About Object Enablers

Object Enablers (OEs) can be thought of as a ‘translator’ for custom objects. Applications based on the AutoCAD® platform, (including Autodesk products like AutoCAD® Architecture, and non-Autodesk products like Bentley AutoPlant) generate custom objects that are saved into the DWG file format. These custom objects are typically found in content libraries that are built into these applications.

Many applications have the ability to read DWG files; however, outside of the authoring application any custom objects cannot be interpreted. As a result, DWG file readers display such custom objects incorrectly, as proxy graphics (wireframe geometry), unless the required OE is installed on the machine reading the DWG file.

Check if an OE Is Required

1. Open a DWG file in Navisworks.

2. If you can only see wireframe geometry, click the Home tab, slide out the Project panel, and click Scene Statistics.

3. The Scene Statistics dialog box contains the report listing any missing, or failed to load OEs. You need to install all missing OEs to open the file correctly in Navisworks.

   Note: Occasionally, an OE is already installed, but does not support non-AutoCAD-based applications, like Navisworks. In such cases, the OE is reported as missing in the Scene Statistics dialog box.

Install and Use an OE with Navisworks

1. Obtain the required OE, and run the installer.

2. On the OE Setup page, select the check box for the relevant Navisworks products.

   Note: Some OEs have dependencies on other OEs, and, therefore, must be installed in a specific order. For example, the AutoCAD MEP 2015 OE has a dependency on the AutoCAD Architecture 2015 OE. As a result, the AutoCAD MEP 2015 OE must be installed after the AutoCAD Architecture OE.

3. Click Install. When the OE is installed, click Finish.

4. Run Navisworks.

5. Click the application button > Options.

6. In the Options Editor, expand the File Readers node, and click DWG/DXF.

7. Ensure the value in the DWG Loader Version field is the same as the version of the installed OE, and close the dialog box. For example, if you’ve installed OE for AutoCAD Architecture 2015, you must set the DWG Loader Version to ‘2015’.

8. Run Navisworks.

9. Click the application button > Options.

10. In the Options Editor, expand the File Readers node, and click DWG/DXF.

11. Ensure the value in the DWG Loader Version field is the same as the version of the installed OE, and close the dialog box. For example, if you’ve installed OE for AutoCAD Architecture 2015, you must set the DWG Loader Version to ‘2015’.

    Now, when you open a DWG file in Navisworks, the file reader uses the configured OE.

Object Enablers FAQs

Q1. How do I know if I need to use an Object Enabler with Navisworks?

A1. When a DWG file is opened in Navisworks, and the objects are displayed as wireframe geometry, it usually means that an Object Enabler is missing. Additionally, the Scene Statistics dialog box reports any missing or failed to load OEs.

Q2. Where do I obtain Object Enablers from?

A2. The recommended way to obtain OEs is to request them from the persons authoring the DWG file. This ensures that the correct version of OE is used.

Q3. What do I do when Object Enablers are not reported as missing but I can only see wireframe geometry?

A3:

1. Click the application button > Options.
2. In the Options Editor, expand the File Readers node, and click DWG/DXF.
3. Select Shaded from the Render Type drop-down list.
4. Ensure the Use ADT Standard Configuration check box is selected.
5. Click OK to save the changes and close the dialog box.
6. Click New on the Quick Access toolbar, and then open the DWG file again.