Navisworks is a model review software used in the construction industry to complement the 3D design software used. Navisworks allows its user to load a model files from many different native file formats ( e.g., dwg, dxf, dng, ifc, etc.), then the user can easily navigate the models and place comments on it.

Navisworks has several additional modules that allow for performing specific tasks; Timeliner (it allows the user to link the 3D objects to a CPM schedule), Presenter (it allows the addition of textures to the model for better presentations), and Clash Detector (it allows the user to automatically identify clashes within a model or between multiple model files).

This post is a road map for anyone willing to start learning Navisworks online for free from scratch, the post will present and compare between the best online sources where beginners can start from and follow along.

If you just want the bottom line (the road map to learn Navisworks) and you don’t wish to read the entire article then go to the “Bottom Line” section at the end of the article.

Start Learning Navisworks Online for Free from Scratch

Autodesk Website

Autodesk Website is the first free online outlet where beginners can start learning Navisworks online through a mix of text and video based tutorials, it’s worth noting that Autodesk is the company developing Navisworks.

Structure: The training is divided into 58 web pages, each page has 20 lessons, and each of the lessons covers a certain topic in Navisworks.

Interface: The interface is simple, to navigate through the course just use the menu down at the bottom of the page. To start a lesson simply click on it and you’ll be directed to the page where the lesson resides.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training covers most of the topics in Navisworks.

Cons

1. The training is poorly organized for beginners to start from and follow along.

Verdict: This is the best outlet where beginners can start learning Navisworks through a mix of videos and text based tutorials.

Mr Jim Cowan YouTube Channel

Mr Jim Cowan YouTube Channel is the second free online outlet where beginners can start learning Navisworks through video tutorials.

Structure: The training is divided into 9 video lessons and each lesson covers a certain topic in Navisworks.

Interface: Standard YouTube Interface.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-organized for beginners.

Cons

1. The training only covers the very basics of Navisworks.

Verdict: This is a very good outlet for beginners to start learning Navisworks, but you should continue your training from Autodesk website, as this YouTube channel isn’t sufficient on its own.

BIMTopia

BIMTopia is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning Navisworks through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 5 lessons, each lesson covers a certain topic in Navisworks.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the video lesson you’re interested in and the video will start right away.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.

Cons

1. The training is poorly organized for beginners.

Verdict: This is a good complementary outlet for learning Navisworks, but it’s not suitable for beginners to start learning Navisworks from.

Profox Companies

Profox Companies is the fourth free online outlet where beginners can start learning Navisworks through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 6 lessons, each lesson covers a certain topic in Navisworks. This is more of an overview about the software.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the video lesson you’re interested in and the video will start right away.
Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free
2. The training is well-organized for beginners.

Cons

1. The training is more of an overview about Navisworks.

Verdict: This is an overview about Navisworks and it’s not a stand alone source to start learning Navisworks.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning Navisworks

1. Beginners should start from Mr Jim Cowan YouTube Channel and then continue the training on Autodesk Website.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in Navisworks.