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Construction · head to head

PlanGrid vs Tekla Structures

PlanGrid logo

PlanGrid

Construction

Construction productivity software for the field

From
$39/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tekla Structures logo

Tekla Structures

Construction

BIM software for structural engineering and construction

From
$400/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: PlanGrid autodesk states PlanGrid is no longer available for purchase by net-new customers, with new buyers directed to Forma Build; Tekla Structures no specific pricing published; three subscription options available but require sales contact
  • They diverge on capability: PlanGrid covers Blueprint management, Tekla Structures covers 3D structural modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PlanGrid and Tekla Structures actually diverge.

Attributes where PlanGrid and Tekla Structures differ
AttributePlanGridTekla Structures
Starting price$39/month$400/month
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidWindows
Founded19821978

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Construction).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in PlanGrid

  • Blueprint management
  • Issue tracking
  • Photo documentation
  • Punch lists
  • RFI management
  • Autodesk BIM 360
  • Procore
  • Box

Only in Tekla Structures

  • 3D structural modeling
  • Steel detailing
  • Concrete detailing
  • Drawing production
  • Fabrication support
  • Trimble Connect
  • Revit
  • AutoCAD

Both cover

  • Data encryption
  • Access controls

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

PlanGrid

  • Giving field crews real-time access to construction plans, issues and photosnot Tekla Structures
  • Capturing site forms and photos from a tablet on a job sitenot Tekla Structures
  • Managing organization licences for a construction document appnot Tekla Structures

Tekla Structures

  • Structural designnot PlanGrid
  • Steel detailingnot PlanGrid
  • Rebar detailingnot PlanGrid
  • Fabrication managementnot PlanGrid

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

PlanGrid

  • Autodesk states PlanGrid is no longer available for purchase by net-new customers, with new buyers directed to Forma Build
  • PlanGrid access is now sold only through Forma Build, so pricing is set by the Forma Build subscription rather than PlanGrid itself
  • Mobile users must access PlanGrid projects through the Autodesk Forma mobile app rather than a standalone PlanGrid app
  • The PlanGrid desktop app requires Windows 10 or higher
  • The Admin Console for managing users and licences is a separate site restricted to designated organization admins

Tekla Structures

  • No specific pricing published; three subscription options available but require sales contact
  • Flexible licensing that adjusts as company develops and grows, but specific rates not disclosed

Pricing, plan by plan

PlanGrid

$39/month
  • Build$39/month
    • Sheet management
    • Issue tracking
    • RFIs
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Advanced analytics
    • Custom integrations
    • Priority support

Tekla Structures

$400/month
  • Tekla Structures$400/month
    • 3D modeling
    • Detailing
    • Drawing production
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Multi-user
    • Advanced features
    • Custom configurations

Which should you pick?

Choose PlanGrid if

  • You need blueprint management.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want issue tracking.
PlanGrid review

Choose Tekla Structures if

  • You need 3d structural modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want steel detailing.
Tekla Structures review

Questions people ask

Is PlanGrid or Tekla Structures better?
Neither clearly leads. PlanGrid starts at $39/month and Tekla Structures at $400/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PlanGrid or Tekla Structures?
PlanGrid starts at $39/month and Tekla Structures at $400/month.
Does PlanGrid or Tekla Structures run on more platforms?
PlanGrid runs on Web, Ios, Android. Tekla Structures runs on Windows.
What is PlanGrid best used for?
PlanGrid is most often used for giving field crews real-time access to construction plans, issues and photos, capturing site forms and photos from a tablet on a job site, managing organization licences for a construction document app. Of those, giving field crews real-time access to construction plans, issues and photos and capturing site forms and photos from a tablet on a job site are not what Tekla Structures is typically brought in for.
What can PlanGrid do that Tekla Structures cannot?
PlanGrid covers Blueprint management, Issue tracking, Photo documentation, Punch lists. Tekla Structures covers 3D structural modeling, Steel detailing, Concrete detailing, Drawing production. Both handle Data encryption, Access controls.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Tekla Structures: Is there a free trial for Tekla Structures?

Yes, a 30-day free trial is available at https://download.trimble.com/tekla-structures/free-trial

Source
Tekla Structures: What subscription options are available?

Tekla Structures offers three material-independent subscription options designed for specific user needs. Each subscription includes Trimble Connect Business Premium and Tekla Model Sharing collaboration platform. Contact Tekla for specific pricing and plan details.

Source
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