By: Michelle Rasmussen
When Martha Hollowell and I wrote the "Navisworks in a BIM Workflow" learning guide, we wanted to make sure it showed a workflow that included all the disciplines that might work on an AEC project. That is why we included a workflow that takes advantage of models from AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Revit, and Autodesk Inventor software. What many people do not realize is that, in order to see AutoCAD Civil 3D objects in any other software you must install the Civil 3D Object Enabler.
If you do not have AutoCAD Civil 3D installed on your computer, then it is highly likely that any AutoCAD Civil 3D Objects appear as boxes in Navisworks, as shown in the image below. This means that if you open or append an AutoCAD Civil 3D drawing in the Autodesk Navisworks software and boxes display where surfaces and roads should be, then you need to install the AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler.
Do not worry, the Civil 3D Object Enabler is a free download from the Autodesk Knowledge Network (https://knowledge.autodesk.com). Just do a quick search for “Civil 3D Object Enabler”. Then make sure you download the right one for your computer and software. Not only is there a new version of the object enabler for each version of AutoCAD Civil 3D, there are also two options for the operating system you are loading it on: one for 32-bit operating systems, and one for 64-bit operating systems.
If you have a copy of the "Navisworks in a BIM Workflow" learning guide published by ASCENT, I have put this same information in the appendix and pointed people to it in the side margin, as shown in the image below. If you do not have a copy of the ASCENT learning guide, then add this blog post to your favorites to remind you to install it the next time you update your software.
