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SketchUp vs Tekla Structures

SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Software

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
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

  • Only SketchUp has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: SketchUp studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux; 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 covers 3D modeling, Tekla Structures covers 3D structural modeling.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where SketchUp and Tekla Structures differ
AttributeSketchUpTekla Structures
Starting priceFree$400/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)Windows

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (1978).

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

  • 3D modeling
  • 2D documentation
  • Rendering
  • Animation
  • Extension warehouse
  • 3D Warehouse
  • LayOut
  • V-Ray

Only in Tekla Structures

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

Both cover

  • Revit
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

SketchUp

  • 3D architectural design and visualizationnot Tekla Structures
  • Product design and prototypingnot Tekla Structures
  • Interior design planningnot Tekla Structures
  • Real estate visualizationnot Tekla Structures

Tekla Structures

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

Where each one falls short

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

SketchUp

  • Studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • Go tier restricted to iPad and web—no desktop application access
  • LayOut (documentation tool) only available in Pro and Studio tiers
  • 1000+ extensions library only available in Pro and Studio; Go has limited extension access

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

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp 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 if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
  • You also want 2d documentation.
SketchUp 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 or Tekla Structures better?
Neither clearly leads. SketchUp starts at Free 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 or Tekla Structures?
SketchUp has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SketchUp and $400/month for Tekla Structures.
Does SketchUp or Tekla Structures run on more platforms?
SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only). Tekla Structures runs on Windows.
Can I use SketchUp for free?
Yes. SketchUp has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Tekla Structures starts at $400/month.
What is SketchUp best used for?
SketchUp is most often used for 3d architectural design and visualization, product design and prototyping, interior design planning, real estate visualization. Of those, 3d architectural design and visualization and product design and prototyping are not what Tekla Structures is typically brought in for.
What can SketchUp do that Tekla Structures cannot?
SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Rendering, Animation. Tekla Structures covers 3D structural modeling, Steel detailing, Concrete detailing, Drawing production. Both handle Revit, Windows support.
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