Autodesk Navisworks Manage
Navisworks Manage is a comprehensive project review and coordination software for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) teams. It enables the integration of multidisciplinary 3D models into a unified environment to detect clashes, simulate construction timelines, and improve project delivery.
Model Aggregation and Review
Combine design and construction data from multiple sources, including Revit, AutoCAD, IFC, and point clouds, into a single project model. Navisworks supports large-scale model visualization and allows project stakeholders to review geometry, properties, and timelines with ease.
Clash Detection and Coordination
Use powerful clash detection tools to identify and manage conflicts between architectural, structural, MEP, and fabrication models. Automatically generate clash reports, assign issues, and resolve conflicts early—reducing costly on-site changes.
4D & 5D Simulation
Link model geometry to project schedules (4D) and cost data (5D) to simulate construction sequences and budget forecasts. Visualize construction progress over time and communicate clearly with project stakeholders.
Key Features
- Aggregate and review BIM models from multiple disciplines
- Automated clash detection with issue tracking and reporting
- 4D construction simulation with schedule integration
- 5D cost integration and time-based quantity visualization
- Built-in rendering and real-time navigation tools
- Integration with Autodesk Docs and BIM Collaborate Pro
Who Uses Navisworks Manage?
Navisworks Manage is used by BIM coordinators, construction managers, general contractors, and design consultants to improve design coordination, reduce rework, and ensure smooth project execution. It is ideal for large-scale building, infrastructure, and industrial projects where collaboration and early clash detection are critical.
⚠️ IMPORTANT:
Windows Only: Navisworks Manage is a Windows-only application. There is no native macOS version.
Workarounds for Mac: Mac users must use Parallels Desktop (Virtual Machine) or Boot Camp (Intel Macs only).
Performance Note: Navisworks is an "aggregator" that loads models from Revit, Civil 3D, and Plant 3D. While the minimum requirements are low, real-world performance (especially for Clash Detection) requires significantly higher RAM and CPU clock speeds.
🏗️ System Requirements: Navisworks Manage (2023–2026)
| Operating System (OS) |
64-bit Windows 10 (v1809+)<br>64-bit Windows 11
|
Windows 11 (Professional / Enterprise)<br>(Required for best DirectX 12 performance in 2025/2026)
|
| Processor (CPU) |
3.0 GHz (Basic Processor) |
3.0 GHz+ (Base), 4.0 GHz+ (Turbo)<br>(Clash detection is heavily dependent on Single-Core CPU speed. Higher GHz = Faster tests.)
|
| Memory (RAM) |
4 GB (Official minimum, but unusable for real work)
|
16 GB (Standard Coordination)<br>32 GB – 64 GB (Federated models with hundreds of files)
|
| Graphics (GPU) |
Direct3D 9® capable graphics card<br>Shader Model 2
|
4 GB – 8 GB VRAM<br>DirectX 11 / 12 compliant<br>(NVIDIA RTX series recommended for smooth fly-throughs)
|
| Disk Space |
15 GB free space
|
SSD (Solid State Drive)<br>(Loading NWD/NWC files from a slow HDD causes massive lag. Use NVMe SSDs.)
|
| Display |
1280 x 800 |
1920 x 1080 (FHD) or 4K<br>(Dual monitors recommended: One for the Model, one for Clash Detective/Sets)
|
| Network |
TCP/IP |
Gigabit LAN<br>(Essential if loading Federated models directly from a server)
|
| Framework |
.NET Framework 4.8 |
.NET 8 (Likely required for 2026) |
🍏 Advice for Mac Users (macOS)
Since Navisworks has no Mac version, here are the solutions used by BIM professionals:
Parallels Desktop (M1/M2/M3 & Intel):
Pros: Runs Navisworks inside macOS. Good for viewing and basic navigation.
Cons: Clash Detection is CPU intensive and will be 30-50% slower than on a native PC. Large models may crash the Virtual Machine if you don't allocate at least 16GB RAM to Windows.
Boot Camp (Intel Macs Only):
Pros: Runs Windows natively. 100% performance.
Cons: Not available on modern Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Macs.
Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) / BIM 360:
Web Alternative: If you only need to view models and simple clashes, use the Model Coordination module in a web browser (Chrome/Safari) on macOS. It does not require installing Navisworks.
💡 Performance Advice for Navisworks Users
RAM is Critical:
Navisworks loads the entire federated model into RAM.
If you combine Structural, MEP, and Architectural models for a stadium or hospital, 16 GB RAM is often insufficient. The system will start paging to the hard drive, freezing the software. 32 GB is the safe spot for BIM Coordinators.
Clash Detection Speed:
The "Clash Detective" tool runs math calculations on geometry. It relies almost entirely on CPU Clock Speed.
A 5.0 GHz consumer CPU (i7/i9) will run clashes faster than a 3.0 GHz server CPU (Xeon), even if the Xeon has more cores.
File Format Matters:
NWC (Cache): Always export NWC files from Revit/Civil 3D first. Loading NWCs is instant.
RVT (Revit): Do not load .RVT files directly into Navisworks if possible. It forces Navisworks to "convert" the file in the background, which is extremely slow.
