Tekla Structural Designer review
A Windows tool for structural modeling, automated analysis and material design checks.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Tekla Structural Designer brings structural modeling, analysis and design into a model-based workflow for building engineers. It supports physical structural modeling, automated analysis, design across different construction materials and international design-code workflows. That makes it relevant to structural teams that want analysis and design tied to a shared model, rather than a general-purpose building BIM authoring tool.
A distinctive workflow feature is its model-linked calculation reporting: reports update when the model changes. Engineers can compare alternative design schemes, export IFC models and connect projects to Trimble Connect to share IFC models, drawings and reports. Listed integrations include Autodesk Revit, ADAPT, STAAD, Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis and IDEA StatiCa. The supported platform is Windows desktop, while Trimble Connect adds a cloud collaboration path for project files. Teams working across structural and broader building workflows should assess whether these connections fit their existing exchange process.
According to the vendor’s plan descriptions, the Tekla Structural Designer subscription is annual and includes Trimble Connect Business Premium. Tekla Structural Design Suite includes Tekla Structural Designer and Tekla Tedds, as well as Trimble Connect Business Premium. A 30-day trial is listed. This is a paid product with no free plan. Choose it when structural analysis, material design checks, code-based workflows and linked reports are central to the work. Teams seeking broad building BIM authoring, or a free option, should consider another fit; its scope is specifically structural.
Tekla Structural Designer pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Combines physical structural modeling with automated analysis.
- Model-linked calculation reports update when the design changes.
- Exports IFC models and links projects to Trimble Connect.
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on structural design rather than broad building BIM.
- Runs on Windows desktop.
- Sold by subscription, with no free plan.
Tekla Structural Designer fact sheet, pricing and score →
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