autodesk
Navisworks box texture space
■
Grid background is treated as a plain background using the background
color, that is grid lines are not shown
■
Foreground and environment shaders are ignored
NOTE All other shaders, as of MicroGDS 7.2, are correctly imported into Autodesk
Navisworks.
MicroGDS materials are specified in millimeters, and are converted into metres
to make Autodesk Navisworks materials, dividing distance parameters by 1000.
Windows with Perspective Views are converted as viewpoints.
Supported Entities
■
Clump primitives
■
Line primitives.
Use File Readers | 185
NOTE The color of line primitives is determined by the first phase in which
they appear in the Principal window of the MAN file. If they are not included
in the Principal window, the color is determined by their style.
■
Light styles.
NOTE Projector lights are treated as a spot light without the transparent image.
■
Material styles, both plain and most LightWorks Renderer materials.
NOTE For materials using wrapped images, you must specify the texture paths.
■
Layers.
NOTE All layers are read, and made visible according to their status in the
Principal window of the MAN file.
■
Instances
■
Object data structure
Unsupported Entities
■
Text primitives
■
Photo primitives
See also:
MAN File Reader Options
Parasolid File Reader
The file reader supports X_B Parasolid files.
See also:
Parasolid File Reader Options
PDS File Reader
The file reader supports DRI files from the PDS Design Review package.
186 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
See also:
PDS File Reader Options
Pro/ENGINEER File Reader
The Pro/ENGINEER file reader uses Inventor Server to load the following types
of Pro/ENGINEER files:
■ *.prt* (part) - up to version Wildfire 5.0
■
*.asm* (assembly) - up to version Wildfire 5.0
■
*.g (Granite) - up to version 6.0
■
*.neu* (Neutral)
The file reader uses Autodesk Inventor Server to translate assembly and part
files, solids, multi-solids, surfaces, and more. You cannot customize the
Pro/ENGINEER file reader in the Options Editor.
Riegl Scan File Reader
The file reader supports files from all Riegl™ LMS scanners.
Supported Entities
■
Points
■
Triangles
Unsupported Entities
■
No other entities are supported
See also:
Riegl Scan File Reader Options
Use File Readers | 187
RVM File Reader
The file reader supports the following file formats:
■ Binary and ASCII RVM files exported from AVEVA’s PDMS™ product
■
Dump Attributes and Data (also called “OUTPUT”) attribute files, with the
.att, .attrib, and .txt file extensions.
■
RVS files
Supported Entities
■
All geometry
■
Attributes stored on groups
■
Textures (via RVS file)
■
Cameras and camera tracks (via RVS file)
■
Clip planes (via RVS file)
■
Signs (via RVS file)
■
Tags (via RVS file)
■
Labels (via RVS file)
■
Translucency (via RVS file)
■
PDMS origin points
Unsupported Entities
■
Attributes stored on primitives
■
Lights
■
Object Animation
■
Smooth Animation
■
Groups
■
Autotags
See also:
RVM File Reader Options
188 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
SAT File Reader
The file reader supports ACIS SAT files.
See also:
SAT File Reader Options
SketchUp SKP File Reader
The file reader supports native SKP file format.
Supported Entities
■
Geometry
■
Materials (face front material only)
■
Transparency
■
Groups
■
Components
■
Layers
■
Imported images
■
Transparency
Unsupported Entities
■
Text
■
Dimensions
■
Section planes
See also:
Sketchup SKP File Reader Options
Use File Readers | 189
STEP File Reader
The file reader uses Inventor Server to load STP and STEP files up to and
including AP214 CC2 and AP203.
You cannot customize the STEP file reader in the Options Editor any longer.
STL File Reader
The file reader only supports binary STL files. ASCII versions are not supported.
Supported Entities
■
Triangles
Unsupported Entities
■
No other entities are supported
See also:
STL File Reader Options
VRML File Reader
The file reader supports files in both VRML1 and VRML2 file formats.
Supported Entities
■
All 3D geometry including cuboids, cylinders, cones, spheres, elevation
grids, extrusions, face and line sets, and points.
■
All grouping nodes, but with the following limitations:
■ VRML2 Billboard nodes - children are loaded but no billboarding takes
place.
■
VRML2 Collision nodes - children are loaded but no specification of
collision detection occurs.
■
VRML1 WWWAnchor and VRML2 Anchor nodes - children are loaded
but clicking objects does not load any referenced VRML world.
190 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
■
VRML1 and VRML2 LOD nodes - the most detailed (that is, first) child
is always loaded.
Unsupported Entities
■
All ROUTE definitions
■
All sensor nodes
■
All interpolator nodes
■
Textures specified within the VRML file (VRML2 PixelTexture nodes and
the image component of VRML1 Texture2 nodes).
■
VRML2 Script nodes
■
VRML2 MovieTexture nodes
■
VRML2 Fog nodes
■
VRML2 AudioClip and Sound nodes
■
All text-related nodes (VRML1 ASCII Text, VRML2 Text, and FontStyle
nodes).
See also:
VRML File Reader Options
Z+F Scan File Reader
The file reader supports files from all Z+F™ IMAGER scanners.
Supported Entities
■
Points
Unsupported Entities
■
No other entities are supported
See also:
Z+F File Reader Options
Use File Readers | 191
Use File Exporters
Autodesk Navisworks provides file exporters to create native Autodesk
Navisworks files directly in CAD applications.
Currently, you can export NWC files from AutoCAD, MicroStation, Revit,
ArchiCAD, and Viz/Max applications.
You can use file exporters:
■ If Autodesk Navisworks cannot read the native CAD file format. Currently,
the following native file formats are not supported: VIZ, MAX, ArchiCAD,
Revit.
■
If Autodesk Navisworks has converted the native CAD file, but some
geometry is missing, for example, and you want to improve the file quality.
AutoCAD File Exporter
Autodesk Navisworks comes with ARX plugins for any AutoCAD™ based
product, such as Architectural Desktop™, and enables you to export files into
NWC file format.
The file exporter is available for any AutoCAD-based product between AutoCAD
2004 and 2012 releases.
NOTE If you installed the Autodesk Navisworks software with exporter plugins,
and you install any AutoCAD-based software after Autodesk Navisworks is installed,
you need to update your exporter plugins installation with the appropriate ARX
plugins before you can use them.
See also:
DWG File Exporter Options (page 730)
Add the ARX Plugin
You can either add the ARX plugin to Exporter Plugins installation, or load it
manually in AutoCAD-based software.
To add the ARX plugin to Exporter Plugins installation
1 In the Control Panel, double-click Add or Remove Programs.
192 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
2 In the Add or Remove Programs dialog box, click Autodesk
Navisworks Simulate 2012 Exporter Plugins, and then click
Change/Remove in Windows XP or Uninstall/Change in
Vista/Windows 7.
3 In the Installation wizard, click Add or Remove Features.
4 On the Select Exporters to Install page, the Export From Other
Applications node, select the check box next to the required plugin.
5 Click Next.
6 On the Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012Update Exporter Plugins
page, click Next.
7 On the Update Complete page, you are informed when the updates
have been performed. Click Finish.
