Why convert NWD to PDF?
PDF is the standard format for sharing project snapshots with clients, contractors, and reviewers who do not need a live 3D model. A PDF of key viewpoints is easy to annotate, attach to RFIs, include in reports, or print on site without any CAD software installed.
How to convert NWD to PDF
Autodesk Navisworks Manage APP
Open the NWD, navigate to the desired viewpoint, go to Output > Print, select Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer, set paper size and orientation, and save.
Autodesk Navisworks Simulate APP
Same print-to-PDF workflow via Output > Print; select Microsoft Print to PDF or any installed PDF driver and save.
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 →
.PDF
Portable Document Format
A PDF (Portable Document Format) is a fixed-layout document that looks identical on every device - fonts, images, and layout are all embedded. Open it in any browser or the built-in viewer…
Open .PDF details →Quality & what to watch
- The output is a 2D raster snapshot, not an interactive 3D PDF - recipients cannot orbit, measure, or access the object hierarchy in the exported file.
- Navisworks Freedom is free but does not support print or PDF export; only the paid Manage and Simulate can produce output.
- To include multiple viewpoints, print each separately and merge the resulting single-page PDFs with any PDF tool afterward.
Frequently asked questions
Can Navisworks Freedom export to PDF?
Is the PDF a live 3D model?
NWD file and direct the recipient to Navisworks Freedom.
