Navisworks Freedom DWF with saved Viewpoints

December 1, 2025 Paul Sills

Issue:
When exporting a Navisworks project to a DWF file, viewpoint overrides (like hidden/required model components) are not saved. If a user hides parts of the model and saves a viewpoint, that specific hide/require status will not transfer with the DWF. Instead, when opened in Navisworks Manage or Freedom, the DWF's initial view will reflect the state of the model that was active during DWF export.

 

   

Causes:
The DWF file format is designed primarily to capture the geometry and properties of the model at the time of export. It does not save the more dynamic or session-specific data that you create in Navisworks Manage, such as:
Viewpoint Overrides:
Hide/Required status (which elements were hidden or made required).
Appearance overrides (changes to color, transparency, or render style).
      
Solution:
Export you Navisworks projects as a NWD file and these viewpoint overrides will carry through to be open in to ensure viewpoint overrides are preserved, always export your Navisworks projects as an NWD file. This format guarantees that other users opening the project in Navisworks Manage or Freedom will see the overrides (like hidden elements and color changes).

About the Author

Paul Sills

Sr. Support Specialist<br><br>Paul is responsible for client technical support as well as the set-up and configuring of plotters; support and service calls; and the installation, demonstration, and education of clients in AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD P&ID, Advance Steel, Navisworks, Raster Design, Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Revit Structure and 3D Studio MAX. He draws upon his years of experience as a technical engineer to assist customers in the creation and implementation of standards, the set-up of plotter and pen styles and the creation of custom blocks.

Follow on Linkedin More Content by Paul Sills
Previous Article
AutoCAD: When Inside of a Viewport Running OSNAPS do not work When using ZOOM commands
AutoCAD: When Inside of a Viewport Running OSNAPS do not work When using ZOOM commands

Next Article
How to make an Autodesk Deployment run silently

×

Get Tips Delivered.

Subscribe to Email Updates.

First Name
Last Name
Country
Thank you!
Error - something went wrong!