How to Export Navisworks Models to Unreal Engine Datasmith

Unreal Engine Datasmith plugin makes it incredibly easy to bring detailed models from Navisworks into Unreal for visualization, design, and development purposes. This step-by-step guide will show you how to configure the Datasmith plugin, export your model from Navisworks, and import it into Unreal Engine efficiently.

Step 1: Enable the Unreal Engine Datasmith Plugin in Unreal Engine

To start, you need to ensure that the Datasmith Importer plugin is enabled in Unreal Engine.

1. Open Unreal Engine and click on Edit in the top menu.
2. Select Plugins from the dropdown.
3. In the Plugins window, search for Datasmith Importer in the search bar.
4. Once you find Datasmith Importer, enable it.
5. Restart Unreal Engine to activate the plugin.

Pro Tip: Restarting Unreal Engine ensures the plugin is fully functional for your workflow.

Step 2: Install the Datasmith Export Plugin for Navisworks

Before you can export, you’ll need to install the Datasmith Export Plugin for Navisworks.

1. Visit Datasmith Plugins and locate the Navisworks Datasmith Exporter.
2. Download the exporter (supports Navisworks versions 2019–2024) and install it on your system.
3. Once installed, launch Navisworks to ensure the plugin is available.

Step 3: Export Your Model from Navisworks

With the Datasmith plugin enabled in Navisworks, you can now export your model.

1. Open your model in Navisworks.
2. In the ribbon bar, click on the Unreal Datasmith tab.
3. Click Datasmith Export to start the export process.
4. Configure the Merge Last Nth Objects setting:

• Set it to 0 to include all details in the hierarchy.
• Higher numbers, such as 3, will merge nested objects into their parent, optimizing the export for performance.

1. Choose an export location and click Export to generate a .udatasmith file.

Step 4: Import the Model into Unreal Engine

Once your .udatasmith file is ready, follow these steps to import it into Unreal Engine:

1. Open your Unreal Engine project.
2. Click on Quickly Add to Project in the Content Browser.
3. Select Datasmith and navigate to your exported .udatasmith file.
4. Click Open to begin the import process.
5. Create a new folder (e.g., “Datasmith”) to keep your imported assets organized.

Step 5: Configure Import Settings

During the import process, you’ll be prompted to configure settings:

1. Turn off lights, cameras, and animations to avoid unnecessary clutter.
2. Keep geometry, materials, and textures enabled to ensure your model appears as expected.
3. Click Import to bring your model into the Unreal Engine project.

Step 6: Verify and Adjust Your Model

After the import is complete, you can review and adjust your model:

1. Navigate to the Content Browser and open the Datasmith folder you created.
2. Drag and drop your model into the viewport to inspect it.
3. If necessary, delete unwanted geometry or adjust the imported meshes to fit your needs.

Understanding Merge Hierarchies

The Merge Last Nth Objects setting is crucial for managing complex models. Here’s how it works:

• 0: No merging; every detail in the hierarchy is preserved. Ideal for small or detailed models.
• 3: Merges up to three levels of the hierarchy, reducing complexity and improving performance. Recommended for larger models.

Choosing the right merge setting can make a significant difference in your workflow, especially when working with large projects.

Watch the Full Video Tutorial

For a visual walkthrough of this process, watch our detailed video tutorial:
Export Navisworks Models to Unreal Engine with Datasmith.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can efficiently export and import Navisworks models into Unreal Engine using the Datasmith plugin. Whether you’re working on architecture visualization or game development, Datasmith provides a powerful and streamlined workflow.

If you found this guide helpful, explore more tutorials and resources at Rambod.net, and subscribe to the Rambod Dev YouTube Channel for more content!

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