Softwr

Construction · head to head

SketchUp vs Tekla Structures

SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Construction

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
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

  • 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 no specific pricing published; three subscription options available but require sales contact
  • They diverge on capability: SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 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 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 (Construction), 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

  • 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

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.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SketchUp: How much does SketchUp cost?

SketchUp publishes three core annual plans, priced per user and billed annually: Go at $10.75 per month, Pro at $33.25 per month and Studio at $68.25 per month.

Source
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
SketchUp: Is there a free version of SketchUp?

There is a 7 day free trial of the core features. SketchUp is also free for K-12 use when accessed with a Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft Education account.

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
SketchUp: What is the difference between SketchUp Pro and Studio?

Studio adds a Revit importer, point cloud modelling, photorealistic visuals, animations and panoramas on top of Pro. Studio runs on Windows only, while Pro is available on web, iPad and desktop.

Source
SketchUp: What does SketchUp Go include compared with Pro?

Go is limited to iPad and web, with premade furnishings and materials, cloud storage, a mobile viewer and real time sharing. Pro adds desktop modelling, the LayOut documentation tool and access to over 1000 extensions.

Source
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