To load the ARX plugin in an AutoCAD-based application
1 Type ARX at the command line.
2 Press Return.
3 Type the letter L (for ‘Load’) at the command line.
4 Press Return.
5 In the Select ARX/DBX File dialog box, browse to the ARX plugin.
NOTE For AutoCAD 20xx based applications, the plugin is located under
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Autodesk
Navisworks\2012\NWExport20xx\nwexport20xx.arx. So, for example, for
AutoCAD 2004 based applications, the plugin is located under C:\Program
Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Autodesk
Navisworks\2012\NWExport2004\nwexport2004.arx, and so on.
6 Click OK to load the ARX plugin.
Use the ARX Plugin
You can export files from AutoCAD-based applications either from the
command line, or by using the Autodesk Navisworks menu.
Before you can use the Autodesk Navisworks menu, you need to load it first.
By default, the Autodesk Navisworks menu is added to the menu browser. In
some programs, it can also be added to the menu bar.
Use File Exporters | 193
To use the command line to export files
1 To export an NWC file, type NWCOUT at the command line.
2 Press Return.
3 In the Save As dialog box, enter the name for the Autodesk Navisworks
file, and browse to the desired storage location.
4 Click OK to export the file, or Cancel to return to the application
without exporting it.
To load the Autodesk Navisworks export menu
1 At the command line, type MENULOAD.
2 Press Return.
3 In the Load/Unload Customizations dialog box, click Browse.
4 In the Select Customization File dialog box, change the Files of
Type to Legacy Menu Template (*.mnu), and browse to the Autodesk
Navisworks menu file.
NOTE For AutoCAD 20xx based applications, this file is located under
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Autodesk
Navisworks\2012\NWExport20xx\lwnw_export.mnu. So, for example, for
AutoCAD 2004 based applications, this file is located under C:\Program
Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Autodesk
Navisworks\2012\NWExport2004\lwnw_export.mnu, and so on.
5 Click Open.
6 In the Load/Unload Customizations dialog box, click Load.
The loaded menu is shown in the Loaded Customization Groups.
7 Click Close.
To use Autodesk Navisworks menu to export files
1 Click the menu browser button located at the top-left corner of the
application window.
2 To export an NWC file, click Autodesk Navisworks Cache on the
Autodesk Navisworks menu.
3 In the Save As dialog box, enter the name for the Autodesk Navisworks
file, and browse to the desired storage location.
4 Click OK to export the file, or Cancel to return to the application
without exporting it.
194 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
To adjust the options for the DWG file exporter
1 Click the menu browser button located at the top-left corner of the
application window.
2 Click Autodesk Navisworks Export Option on the Autodesk
Navisworks menu.
3 Expand the File Exporters node in the Options Editor, and click the
DWG page. Use the options on this page to adjust the settings for future
exports of NWC files from AutoCAD-based applications.
4 Click OK to save the changes.
Command entry: NWOPT
CAD Preview
The ARX plugin also enables you to walk through your model in real time
inside a dockable Navigator window directly in the AutoCAD interface.
You can easily import and export viewpoints between Navigator and AutoCAD,
and explore the models that you are building.
NOTE The Autodesk Navisworks Navigator is provided for products based on
AutoCAD 2004™ and above.
To navigate AutoCAD models in real time
1 Type NWNAVIGATOR at the command line.
2 Use the Navigator window to explore your model.
Buttons
The Navigator toolbar contains the following buttons.
Button
Description
Synchronizes the model in the Navigator
window with the AutoCAD model. The
Navigator window is not updated automatically. Click this button every time you want
to navigate around the latest model.
Use File Exporters | 195
Button
Description
Changes the current AutoCAD view to the
view in the Navigator window.
Changes the view in the Navigator window
to the current AutoCAD view.
Selects walk mode and enables you to walk
through the model on a horizontal plane.
Selects look around mode and enables you
to look around the model from the current
camera position.
Selects zoom mode. Dragging the left
mouse button up and down or using the
UP and DOWN ARROW keys zooms in and
out respectively.
Selects zoom-to-a-box mode. Dragging a
box with the left mouse button over the
model fills the view with the contents of the
box. Holding down the SHIFT or CTRL keys
or spinning the mouse wheel, temporarily
switches this mode to zoom mode.
Selects pan mode. Dragging the left mouse
pans the model up, down, left and right.
Holding down the SHIFT or CTRL keys or
spinning the mouse wheel, temporarily
switches this mode to zoom mode.
Selects orbit mode. Dragging the left mouse
button or using the UP, DOWN, LEFT ARROW, and RIGHT ARROW keys rotates the
camera around the model. Holding down
the SHIFT key or spinning the mouse wheel,
temporarily switches this mode to zoom
196 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Button
Description
mode. Holding down the CTRL key temporarily pans the camera.
Selects examine mode. Dragging the left
mouse button or using the UP, DOWN,
LEFT ARROW, and RIGHT ARROW keys rotates the model about. Holding down the
SHIFT key or spinning the mouse wheel,
temporarily switches this mode to zoom
mode. Holding down the CTRL key temporarily switches this mode to pan mode.
Selects fly mode. Holding down the left
mouse button moves the camera forward.
As in a flight simulator, the left mouse button banks left/right when dragged left or
right and tilts up/down when dragged up
or down. The UP and DOWN cursor keys
zoom in and out respectively, and the LEFT
ARROW and RIGHT ARROW keys spin the
camera left and right respectively. Holding
down the SHIFT key speeds up this movement. Holding down the CTRL key rotates
the camera around its viewing axis, while
still moving forward.
Selects turntable mode. Dragging the left
mouse button left and right, or using the
LEFT ARROW and RIGHT ARROW keys spins
the turntable left and right respectively.
Holding down the SHIFT key or spinning
the mouse wheel, temporarily switches this
mode to zoom mode. Holding down the
CTRL key temporarily switches this mode
to pan mode.
Shows all model. Clicking this button dollies
and pans the camera so that the entire
model is displayed.
Use File Exporters | 197
Button
Description
Selects perspective camera view.
Selects orthographic camera view.
Opens the Help system.
The Shortcut Menu
Right-clicking in the Navigator window opens a shortcut menu.
Focus on Item Focuses the camera on the selected item. The point you click
becomes the focal point for examine, orbit, and turntable navigation modes.
Speed
Frame Rate Specifies the number of frames per second (FPS) that are rendered
in the Navigator window.
The default setting is 6. You can set the frame rate from 1 through 20 frames
per second. Reducing the value reduces drop-out, but can cause jerky
movement during navigation. Increasing the value ensures a smoother
navigation, but increases drop-out.
Hardware Acceleration Select this option to utilize any available OpenGL
hardware acceleration on your video card.
NOTE If your video card does not support OpenGL hardware acceleration, this
option is not available.
Viewpoint
Rendering Selects rendering mode for your model. Choose from:
■ Shaded - renders the model with smooth shading and without textures.
This is the default option.
■
Wireframe - renders the model in wireframe; all triangle edges are visible
in this mode.
■
Hidden Line - renders the model in hidden line; this is equivalent to
rendering model as shaded and wireframe at the same time. The output is
low quality as all the facet edges in the model are visible.
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Lighting Selects lighting mode for your model. Choose from:
■ No Lights - turns off lighting. The model is shaded with flat rendering.
■
Head Light - uses a single directional light located at the camera that
always points in the same direction as the camera. This is the default
option.
