Merge vs. Append

[eric.fox]

What's he difference between the two? Thanks!

[cjehly]

Merging is INSERTING the object(s) into your file, in that it will not update if the source file changes.

Appending is like XREFing your object(s) into your file, and will continually update as changes are made.

[eric.fox]

Merging is INSERTING the object(s) into your file, in that it will not update if the source file changes.

Appending is like XREFing your object(s) into your file, and will continually update as changes are made.

So if your working in an NWF file that has merged files in it, refreshing won't update the merged files?

[cjehly]

So if your working in an NWF file that has merged files in it, refreshing won't update the merged files?

ok, I've errored...


This is not the case.

NWC files will still update if they are merged into a NWF file.

I'm gonna have to read the HELP file now, as I've confused myself at this point...

sorry for the misdirection.

[cjehly]

from the help file:

When merging multiple .nwf files, that each comprise the same reference files, NavisWorks will only load a single set of the combined models, along with all review markup (such as tags, viewpoints or comments) from each .nwf file. Any duplicate geometry or markup will be removed when merged. See “ NWF Files ” (mk:@MSITStore:C:\PROGRA~1\Autodesk\NAVISW~2\ROAMER~1.CHM::/ch11s01s01.html) for more information on .nwf files.

[eric.fox]

Thanks for the info.

[cjehly]

ya, no problem Eric.

Sounds like Merge is what you use to weld together multiple parts of the same area that might be broken up. I personally break-up floors into separate NWF's, and sometime further break up those areas if the sq.footage is huge. Merge "reads" like something you would use to weld these parts back together, and it will filter out the redundancy in model (like a single STRUCTURAL file, referenced in multiple NWFs)

I'm honestly going to have to play with it a bit, as I have been (apparently) using it incorrectly. In the past, I have used MERGE to lock down my model from changes, but I was either wrong in my methods, or MERGE has changed in the past 5yrs.

Anyway, I always use Append when building my NWF's, for the life a project. I publish NWDs that encapsulate the building at any specific time, including as-builts.

[eric.fox]

Thanks again. I noticed there are some Autodesk-certified training courses starting to appear, for which I've been waiting impatiently since we first got Manage. Hopefully it will convey some of these processes better than Help or the manual.