Navisworks: Unable to open or append DWG file?

Navisworks: Unable to open or append DWG file?
When opening DWG in Navisworks, the file indicates it cannot open.  A dialog box states: “The drawing cannot be opened or is unavailable”.

Causes:

The cause is format communication degradation. In essence, the files are mixed formatting and cannot be translated to current version of Navisworks.


Solution:

This typically is overcome by saving the DWG file down, using the save-as feature in AutoCAD to then translate to a previously release format to be successfully translated to Navisworks. Navisworks can translate forward, and current. It is unable to forecast or translate more recent releases than its release.

For example: Navisworks 2016 and AutoCAD 2018, the DWG in 2018 will need to be saved down to previous release (2013 in this example in AutoCAD) to then be opened in Navisworks 2016.

 

We hope this blog assisted you with your issue, if you have any other queries about Navisworks don’t hesitate to contact our technical support team HERE


AutoCAD vs Revit | What's the Difference?

14 April 2025

We compare Autodesk's software Revit and AutoCAD. Which one should you choose and can they be used together? Click here to read more about AutoCAD vs Revit.

What is Product Data Management (PDM)?

18 February 2025

Discover what Product Data Management (PDM) is, its benefits, key features, and how PDM systems streamline data management across industries.