■
Scene Lights - uses any lights defined in the model, or two default
opposing lights, if none are available.
Navigation Mode Selects navigation mode. The options available here are
the same as on the Navigator toolbar, with one exception. The Select option
enables you to select items in your model. You can select multiple items by
holding down the CTRL key while selecting items.
Navigation Tools Select View All to display the entire model.
Perspective Camera Selects perspective camera view.
Orthographic Camera Selects orthographic camera view.
Options
Culling Options Opens the Culling Options Dialog box.
Close Files on Open Indicates whether NWC file created for the model is
closed once it has been loaded into memory.
Selecting this option unlocks NWC files for editing by other users.
Max Image Texture Size Specifies the maximum size for texture images in
pixels.
The higher the value, the higher the load on your graphics card, as more MB
in memory is required to render textures.
Revit File Exporter
Autodesk Navisworks cannot read native Revit files directly. Use the file
exporter to save your files in NWC format, which can be open in Autodesk
Navisworks.
The file exporter is available for Revit versions 9.0 to 2012.
See also:
Revit File Exporter Options (page 733)
Use File Exporters | 199
To export NWC files from Revit
1 In Revit, click Tools ➤ External Tools ➤ Autodesk Navisworks2012.
NOTE This option is not available in Demo/Viewer mode. If you are not in
demo mode, but do not have access to the Autodesk Navisworks menu,
check if editing view is set to normal, and the modify tool is selected
( ➤ Modify).
2 In the Export Scene As dialog box, enter the name for the Autodesk
Navisworks file, and browse to the desired storage location.
3 Click Save to export the file, or Cancel to return to the application
without exporting it.
To adjust the options for the Revit file exporter
1 In Revit, click Tools ➤ External Tools ➤ Autodesk Navisworks2012.
2 In the Export Scene As dialog box, click theAutodesk Navisworks
Settings button.
3 Expand the File Exporters node in the Options Editor, and click the
Revit page. Use the options on this page to adjust the settings for future
exports of NWC files from Revit.
4 Click OK to save the changes and return to the Export Scene As dialog
box.
5 Click Cancel to close the dialog box.
MicroStation File Exporter
Autodesk Navisworks comes with MDL plugins for MicroStation™ J, v8, and
v8.9, and enables you to export files into NWC file format.
NOTE If you installed the Autodesk Navisworks software with exporter plugins,
and you install MicroStation software after Autodesk Navisworks is installed, you
need to update your exporter plugins installation with the appropriate ARX plugins
before you can use them.
See also:
DGN File Exporter Options (page 735)
200 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
To add the MDL plugin to Autodesk Navisworks Exporter Plugins installation
1 In the Control Panel, double-click Add or Remove Programs.
2 In the Add or Remove Programs dialog box, click Autodesk
Navisworks Simulate 2012 Exporter Plugins, and then click
Change/Remove in Windows XP or Uninstall/Change in
Vista/Windows 7.
3 In the Installation wizard, click Add or Remove Features.
4 On the Select Exporters too Install page, the Export From Other
Applications node, select the check box next to the required plugin.
5 Click Next.
6 On the Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012Update Exporter Plugins
page, click Next.
7 On the Update Complete page, you are informed when the updates
have been performed. Click Finish.
Load the MDL Plugin
Before you can use the MDL plugin, you need to load it first.
You can either do it for the current session only, or you can add the plugin
to your default configuration, in which case, it is loaded for all future sessions.
To load the MDL plugin for the current session only
1 Click Utilities ➤ Key-In.
2 In the Key-In dialog box, type mdl load nwexport9.
3 Press Return.
To load the MDL plugin for all future sessions
1 Click Workspace ➤ Configuration.
2 In the Configuration dialog box, Category field, click Design
Applications.
3 Click NWEXPORT9 in the Available Applications field.
4 Click the Add button.
5 Click OK, and confirm that you want to add NWEXPORT MDL plugin
to your default configuration.
Use File Exporters | 201
Export Files from the Key-In Command Line
You can export files from the key-in command line individually or in batches.
You can also add the commands to the Key-In menu to speed up the process.
To use the key-in command line to export files
1 Click Utilities ➤ Key-In to open the Key-In dialog box.
2 To export an NWC file, type nwcout.
NOTE To export the current design file quickly, you can use the
batchnwcout command. The explorer replaces the design file extension
(usually .dgn) with .nwc when exporting the file. When you use this
command, you are not prompted to overwrite any existing files, and no
export dialog box is shown.
3 In the Autodesk NavisworksExport File dialog box, browse to the desired
storage location.
The exporter automatically provides a filename, and a view number,
which you can modify, if necessary. The chosen view number determines
the initial model view in Autodesk Navisworks.
4 Click OK to export the file.
To add Autodesk Navisworks export commands to the Key-In menu
1 Click Workspace ➤ Customize.
2 In the Customize dialog box, the Menu Bar tab, expand the Utilities
option in the Edit Menu Bar field.
3 Click the Key-In option, and click the Insert button.
4 In the Insert Menu Item dialog box, enter the Label, for example,
“Export Autodesk Navisworks Cache File”.
5 In the Key-In field, type the appropriate command, for example,
“nwcout”.
6 Click OK.
7 Add as many menu items as necessary, and click Save.
The added options are now available from the Utilities ➤ Key-In menu.
202 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Export Files from the Command Line
You can also export files from the command line by using the msbatch.bat
file. This is useful when you want to set up an automated script for file export.
NOTE To export a file from the command line, you must first add the MicroStation
program directory to the Path environment variable.
The format of the command line exporter is
msbatch nwexport9 [-f] FILE [OUTPUT]
FILE is the name of the MicroStation file you want to export. This is the only
required option. The OUTPUT argument enables you to specify the name of
the output file.
By default, the exporter only converts files that have been changed since the
last time you exported them. This is useful for speeding up exporting a large
number of files. If you want to force the exporter to convert all files, use the
-f option.
NOTE If the exporter encounters any problems, it produces an error log in a file
called nwdout.err.
To modify the Path environment variable
1 In the Control Panel, double-click System.
2 In the System Properties dialog box, Advanced tab, click the
Environment Variables button.
3 In the Environment Variables dialog box, double-click Path under
System Variables.
4 In the Edit System Variable dialog box, add the path to the
MicroStation application to the Variable Value field.
NOTE Paths must be separated with a semicolon (;).
5 Click OK to save the changes and close the dialog boxes.
To use the command line to export files
1 On the Start menu, click Run in Windows XP or press Windows + R
on the keyboard in Vista and Windows 7.
2 Enter the file export command with appropriate arguments, for example
msbatch nwexport9 file.
Use File Exporters | 203
3 Press Enter.
4 In the MicroStation Manager dialog box, select the files you want to
export, file extension (NWC), and storage location.
5 Click OK.
Customize the DGN File Exporter Options
The file exporter only exports from 3D DGN files - 2D files are not supported.
Autodesk Navisworks colors are derived from either MicroStation cell colors
or MicroStation materials, depending on the chosen export options. The
appearance of objects in Publisher matches the appearance of a MicroStation
shaded render.
To adjust the options for the DGN file exporter
1 Click Utilities ➤ Key-In to open the Key-In dialog box.
2 Type nwopt, and press Enter.
3 Expand the File Exporters node in the Options Editor, and click the
DGN page. Use the options on this page to adjust the settings for future
exports of NWC files from MicroStation.
