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Head-to-head · BIM Software

Tekla Structures vs OpenBuildings Designer

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Tekla Structures #3 in BIM Software 9.1/10 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 5 features Try Tekla Structures
OpenBuildings Designer #5 in BIM Software 8.9/10 Paid ✓ 5 of 5 features Visit site

Tekla Structures leads on 0 checks, OpenBuildings Designer on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreTekla Structures · 9.1/10
  • Free trialonly Tekla Structures

Tekla Structures scores higher on our rubric for bim software: 9.1 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

On mobile access, Tekla Structures gives you Viewer where OpenBuildings Designer offers None.

Tekla Structures is the better fit for structural engineering and detailing teams. OpenBuildings Designer is the better fit for large multidisciplinary engineering projects.

  • Tekla Structures fits best

    Structural engineering and detailing teams

  • OpenBuildings Designer fits best

    Large multidisciplinary engineering projects

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Tekla Structures 9.1/10 Visit ↗ OpenBuildings Designer 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.9
Ranking #3 in BIM Software #5 in BIM Software
Best for Structural engineering and detailing teams Large multidisciplinary engineering projects
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — $3,844/yr
Free plan — —
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Desktop, Cloud Cloud, Desktop
Platforms Windows, Web Windows
Support Email, Phone, Docs, Community, Tickets Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7
Integrations 5 integrations 10 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Tekla Structures 5/5 · OpenBuildings Designer 5/5
IFC support ✓ ✓
Cloud collaboration ✓ ✓
Clash detection ✓ ✓
Quantity takeoff ✓ ✓
API access ✓ ✓
Specs
Discipline coverage Multi-discipline Multi-discipline
Mobile access Viewer None
Our review
Pros
  • 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
  • Covers architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical modeling
  • Combines clash detection, energy analysis, and generative design
  • Exchanges IFC, COBie, DWG, RFA, and SketchUp data
Cons
  • 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
  • Annual licensing starts at $3,844 per license
  • Runs on Windows with no mobile access
  • May be more scope than focused design teams need
Our verdict

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 →

OpenBuildings Designer is multidisciplinary BIM software from Bentley Systems for architects, structural engineers, mechanical and electrical designers, and construction teams. It brings 3D building modeling, coordinated documentation,…

Read the review →
  1. Tekla StructuresBIM Software 9.1Pricing on request · 30-day trial
  2. OpenBuildings DesignerBIM Software 8.9Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • OpenBuildings Designer — where it wins

    • Covers architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical modeling
    • Combines clash detection, energy analysis, and generative design
    • Exchanges IFC, COBie, DWG, RFA, and SketchUp data

    Where it doesn't

    • Annual licensing starts at $3,844 per license
    • Runs on Windows with no mobile access
    • May be more scope than focused design teams need
  • 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 →
  • OpenBuildings Designer8.9/10 · Paid

    A deep multidisciplinary BIM suite for large engineering projects, priced for specialist teams.

    Visit siteFull verdict →

More comparisons

All BIM software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update