2009

ArchiCAD .nwc Exporter
While NavisWorks cannot directly read ArchiCAD files, there is an addon for ArchiCAD v6.5 through to
v11.0 that will export the model to an .nwc cache file that can then be read into NavisWorks. 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 as long as they have a 3D representation, and any others will be ignored.
The exporter will save both standard materials and custom GDL script materials.
When saving from the 2D window the current story will be exported by default. An option may be set so
that the whole model will be exported. A default view will be determined from the bounding box of the
model.
When saving from the 3D window the view will become the default NavisWorks view (including window
settings such as cutaway planes).
Note:
Only visible layers will be exported.
Cutaway plane settings does not set the NavisWorks section plane, but exports items that are
physically reduced by the plane. It is advised to turn off the Enable library part instancing option
since all instances will show the same sectioning as the original item (usually the first library part
in the file), and this may lead to unexpected effects.
Exporting an .nwc file from ArchiCAD:
1. With a model loaded choose File > Save As. An options dialog box will allow you to change settings
before the export process begins.
2. Select "NavisWorks (*.nwc)" as the file type and type in a file name.
3. Click OK to advance to the options dialog box.
4. Click OK in the options dialog box to export the file or click Cancel to return to ArchiCAD without
saving anything.
Supported Entities
• Global Unique Identifiers (GUIDs)
• Custom parameters for library parts defined by GDL scripts
• Storeys.
• Library part instances
• Cameras
• Hotlinks
• Sun attributes
Converting Files
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