4 Click OK to save the changes.
Viz and Max File Exporter
Autodesk Navisworks cannot read native Viz/Max files directly. Use the file
exporter to save your files in NWC format, which can be open in Autodesk
Navisworks.
The file exporter is available for Viz versions 2007 and 2008 and Max versions
from 8 to 2012.
NOTE If you installed the Autodesk Navisworks software with exporter plugins,
and you install Viz or Max software after Autodesk Navisworks is installed, you
need to update your exporter plugins installation with the appropriate ARX plugins
before you can use them.
See also:
Viz/Max File Exporter Options (page 737)
204 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
To export NWC files from Viz or Max
1 Click File ➤ Export.
2 In the Select File to Export dialog box, select Autodesk
Navisworks2012 Cache (*.nwc) in the Save as Type field.
3 Enter the name for the Autodesk Navisworks file, and browse to the
desired storage location.
4 Click Save to export the file, or Cancel to return to the application
without exporting it.
NOTE Any textures applied to the Viz or Max model are saved in a directory
with the same name as the exported file, but with a _presenter_maps
suffix. All textures are converted into BMP files and saved into this directory
for use with Autodesk Navisworks.
To add the Autodesk Navisworks utility menu
1 Click the More button on the Utilities panel.
2 In the Utilities dialog box, select Autodesk Navisworks2012 option,
and click OK.
To customize the 3DS file exporter options
1 Click the Options Editor button on the Autodesk Navisworks menu
on the Utilities panel.
2 Expand the File Exporters node in the Options Editor, and click the
Viz/Max page. Use the options on this page to adjust the settings for
future exports of NWC files from Viz and Max applications.
ArchiCAD File Exporter
Autodesk Navisworks cannot read native ArchiCAD files directly. Use the file
exporter to save your files in NWC format, which can be open in Autodesk
Navisworks.
The file exporter is available for ArchiCAD v9 through to v13.
The export add-on for ArchiCAD is available from both the 2D and 3D
windows. All standard ArchiCAD elements and library parts can be exported
provided they have a 3D representation, and any others are ignored.The file
exporter saves both standard materials and custom GDL script materials.
Use File Exporters | 205
NOTE Only visible layers are exported.
ArchiCAD cutaway plane settings does not set the Autodesk Navisworks section
plane; it is used to export items that are physically reduced by the plane.
Supported Entities
■
Global Unique Identifiers (GUIDs)
■
Custom parameters for library parts defined by GDL scripts
■
Storeys
■
Library part instances
■
Cameras
■
Hotlinks
■
Sun attributes
■
Materials
Unsupported Entities
■
Section planes
■
Points
■
Lines
■
Textures
To export from 2D window
1 Click File ➤ Save As.
2 In the Save As dialog box, select Autodesk Navisworks2012 (*.nwc) in
the Save As Type field.
3 Enter the name for the Autodesk Navisworks file, and browse to the
desired storage location.
4 Click Save to begin the export process.
5 In the Export dialog box adjust the file exporter options:
■ Export GUIDs - select this check box to attach a Globally Unique
IDentifier as a property to each item in the model. In Autodesk
Navisworks, GUIDs are used by the Clash Detective to track clashes.
■
Enable Library Part Instancing - select this check box to make
instances of library parts rather than creating new items. This is only
206 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
possible when multiple library part elements within the ArchiCAD
model have exactly the same properties. Instancing these parts means
a smaller NWC file, and shorter export times.
NOTE In sectioned models, when this check box is selected all instances
show the same sectioning as the original item (usually, the first library
part in the file). If you get some unexpected effects, clear this check box.
■
Export Library Part Parameters - select this check box to save
library part parameters (including the user-defined custom parameters)
as item properties in Autodesk Navisworks.
■
Export Current Story Only - select this check box to export the
current story only.
Clear this check box to export the whole model. The default view is
determined from the bounding box of the model.
6 Click OK.
To export from 3D window
1 Click File ➤ Save As.
2 In the Save As dialog box, select Autodesk Navisworks2012 (*.nwc) in
the Save As Type field.
3 Enter the name for the Autodesk Navisworks file, and browse to the
desired storage location.
4 Click Save to begin the export process.
5 In the Export dialog box adjust the file exporter options:
■ Export GUIDs - select this check box to attach a Globally Unique
IDentifier as a property to each item in the model. In Autodesk
Navisworks, GUIDs are used by the Clash Detective to track clashes.
■
Enable Library Part Instancing - select this check box to make
instances of library parts rather than creating new items. This is only
possible when multiple library part elements within the ArchiCAD
model have exactly the same properties. Instancing these parts means
a smaller NWC file, and shorter export times.
NOTE In sectioned models, when this check box is selected all instances
show the same sectioning as the original item (usually, the first library
part in the file). If you get some unexpected effects, clear this check box.
Use File Exporters | 207
■
Export Library Part Parameters - select this check box to save
library part parameters (including the user-defined custom parameters)
as item properties in Autodesk Navisworks.
■
Export Current Story Only - this option is not used; everything
contained within the view is exported.
When saving from the 3D window, the view becomes the default
Autodesk Navisworks view (including window settings, such as
cutaway planes).
6 Click OK.
Manage Files
Open Files
To open files in Autodesk Navisworks, you can either use a standard Open
dialog box or drag and drop files directly into the Selection Tree window.
NOTE If the chosen file is a CAD or laser scan file, Autodesk Navisworks
automatically uses an appropriate file reader to open it, provided this file format
is supported.
Autodesk Navisworks keeps a list of recently opened files (by default, up to 4
files are shown). You can open any of these files by clicking the application
button
. If you want to modify the size of this list, use the Options
Editor (General node ➤ Environment page).
You can use the SHIFT and CTRL keys to open several files at the same time.
This automatically creates a new “Untitled” Autodesk Navisworks file with
the selected files appended together.
For NWD files, it is possible to publish them to a web server, and then open
them directly from within Autodesk Navisworks. You can start navigating the
model even before the file has been fully downloaded. For this, 10 - 50% is
usually sufficient. The greater the hierarchical structure of the model, the
closer to 50% download is required. Similarly, the lesser the hierarchical
structure of the model, the sooner you can begin the navigation.
NOTE Encrypted DWF files, such as files with Password, and Print/Measure
protected files are not currently supported.
208 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
To open a file
1 Click the application button
➤ Open ➤ Open
.
2 In the Open dialog box, use the Files of Type box to select the
appropriate file type, and navigate to the folder where your file is located.
3 Select the file, and click Open.
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Standard ➤ Open
Command entry: CTRL + O
To open NWD files located on a web server
1 Click the application button
➤ Open ➤ Open URL
.
2 Enter the file address, and click OK.
Create Files
When you start Autodesk Navisworks, a new “Untitled” Autodesk Navisworks
file is automatically created for you. The new file uses default settings defined
in the Options Editor, and in the File Options dialog box. You can
customize these settings, as necessary.
If you have a Autodesk Navisworks file already open, and want to close it and
create another file, click New on the Quick Access toolbar.
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Standard ➤ New
Save and Rename Files
When you save a Autodesk Navisworks file, you have a choice between an
NWD and NWF file formats.
