Tips to open NWF file

Can't open the NWF file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open NWF files as well as a list of programs that support NWF files.

NWF file extension

File Name Navisworks Format Set
File Developer Autodesk
File Category CAD Files

The NWF file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the NWF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the NWF file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is NWF file?

The file with the extension NWF is the CAD Files file type. The author of this format is Autodesk. In addition to this file, the CAD Files category includes 158 related files. Navisworks Format Set is supported by 1 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Windows. It is recommended to use Navisworks to handle this file. This is a program created by Autodesk, Inc.. This file type can also be opened by 1 other programs. You can use JetStream Roamer in case Navisworks cannot be used.

How to open NWF file?

The main problem with Navisworks Format Set is that the NWF file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that NWF files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the NWF file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Navisworks

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Navisworks is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Navisworks into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support NWF files.

Programs to open NWF file

Remember to download programs supporting NWF files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Navisworks with NWF files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the NWF file still does not use the Navisworks program, it means no association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the NWF file with the Navisworks program.

Step 3. Update Navisworks to the latest version

If, however, after binding Navisworks with Navisworks Format Set there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Autodesk, Inc. website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the NWF file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the NWF file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our NWF file. However, remember that not every infected NWF file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the NWF file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair NWF file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Autodesk help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted NWF files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the NWF file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the NWF file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file NWF to close. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.