NWC = a cache of one model's geometry and data. NWD = a published document with the whole federated model baked in. NWF = a small session file that only points at source files instead of containing them.
All three are Navisworks formats, but only two actually carry a model. Knowing which you are holding tells you whether it can be opened, shared, or converted on its own.
Side by side
| NWC | NWD | NWF | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Cache of one source model | Published document | Session / reference file |
| Contains geometry? | Yes | Yes (whole federation) | No — links to sources |
| Self-contained? | Yes, for that one model | Yes | No — needs the source files present |
| Typical use | Feeding native models into Navisworks | Hand-over, review, archive | The live working session |
| Converts to IFC on its own? | Yes | Yes | No — it holds no geometry |
NWC — the cache
When Navisworks reads a native file (Revit, AutoCAD, Tekla…), it writes an NWC: a lightweight cache of that model's geometry and properties. One NWC per source model. It carries real geometry, so it converts to IFC on its own.
NWD — the published document
An NWD is the "publish and send" format — the whole federated model frozen into one self-contained file for review, hand-over or archive. It contains everything, which is why it is the one most people receive and need to open. It converts to IFC.
NWF — the reference file
An NWF is the working session. It does not contain the models — it only records which source files are appended and the review data (viewpoints, clashes, markups). Open an NWF without its source files present and there is nothing to see. Because it holds no geometry itself, an NWF cannot be converted on its own — publish it to an NWD first, then convert that.
So which can I convert to IFC?
The two that contain geometry: NWD and NWC. An NWF has to become an NWD first. Navisworks itself exports no IFC either way — see does Navisworks export IFC?
Convert your NWD or NWC to IFC
Free in the browser, no Navisworks, nothing to install.
OPEN THE CONVERTER ▸FAQ
What is the difference between NWD and NWC?
An NWC is a cache of one source model; an NWD is a published document holding a whole federated model in one self-contained file. Both carry geometry and both convert to IFC.
What is an NWF file?
A Navisworks session file that references the appended source models rather than containing them, plus review data. Without the source files present it shows nothing, and it cannot be converted on its own.
Which Navisworks files convert to IFC?
NWD and NWC, because they contain geometry. An NWF must be published to an NWD first.
Which format is best to share?
NWD — it is self-contained, so the recipient needs nothing but a viewer. NWF breaks the moment it is separated from its source files.