As a rule of thumb, use an NWF file format to save the scene you created by
bringing all model files together, and an NWD file format when you simply
want a snapshot of your current work.
Both formats store the review markups, but NWD file stores the file geometry,
while NWF file stores the links to original files. This makes NWF files
considerably smaller in size. Also when you open an NWF file, Autodesk
Manage Files | 209
Navisworks automatically reloads all modified referenced files, which means
the geometry is always up-to-date, even for the most complex models.
On the other hand, whenever you need to share the scene you created and
review markups with others, it is best to distribute a published NWD file,
which includes additional features such as password protection and file
expiration date. The published files can be viewed in both Autodesk Navisworks
Simulate 2012 and Autodesk Navisworks Freedom 2012 (a free viewer).
IMPORTANT When you publish an NWD file, you cannot include any RPCs added
to your scene.
To save a file
1 Click Save on the Quick Access toolbar. If your file has been saved
previously, Autodesk Navisworks overwrites the file with the new data.
2 If you file has not been previously saved, the Save As dialog box opens.
Enter the file name, use the Files of Type box to select one of the native
Autodesk Navisworks formats (NWF or NWD), select the location for the
file, and click Save.
TIP If you need to open your file with an earlier versions of Autodesk
Navisworks, save it as that version type.
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Standard ➤ Save
210 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Command entry: CTRL + S
To rename a file
1 Click the application button
➤ Save As
.
2 In the Save As dialog box, enter the new name for your file.
3 Click Save.
To publish an NWD file
1 Open the file that you want to publish (NWD or NWF).
2 Click the application button
➤ Publish
.
3 Use the Publish dialog box to enter the document information, and
specify the required document protection. The text boxes in this dialog
box remember history of up to five last entries. Clicking the down arrow
on the far right side of the text box lets you select an entry instead of
re-typing it.
Manage Files | 211
4 Click OK.
5 In the Save As dialog box, enter the file name, and specify the file
location.
6 Click Save. Your file is now published.
Ribbon: Output tab ➤ Publish panel ➤ NWD
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Standard ➤ Publish
2D and Multi-Sheet Files
You can now work with 2D files and files containing multiple sheets/models.
Whilst multi-disciplinary models provide a real-world likeness of what a
finished project should look like, various project stakeholders and field workers
are more familiar with 2D plans and elevations. Autodesk Navisworks Simulate
212 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
2012 supports 2D and multi-sheet files that can be reviewed, or combined
with models to provide multiple representations of project data.
The supported 2D and multi-sheet file formats are: DWF, DWF(x), and native
file formats (NWD and NWF).
When you open a supported file, which contains multiple sheets/models, the
default sheet/model is displayed in the Scene View, and all of the file's
sheets/models are listed in the Project Browser window. If a file contains
both 3D models and 2D sheets, the 3D model is loaded and displayed in the
Scene View by default. If you do not require 2D capabilities, simply close
the Project Browser window and continue working in a 3D workspace.
Add Sheets/Models to the Currently Opened File
You can add 2D sheets and 3D models from DWF, DWF(x), NWD, or NWF
files to the file currently open in Autodesk Navisworks.
You can choose a source file in a DWF, DWF(x), NWD, or NWF format, add
all of its sheets/models into the currently opened file, delete (page 215) any
unwanted sheets/models, and then save the multi-sheet collection in a native
NWD or NWF file format.
To add sheets/models to the currently opened file
1 Click the application button
➤ Import ➤ Sheets and Models
.
2 In the Insert From File dialog box, use the Files of Type box to select
the appropriate file type, and navigate to the folder where your file is
located.
3 Select the file, and click Open. All of the sheets/models in the selected
files are added to the list in the Project Browser window, in the order
they were listed in the original file.
Project Browser Window
The Project Browser is a dockable window, which lists all sheets/models
in the currently opened file.
Manage Files | 213
The Sheets/Models palette lists all sheets and models in the multi-sheet file.
The label at the top of the palette indicates the file currently open in Autodesk
Navisworks. The sheets/models can be represented as a list view or a thumbnail
view. By default, the display order is the same as in the original file. The
currently selected model/sheet is indicated with a shaded background, and
the model/sheet currently opened in the Scene View is indicated with a
black graphic border. When you open a multi-sheet file, not all sheets/models
may have been prepared to be used in Autodesk Navisworks. The sheets/models
which require preparation are indicated with the Prepare icon.
You can select several sheets/models at the same time with the SHIFT and
CTRL keys, but you cannot open more than one sheet/model in the Scene
View.
The Properties palette is used to examine properties for the sheet/model
selected in the Sheets/Models palette. You can also view the properties for the
currently opened file by clicking on its name. The properties are grouped by
category, are read-only, and can be expanded/collapsed.
NOTE If more than one sheet/model is selected, the Properties palette only
shows the number of selected items, and doesn't show any property information.
To toggle the Project Browser window
■
Click View tab ➤ Workspace panel ➤ Windows drop-down, and
select or clear the Project Browser check box.
214 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Pointing device: Status bar ➤ Project Browser
To view sheets/models as a list
■
Click the List View
Browser window.
button in the top-right corner of the Project
To view sheets/models as thumbnails
■
Click the Thumbnail View
Project Browser window.
button in the top-right corner of the
To examine sheet/model properties
1 Open a multi-sheet file.
2 Click the 2D sheet or 3D model in the Project Browser. The
Properties palette shows the available information.
NOTE If more than one sheet/model is selected, the Properties palette
only shows the number of selected sheets/models, and doesn't show any
property information.
To open a sheet or model in the Scene View
1 Open the Project Browser window.
2 Double-click the sheet or model that you want to open.
TIP You can also use the multi-sheet navigation controls on the Status bar to
quickly open sheets/models.
To rename a sheet/model
1 Open the Project Browser window.
2 Right-click the desired sheet or model, and click Rename.
3 Type a new name for your sheet or model, and press ENTER.
Command entry: F2
To delete a sheet/model
1 Open the Project Browser window.
2 Right-click the sheet or model you want to remove, and click Delete. If
you make a mistake, you can use the Undo command.
Manage Files | 215
To prepare a sheet/model for use
1 Open the Project Browser window.
2 Right-click the sheet or model you want to prepare, and click Prepare
Sheet/Model on the shortcut menu.
To prepare all sheets/models for use
1 Open the Project Browser window.
2 Right-click the sheet or model you want to prepare, and click Prepare
All Sheets/Models on the shortcut menu.
To print a sheet/model
NOTE You can only print the current viewpoint.
1 Open the Project Browser window.
2 Double-click the sheet or model you want to print, to make it current
(that is to open it in the Scene View).
3 Click Output tab ➤ Print panel ➤ Print
.
4 Check the printer settings are as required, and click OK.
NOTE The maximum image size is 2048 x 2048 pixels.
The Properties button controls printer-specific ink and paper settings.
Sheets/Models Palette Shortcut Menu
Open Opens the selected sheet/model in the Scene View.
Delete Deletes the selected sheet/model in the list. You cannot delete the
currently opened sheet/model.
Merge into Current Sheet Merges the 2D sheet selected in the list to the sheet
currently opened in the Scene View. It is possible to merge the sheet onto
itself.
