Why convert NWD to DWF?
DWF (Design Web Format) is an Autodesk lightweight viewable format. The main reason to produce a DWF from an NWD is when a recipient's workflow specifically requires DWF - for example, an Autodesk Design Review markup workflow. Both NWD and DWF are read-only published snapshots; converting from one to the other does not unlock editing.
How to convert NWD to DWF
Autodesk Navisworks Manage APP
Open the NWD, go to the Output tab, click Export and choose 3D DWF; optionally include saved viewpoints, markups, and object properties in the export dialog.
Autodesk Navisworks Simulate APP
Same 3D DWF export is available via Output > Export > 3D DWF; select which viewpoints and properties to include before exporting.
About these formats
.NWD
Navisworks Document (published 3D model)
An NWD file is a published Navisworks 3D/BIM model - a self-contained snapshot of a building or infrastructure project that bundles all combined CAD geometry, viewpoints, markups and review…
Open .NWD details →
.DWF
Design Web Format
A DWF (Design Web Format) file is a compressed, view-only published version of an AutoCAD or Autodesk design - essentially a PDF for CAD. Open it free in any browser using Autodesk Viewer,…
Open .DWF details →Quality & what to watch
- DWF is largely deprecated - Autodesk stopped active development of DWF and the Design Review viewer around 2018-2020; PDF is simpler and works on any device.
- The 3D DWF export carries combined geometry, the model hierarchy, saved viewpoints, and object properties; whether redline markups and clash results transfer depends on export settings.
- Navisworks Freedom is the free viewer but has no export or publish functions - only Manage and Simulate can produce
DWFoutput.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free way to convert NWD to DWF?
DWF output requires the paid Navisworks Manage or Simulate.Can I print a 2D DWF of a viewpoint?
DWF, but the result has no 3D navigation.
