Archicad vs Tekla Structures

Archicad9.2Visit Tekla Structures9.1Visit

Higher score Archicad #2 in BIM Software 9.2/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Archicad

vs

Tekla Structures #3 in BIM Software 9.1/10 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 5 features Try Tekla Structures

• Archicad fits best

  Architectural teams using openBIM

• Tekla Structures fits best

  Structural engineering and detailing teams

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Side by side

Feature	Archicad 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Tekla Structures 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	9.1
Ranking	#2 in BIM Software	#3 in BIM Software
Best for	Architectural teams using openBIM	Structural engineering and detailing teams
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	$201/user/mo	—
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	30 days	30 days
Free trial length	30 days	30 days
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop	Desktop, Cloud
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Windows, Web
Support	Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs	Email, Phone, Docs, Community, Tickets
Integrations	7 integrations	5 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Archicad 5/5 · Tekla Structures 5/5
IFC support	✓	✓
Cloud collaboration	✓	✓
Clash detection	✓	✓
Quantity takeoff	✓	✓
API access	✓	✓
Specs
Discipline coverage	Multi-discipline	Multi-discipline
Mobile access	Viewer	Viewer
Our review
Pros	Supports IFC, BCF, and IDS openBIM workflows Combines modeling, documentation, takeoffs, and clash detection BIMcloud enables real-time teamwork across Windows and macOS	Multi-material 3D modeling with detailed production drawings Clash checking, quantities, logistics and construction information workflows Tekla Open API, IFC support and cloud collaboration options
Cons	No free commercial plan Commercial pricing starts at $201 per user per month annually Mobile access is limited to model viewing through BIMx	Subscription pricing requires contact with a local sales team Mobile access is for viewing and collaboration, not native modeling The broad feature set may exceed the needs of simpler BIM workflows
Our verdict	Archicad is a building information modeling platform for architects, designers, engineers, and other AEC professionals. It brings together parametric architectural modeling, coordinated construction documentation, quantity takeoffs,… Read the review →	Tekla Structures is a structural BIM application for engineers, designers, detailers, fabricators, contractors and project managers. It covers multi-material 3D modeling, structural detailing, production drawings, reports, schedules,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Archicad — where it wins

  • Supports IFC, BCF, and IDS openBIM workflows
  • Combines modeling, documentation, takeoffs, and clash detection
  • BIMcloud enables real-time teamwork across Windows and macOS

  Where it doesn't

  • No free commercial plan
  • Commercial pricing starts at $201 per user per month annually
  • Mobile access is limited to model viewing through BIMx

• Tekla Structures — where it wins

  • Multi-material 3D modeling with detailed production drawings
  • Clash checking, quantities, logistics and construction information workflows
  • Tekla Open API, IFC support and cloud collaboration options

  Where it doesn't

  • Subscription pricing requires contact with a local sales team
  • Mobile access is for viewing and collaboration, not native modeling
  • The broad feature set may exceed the needs of simpler BIM workflows

• Archicad9.2/10 · 30-day trial

  A broad architectural BIM platform with strong openBIM and teamwork capabilities.

  Visit ArchicadFull verdict →
• Tekla Structures9.1/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial

  A deep structural BIM platform for modeling, detailing, fabrication and project collaboration.

  Try Tekla StructuresFull verdict →