Merge into Current Model Merges the 3D model selected in the list to the
model currently opened in the Scene View. It is possible to merge the model
onto itself.
Append to Current Sheet Appends the 2D sheet selected in the list to the
sheet currently opened in the Scene View. It is possible to append the sheet
onto itself.
216 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Append to Current Model Appends the 3D model selected in the list to the
model currently opened in the Scene View. It is possible to append the model
onto itself.
Prepare Sheet/Model Prepares all sheets/models selected in the list for use in
Autodesk Navisworks. To select multiple sheets/models, use SHIFT and CTRL
keys. If the selected sheets/models are ready, this option is not available.
Prepare All Sheets/Models Prepares all sheets/models in the multi-sheet file
for use in Autodesk Navisworks. If the sheets/models are ready for use, this
option is not available.
Print Prints the sheet/model currently opened in the Scene View.
Rename Renames the sheet/model selected in the list. By default, the
sheet/model names are the same as in the source file.
Buttons
Thumbnail View
Displays sheets/models as the thumbnail images in the
Sheets/Models palette.
List View
palette.
Displays sheets/models as the list items in the Sheets/Models
Import Sheets & Models
Adds sheets/models from the external files to the
currently opened file in Autodesk Navisworks. All of the sheets/models in the
selected files are added to the list in the Sheets/Models palette, in the order
they were listed in the original file.
Work with 2D and Multi-Sheet Files
Each sheet and model in the Project Browser has its own self-contained
representation within Autodesk Navisworks, enabling you to review and work
with each sheet/model as though it were a separate file.
Each sheet and model has its own hierarchy of content, represented in the
Selection Tree, which automatically updates to reflect the sheet/model
currently open in the Scene View.
When reviewing sheets/models from the Project Browser you can:
■ Search for (page 349) and select (page 341) objects within the current scene
view.
Items on a 2D sheet remain intelligent objects, enabling you to select them
for review or manipulation.
Manage Files | 217
■
Review object properties (page 367).
Items in a 2D DWF file exported from Autodesk Revit software for example,
will contain similar properties to the corresponding 3D model. This enables
searching for items based on properties and is also essential for 2D-3D
association and the linking of items between these representations. See
Find All Sheets and Models Containing the Selected Object (page 356).
■
Apply transforms and override object appearances (page 382).
Selected objects can be manipulated, for example you can change their
color or position.
■
Add links (page 425).
You can add links that point to various data sources, such as manufacturer
details, equipment manuals or specifications.
■
Save viewpoints (page 440).
You can create and manage different views of your sheets (or models) so
that you can jump to preset viewpoints without having to navigate each
time to reach an item.
■
Add review markup (page 402).
You can mark up viewpoints with redline annotations, or add comments.
■
Take measurements (page 391) and capture these as interactive dimensions
(page 399).
Measurements can be taken between points on a sheet/model. Object
snapping is also enabled making it easier to take accurate measurements.
Add Geometry and Metadata to the Current
Sheet/Model
You can append and merge individual sheets/models within the same
multi-sheet file. Any duplicate geometry or markup is removed when sheets
or models are merged.
For multi-sheet files, you can bring geometry and data from internal project
sources, that is 2D sheets or 3D models listed in the Project Browser, into
the currently open sheet or model. However, 3D models can only be
merged/appended with other 3D models, and 2D models can only be
merged/appended with other 2D sheets.
218 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
To append 2D sheets in a multi-sheet file
1 Open a multi-sheet file.
2 If the Project Browser window is not displayed, click
bar.
on the Status
3 Double-click the desired 2D sheet in the Project Browser to open it
in the Scene View.
4 Use the Project Browser to select all 2D sheets that you want to append
to the currently open sheet.
TIP To select multiple sheets, use SHIFT and CTRL keys.
5 Right-click the selection, and click Append to Current Sheet.
NOTE The Undo command is not available.
To append 3D models in a multi-sheet file
1 Open a multi-sheet file.
2 If the Project Browser window is not displayed, click
bar.
on the Status
3 Double-click the desired 3D model in the Project Browser to open it
in the Scene View.
4 Use the Project Browser to select all 3D models that you want to
append to the currently open model.
TIP To select multiple model, use SHIFT and CTRL keys.
5 Right-click the selection, and click Append to Current Model.
NOTE The Undo command is not available.
To merge 2D sheets in a multi-sheet file
1 Open a multi-sheet file.
2 If the Project Browser window is not displayed, click
bar.
on the Status
3 Double-click the desired 2D sheet in the Project Browser to open it
in the Scene View.
4 Use the Project Browser to select all 2D sheets that you want to merge
to the currently open sheet.
Manage Files | 219
TIP To select multiple sheets, use SHIFT and CTRL keys.
5 Right-click the selection, and click Merge to Current Sheet. Any
duplicate geometry and markup is automatically removed.
NOTE The Undo command is not available.
To merge 3D models in a multi-sheet file
1 Open a multi-sheet file.
2 If the Project Browser window is not displayed, click
bar.
on the Status
3 Double-click the desired 3D model in the Project Browser to open it
in the Scene View.
4 Use the Project Browser to select all 3D models that you want to
merge to the currently open model.
TIP To select multiple model, use SHIFT and CTRL keys.
5 Right-click the selection, and click Merge to Current Model.
NOTE The Undo command is not available.
Complex Datasets
You can use Autodesk Navisworks to combine design files together into
complex datasets.
Autodesk Navisworks enables you to combine design files together by bringing
geometry and metadata from supported external files into the current scene.
Autodesk Navisworks automatically aligns rotation and origin of models, and
rescales the units in each appended file to match display units (page 157). If
the rotation, origin, or units are incorrect for the scene, you can manually
adjust them for each of the incorporated files.
For multi-sheet files, you can also bring geometry and data from internal
project sources, that is 2D sheets or 3D models listed in the Project Browser,
into the currently open sheet or model. See Add Geometry and Metadata to
the Current Sheet/Model (page 218).
220 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Append Geometry and Metadata to the Current
Scene
You can append geometry and data from the selected files to the current 3D
model or 2D sheet.
NOTE If you try to drag and drop files directly into the Selection Tree window
or to use the Open dialog box, you will create a new Autodesk Navisworks file
instead.
To append files
1 Click Home tab ➤ Project panel ➤ Append
.
2 In the Append dialog box, use the Files of Type box to select the
appropriate file type, and navigate to the folder where the files you want
to add is located.
3 Select the required files, and click Open.
TIP To select multiple files, use SHIFT and CTRL keys.
Command entry: CTRL + A
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Standard ➤ Append
Delete Files
You can delete files appended to your Autodesk Navisworks file.
NOTE You cannot delete any files from a published or saved NWD file. To delete
files use the NWF file format.
In multi-sheet files, you can delete (page 215) any unwanted sheets/models.
To delete a file
1 Open a Autodesk Navisworks file.
2 Right-click the file you want to delete in the Selection Tree.
3 Click Delete.
4 Click Yes to confirm your command.
Manage Files | 221
NOTE The Undo command is not available; therefore, if you make a mistake,
you will need to append your file back manually.
Menu: Classic user interface: File ➤ Delete
Adjust Units and Transform
You can change the units, and modify the rotation, origin, and scale of each
appended 3D model or 2D sheet.
