When it comes to BIM coordination, two names come up again and again:
Navisworks (Autodesk)
Solibri (Nemetschek)
But although these two tools are often compared, they do not have exactly the same role or the same strengths.
Here is a clear, practical comparison 👇
⚙️ Navisworks: the site tool for fast coordination
✔️ Ideal for reviewing multi-format models
✔️ Quick to learn for visualisation + clash detection
✔️ Perfect during construction/coordination to manage clashes between trades
✔️ Compatible with Revit, IFC, DWG, etc.
❌ Less powerful for data checks or quality rules
➡️ It is the tool of the “site BIM coordinator” who wants to work fast and efficiently.
🧩 Solibri: the master of quality control and compliance:
✔️ Specialised in analysing complex rules (e.g. standards, spaces, accessibility)
✔️ Very strong on IFC and data checks
✔️ Used during design or for as-built files, to ensure deliverables comply
❌ Less intuitive, with a more technical learning curve
❌ Less focused on “visual clashes”, more on “logical clashes”
➡️ It is the tool of the “BIM checker” who wants to deliver a clean, standards-compliant as-built file.
🎯 My advice: don’t set them against each other. Combine them.
On some projects, I use Navisworks for visual coordination and Solibri to validate the data.
Each tool has its own area of excellence. The key is to know them well so you can choose the right one.
Navisworks or Solibri?
