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SketchUp Pro vs Tekla Structures

SketchUp Pro logo

SketchUp Pro

Software

3D design and modeling software for architects and designers

From
$33.25/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tekla Structures logo

Tekla Structures

Software

BIM software for structural engineering and construction

From
$400/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: SketchUp Pro sketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison; Tekla Structures pricing page names three material-independent subscription plan options rather than a perpetual license, but discloses no figures, offering only a free 30 day trial and directing buyers to contact the company for pricing
  • They diverge on capability: SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling, Tekla Structures covers 3D structural modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SketchUp Pro and Tekla Structures actually diverge.

Attributes where SketchUp Pro and Tekla Structures differ
AttributeSketchUp ProTekla Structures
Starting price$33.25/month$400/month
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Web, iPadWindows
Founded20001978

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

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 SketchUp Pro

  • 3D modeling
  • Visualization
  • Documentation
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Layout integration
  • LayOut
  • Google Earth
  • SSL encryption

Only in Tekla Structures

  • 3D structural modeling
  • Steel detailing
  • Concrete detailing
  • Drawing production
  • Fabrication support
  • Trimble Connect
  • IFC
  • MIS systems

Both cover

  • Revit
  • AutoCAD
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

SketchUp Pro

  • 3D professional design and modellingnot Tekla Structures
  • Architectural documentation with LayOutnot Tekla Structures
  • Access to 1000+ extensions librarynot Tekla Structures

Tekla Structures

  • Structural designnot SketchUp Pro
  • Steel detailingnot SketchUp Pro
  • Rebar detailingnot SketchUp Pro
  • Fabrication managementnot SketchUp Pro

Where each one falls short

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

SketchUp Pro

  • SketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • No separate product—this is the Pro annual subscription tier at £33.25/month

Tekla Structures

  • Pricing page names three material-independent subscription plan options rather than a perpetual license, but discloses no figures, offering only a free 30 day trial and directing buyers to contact the company for pricing

Pricing, plan by plan

SketchUp Pro

$33.25/month

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp Pro review.

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 SketchUp Pro if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
  • You also want visualization.
SketchUp Pro 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 SketchUp Pro or Tekla Structures better?
Neither clearly leads. SketchUp Pro starts at $33.25/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, SketchUp Pro or Tekla Structures?
SketchUp Pro starts at $33.25/month and Tekla Structures at $400/month.
Does SketchUp Pro or Tekla Structures run on more platforms?
SketchUp Pro runs on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad. Tekla Structures runs on Windows.
What is SketchUp Pro best used for?
SketchUp Pro is most often used for 3d professional design and modelling, architectural documentation with layout, access to 1000+ extensions library. Of those, 3d professional design and modelling and architectural documentation with layout are not what Tekla Structures is typically brought in for.
What can SketchUp Pro do that Tekla Structures cannot?
SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling, Visualization, Documentation, Cloud collaboration. Tekla Structures covers 3D structural modeling, Steel detailing, Concrete detailing, Drawing production. Both handle Revit, AutoCAD, Windows support.
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