It is recommended to adjust units first, before attempting to fix the problems
with model or sheet alignment.
To change units in a loaded 3D file
1 Right-click the desired 3D file in the Selection Tree, and click Units
and Transform on the shortcut menu.
2 In the Units and Transform dialog box, select the required format in
the Units drop-down list.
3 Click OK.
222 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
To change units in a loaded 2D sheet
1 Right-click the desired 2D sheet in the Scene View, and click Units
and Transform on the shortcut menu.
2 In the Units and Transform dialog box, select the required format in
the Units drop-down list.
3 Click OK.
To change a transform in a loaded 3D file
1 Right-click the desired 3D file in the Selection Tree, and click Units
and Transform on the shortcut menu.
2 To move the model’s location, in the Units and Transform dialog
box, the Origin area, enter values for the X, Y and Z axis.
If you use a negative scale, select the Reflected Transform check box.
3 To change the model’s rotation, in the Units and Transform dialog
box, the Rotation area, enter an angle of rotation, and selecting the
axis to rotate about (by typing a value greater than 0). This will rotate
the model about its origin point.
4 To change the model’s scale, in the Units and Transform dialog box,
the Scale area, enter values for the X, Y and Z axis. To proportionally
scale an object, ensure the X, Y, and Z values are equal.
Entering a negative value flips the model inside out.
Manage Files | 223
5 Click OK.
To change a transform in a loaded 2D sheet
1 Right-click the desired 2D sheet in the Scene View, and click Units
and Transform on the shortcut menu.
2 To move the sheet's location, in the Units and Transform dialog box,
the Origin area, enter values for the X and Y axis.
3 To change the sheet’s rotation, in the Units and Transform dialog
box, the Rotation area, enter an angle of rotation. This will rotate the
sheet about its origin point.
4 To change the sheet’s scale, in the Units and Transform dialog box,
the Scale area, enter values for the X and Y axis. To proportionally scale
a sheet, ensure the X and Y values are equal.
5 Click OK.
Refresh Files
When working in Autodesk Navisworks, it is possible that others may be
working on the CAD files you are currently reviewing. For example, if you are
coordinating various disciplines on a project, then you may have an NWF file
referencing numerous design files. During the iterative stages of the project,
any member of the design team could potentially be modifying their CAD
files.
To ensure the data you are reviewing is current, Autodesk Navisworks provides
a refresh function to reopen the files that have been modified on the disk
since commencing the review session.
To refresh currently open files
1 Click Refresh
on the Quick Access toolbar.
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Standard ➤ Refresh
Merge Files
Autodesk Navisworks is a collaborative solution, and although users may be
reviewing the model in different ways, their resultant files can be merged into
224 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
a single Autodesk Navisworks file, with any duplicate geometry and markup
automatically removed.
When merging multiple NWF files that each comprise the same referenced
files, Autodesk Navisworks only loads a single set of the combined models,
along with all review markup (such as tags, viewpoints or comments) from
each NWF file. Any duplicate geometry or markup is removed when merged.
For multi-sheet files, you can also merge geometry and data from internal
project sources, that is 2D sheets or 3D models listed in the Project Browser,
into the currently open sheet or model. See Add Geometry and Metadata to
the Current Sheet/Model (page 218).
Merging TimeLiner Data
For files that contain TimeLiner data, merging is done as follows:
■
if two TimeLiner data sets are identical, all duplicate data is removed.
■
if two TimeLiner data sets contain the same Primary link, then the data
set with the most recent link (that is, the newest file date) is chosen over
the other. If the Primary links are different, then the data set with the
highest number of tasks will be used, and links are re-attached wherever
possible.
■
if two TimeLiner data sets are completely unrelated, no data merging is
performed.
To merge files
1 Click New
on the Quick Access toolbar.
2 Open the first of the files with the review markup.
3 Click Home tab ➤ Project panel ➤ Merge
.
4 In the Merge dialog box, use the Files of Type box to select the
appropriate file type (NWD or NWF), and navigate to the folder where
your files you want to merge are located.
5 Select the required files, and click Open.
TIP To select multiple files, use SHIFT and CTRL keys.
Command entry: CTRL + M
Toolbar: Classic user interface: Standard ➤ Merge
Manage Files | 225
Email Files
You can send and receive Autodesk Navisworks files by email.
To send an open Autodesk Navisworks file, click the application button
➤ Send by Email
.
Autodesk Navisworks saves your file first, and then opens the available mail
software and attaches your file to a blank email message.
You can email both NWD and NWF files, although the size of an NWD file
will be considerably larger.
Ribbon: Output tab ➤ Send panel ➤ Send by Email
Toolbar: Standard ➤ Send by Email
Receive Files
To open a received file, save the attachment on your disk, and then
double-click it.
If it’s an NWF file, Autodesk Navisworks searches for the referenced files first
using the absolute path that the sender originally saved the file with. This is
useful if a team is on a local network and the files can be found using the
Universal Naming Convention (UNC).
TIP A team not sharing a server can organize a project using the same file hierarchy
and drive letter, and Autodesk Navisworks can find the files this way.
If Autodesk Navisworks is unable to find the referenced files, then you need
to save the attached NWF file in a directory where all referenced files are
located. Autodesk Navisworks can then search for the files relative to the
master NWF location.
TIP You can use the same method to move a whole sub-directory from your
projects directory to a completely new location. Save the master NWF file in this
new place, and Autodesk Navisworks will be able to search for the referenced files
from there.
226 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Batch Utility
You can now use the Batch Utility to automate common file
importing/conversion processes.
The Batch Utility is integrated with Windows Task Scheduler to allow you to
set up tasks to be run automatically at set times and intervals.
Use Batch Utility
You can use the Batch Utility to run and schedule the following commands:
■ Create a list of all design files in the currently open Autodesk Navisworks
file.
■
Append multiple design files into a single NWD or an NWF file.
■
Convert multiple design files into individual NWD files.
IMPORTANT You can use any of the currently supported file formats when you
append or convert files with the Batch Utility. However, if you use any published
NWD files as input, they must have been created with the May Be Resaved
option selected, otherwise when you run the Batch Utility, no NWD output files
can be saved. It is still possible to create an NWF output file.
All events can be recorded in a log file.
To generate a list of all design files used in the current model
1 In Autodesk Navisworks application, open the desired Autodesk
Navisworks file, and click Home tab ➤ Tools panel ➤ Batch Utility
.
2 The Autodesk NavisworksBatch Utility dialog box is displayed, and
the path to the current model is automatically added to the Input area
of the dialog box.
3 In the Output area, As Single File tab, click the Browse button.
4 In the Save Output As dialog box, browse to the desired folder, and
enter the name for the text file.
5 In the Save as Type drop-down list, select the File List (*.txt) option,
and click Save.
Manage Files | 227
6 In the Autodesk NavisworksBatch Utility dialog box, click the Run
Command button.
TIP If you want to automatically open the file as soon as it’s been created,
select the View File on Output check box before you click the Run
Command button.
To append multiple design files into a single Autodesk Navisworks file
1 In Autodesk Navisworks application, click Home tab ➤ Tools panel
➤ Batch Utility .
228 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
2 In the Autodesk NavisworksBatch Utility dialog box, use the Input
area to create a list of design files for conversion:
■ Select the drive and the folder where the design files are located.
