Tekla Structures
Building design and building information modeling (BIM) software
CAD software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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What is Tekla Structures
Tekla Structures is a 3D BIM and detailing application focused on constructible structural models for steel, concrete, and timber. It is used by structural engineers, detailers, fabricators, and contractors to produce coordinated models, drawings, and fabrication/erection deliverables. The product emphasizes high-detail modeling and production workflows that connect design intent to fabrication and construction. It supports model-based collaboration and data exchange with other AEC tools through common industry formats and integrations.
High-detail constructible modeling
Tekla Structures supports very granular structural modeling, including connections, reinforcement, embeds, and assemblies, which aligns with fabrication and erection needs. This level of detail helps teams generate shop drawings and production information from the model rather than redrafting. It is particularly suited to steel and reinforced concrete detailing workflows where constructability and part-level accuracy matter.
Fabrication and drawing outputs
The software includes tooling for producing drawings, reports, and NC/fabrication-related outputs from the model. This supports downstream processes such as material takeoffs, part lists, and shop/erection documentation. For organizations that must deliver both models and fabrication-ready documentation, this reduces reliance on separate drafting steps.
Interoperability and coordination options
Tekla Structures supports exchange via common BIM formats (e.g., IFC) and integrates within Trimble’s broader construction technology ecosystem. This helps teams coordinate structural models with multidisciplinary project data and collaboration workflows. It is commonly used in mixed-tool environments where structural detailing must connect to coordination and field processes.
Steep learning curve
The depth of detailing and production features can make onboarding slower than general-purpose CAD or lighter BIM authoring tools. Teams often need role-specific training for modeling standards, drawing automation, and connection/rebar workflows. This can increase initial implementation time for organizations without established detailing practices.
Less suited for architecture
Tekla Structures is primarily oriented to structural and fabrication deliverables rather than architectural design authoring. Architectural modeling, MEP design, and early-stage conceptual workflows are typically handled more efficiently in other specialized tools. As a result, many projects use Tekla alongside separate authoring applications for non-structural disciplines.
Licensing and ecosystem complexity
Deployments may involve multiple modules, extensions, and integration points depending on the organization’s workflows (e.g., detailing, collaboration, and downstream fabrication). This can add administrative overhead for licensing, version management, and interoperability testing across project partners. Costs and complexity can be higher for smaller teams that only need basic 3D modeling.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | Contact sales / Custom pricing | Entry-level subscription; allows opening and viewing models, limited conceptual component modeling, limited numbering and basic reports/drawings. Availability of specific features depends on license. |
| Graphite | Contact sales / Custom pricing | Mid-tier subscription; includes modeling of parts, steel assemblies, precast cast units, concrete pour units, and creating steel & concrete components (feature availability may vary). |
| Diamond | Contact sales / Custom pricing | Full-featured subscription; multi-material, fully detailed 3D modeling across project lifecycle; production drawings (part, assembly, cast units), exports for steel CNC & MIS systems, rebar manufacturing exports, analysis/design interfaces, Open API support. |
Notes: Trimble’s Tekla Structures subscription page lists these three subscription options (Carbon, Graphite, Diamond) but does not list public prices; it instructs users to contact local sales for pricing and to compare plans on the Trimble site. The Tekla download portal and Tekla trial pages indicate a free 30-day trial is available for Tekla Structures.
Seller details
Trimble Inc.
Westminster, Colorado, USA
1978
Public
https://www.trimble.com/
https://x.com/TrimbleCorpNews
https://www.linkedin.com/company/trimble/