Once the desired location is selected, use the File Type menu below
to filter the design files that are displayed on the right. The menu
contains a list of all currently supported file formats.
■
There are two methods you can use to choose the files for conversion.
You can double-click files to add them to the conversion list.
Alternatively, you can click the Add File Spec button. This will
make Autodesk Navisworks convert the files located in the selected
folder. The option chosen in the File Type menu determines which
files are converted.
3 In the Output area, As Single File tab, click the Browse button.
4 In the Save Output As dialog box, browse to the desired folder, and
enter the name for the new file.
5 In the Save as Type drop-down list, select the required file format
(NWD or NWF), and click Save.
6 To automatically open the file as soon as it’s been created, select the
View File on Output check box.
7 Select the Increment Output File Names radio button if you want
to append a four digit number to the end of file name. By default, the
old output files are overwritten.
Manage Files | 229
8 Click the Run Command button.
To convert multiple design files into individual NWD files
1 In Autodesk Navisworks application, click Home tab ➤ Tools panel
➤ Batch Utility .
2 In the Autodesk NavisworksBatch Utility dialog box, use the Input
area to create a list of design files for conversion:
■ Select the drive and the folder where the design files are located.
Once the desired location is selected, use the File Type menu below
to filter the design files that are displayed on the right. The menu
contains a list of all currently supported file formats.
■
There are two methods you can use to choose the files for conversion.
You can double-click files to add them to the conversion list.
230 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Alternatively, you can click the Add File Spec button. This will
make Autodesk Navisworks convert the files located in the selected
folder. The option chosen in the File Type menu determines which
files are converted.
3 In the Output area, As Multiple Files tab, choose the location for the
converted files. By default, files are created in the same location as source
files.
If you want to change the output location, select the Output to
Directory radio button, and click the Browse button. Use the Browse
for Folder dialog box to select the desired folder.
4 Select the Increment Output File Names radio button if you want
to append a four digit number to the end of file name. By default, the
old output files are overwritten.
Manage Files | 231
5 Click the Run Command button.
To schedule appending multiple design files into a single Autodesk Navisworks
file
1 In Autodesk Navisworks application, click Home tab ➤ Tools panel
➤ Batch Utility .
2 In the Autodesk NavisworksBatch Utility dialog box, use the Input
area to create a list of design files for conversion:
■ Select the drive and the folder where the design files are located.
Once the desired location is selected, use the File Type menu below
to filter the design files that are displayed on the right. The menu
contains a list of all currently supported file formats.
■
There are two methods you can use to choose the files for conversion.
You can double-click files to add them to the conversion list.
Alternatively, you can click the Add File Spec button. This will
make Autodesk Navisworks convert the files located in the selected
folder. The option chosen in the File Type menu determines which
files are converted.
3 In the Output area, As Single File tab, click the Browse button.
4 In the Save Output As dialog box, browse to the desired folder, and
enter the name for the new file.
5 In the Save as Type drop-down list, select the required file format
(NWD or NWF), and click Save.
6 Select the Increment Output File Names radio button to append a
four digit number to the end of file name. By default, the old output
files are overwritten.
7 Click the Schedule Command button.
8 In the Save Task File As dialog box browse to the desired location,
and click the Save button.
9 In the Schedule Task dialog box, change the task name, if required,
and enter your user name and password. Click OK.
232 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
NOTE Task Scheduling does not work for Windows XP/2000 users running
local accounts (that is, not on a domain) without passwords.
10 In the Windows Task Scheduler, the Schedule tab, click the New
button, and specify when and how often the task is to run. You can add
as many schedules as necessary.
11 Click OK.
To schedule conversion of multiple design files into individual NWD files
1 In Autodesk Navisworks application, click Home tab ➤ Tools panel
➤ Batch Utility .
2 In the Autodesk NavisworksBatch Utility dialog box, use the Input
area to create a list of design files for conversion:
■ Select the drive and the folder where the design files are located.
Once the desired location is selected, use the File Type menu below
to filter the design files that are displayed on the right. The menu
contains a list of all currently supported file formats.
■
There are two methods you can use to choose the files for conversion.
You can double-click files to add them to the conversion list.
Alternatively, you can click the Add File Spec button. This will
make Autodesk Navisworks convert the files located in the selected
folder. The option chosen in the File Type menu determines which
files are converted.
3 In the Output area, As Multiple Files tab, choose the location for the
converted files. By default, files are created in the same location as source
files.
If you want to change the output location, select the Output to
Directory radio button, and click the Browse button. Use the Browse
for Folder dialog box to select the desired folder.
Manage Files | 233
4 Select the Increment Output File Names radio button to append a
four digit number to the end of file name. By default, the old output
files are overwritten.
5 Click the Schedule Command button.
6 In the Save Task File As dialog box browse to the desired location,
and click the Save button.
7 In the Schedule Task dialog box, change the task name, if required,
and enter your user name and password. Click OK.
NOTE Task Scheduling does not work for Windows XP/2000 users running
local accounts (that is, not on a domain) without passwords.
8 In the Windows Task Scheduler, the Schedule tab, click the New
button, and specify when and how often the task is to run. You can add
as many schedules as necessary.
234 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
9 Click OK.
To create a log file
1 In Autodesk Navisworks application, click Home tab ➤ Tools panel
➤ Batch Utility .
2 In the Log area, select the Log Events To check box.
3 Click the Browse button.
4 In the Save Log As dialog box, browse to the desired folder, enter the
name for your log, and click Save.
5 Clear the Overwrite Existing Log File check box if you want to keep
new and old events in the same log file. The new information is appended
to the bottom of the log file.
Command Line Options for Batch Utility
You can use command line switches to covert files with the Batch Utility. To
do this, you need to create a list of files that you want to process. This file
Manage Files | 235
must be a UTF-8 encoded text file containing file paths or file specs, one on
each lines, and without any quotation marks. For example:
Command Line Switch
Description
/i
Indicates the next argument is the input
file. You must provide the file name and file
path within quotation marks.
/of
Outputs to a single Navisworks file (NWD
or NWF). The file name and file path should
be provided within quotation marks. For
example, “C:\temp\a.nwd” or
“C:\temp\a.nwf”.
/od
Outputs multiple NWD files into a specific
folder. The folder path should be provided
within quotation marks. For example,
“C:\temp”.
/osd
Outputs multiple NWD files into the same
folder as the input files.
/view
Automatically open the file as soon as it’s
been created.
/over
Overwrites output files. This is the default
behavior.
/inc
Increments output file names.
/log
Outputs events into a log file. You must
provide the file name and file path within
quotation marks. For example,
“C:\temp\log.log”.
/appndlog
Records new and old events in the same
log file. The new information is appended
to the bottom of the log file.
236 | Chapter 4 Work with Files
Command Line Switch
Description
/lang
Specifies the language to use when logging.
You can use one of the following arguments: en-US = English, de-DE = German,
es-ES = Spanish, fr-FR = French, it-IT = Italian, ja-JP = Japanese, ko-KR = Korean, pt-BR
= Brazilian Portuguese, ru-RU = Russian, zhCN = Chinese (PRC).
The syntax for using command line switches is:
FileToolsTaskRunner.exe /i [/of
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