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Construction · head to head

ArchiCAD vs Tekla Structures

ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Construction

BIM software for architects

From
$177/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: ArchiCAD available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support; Tekla Structures no specific pricing published; three subscription options available but require sales contact
  • They diverge on capability: ArchiCAD covers BIM 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 ArchiCAD and Tekla Structures actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchiCAD and Tekla Structures differ
AttributeArchiCADTekla Structures
Starting price$177/month$400/month
PlatformsWindows, macOSWindows
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 ArchiCAD

  • BIM modeling
  • Design tools
  • Documentation
  • Rendering
  • Energy analysis
  • IFC support
  • Teamwork collaboration
  • Library parts

Only in Tekla Structures

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

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

ArchiCAD

  • Architectural design with BIM capabilitiesnot Tekla Structures
  • Real-time team collaboration via BIMcloudnot Tekla Structures
  • Automated documentation generation from design changesnot Tekla Structures
  • Mixed Windows and macOS team environmentsnot Tekla Structures

Tekla Structures

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

Where each one falls short

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

ArchiCAD

  • Available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support
  • Subscription-only licensing model with no perpetual licence option
  • Studio tier does not include MEP Designer - requires Collaborate tier at $208/month

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

ArchiCAD

$177/month
  • Archicad Studio$177/month
    • Archicad Windows & macOS
    • BIMx Pro
    • BIMcloud Basic
  • Archicad Collaborate$208/month
    • Archicad Windows & macOS
    • MEP Designer
    • BIMx Pro

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 ArchiCAD if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS.
  • You also want design tools.
ArchiCAD 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 ArchiCAD or Tekla Structures better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchiCAD starts at $177/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, ArchiCAD or Tekla Structures?
ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and Tekla Structures at $400/month.
Does ArchiCAD or Tekla Structures run on more platforms?
ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS. Tekla Structures runs on Windows.
What is ArchiCAD best used for?
ArchiCAD is most often used for architectural design with bim capabilities, real-time team collaboration via bimcloud, automated documentation generation from design changes, mixed windows and macos team environments. Of those, architectural design with bim capabilities and real-time team collaboration via bimcloud are not what Tekla Structures is typically brought in for.
What can ArchiCAD do that Tekla Structures cannot?
ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Documentation, Rendering. Tekla Structures covers 3D structural modeling, Steel detailing, Concrete detailing, Drawing production. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ArchiCAD: What is the cost of Archicad's subscription plans?

Archicad Studio starts at $177/month or $2,123 upfront annually. Archicad Collaborate, the most popular tier, is $208/month or $2,497 upfront annually. Both include local and cloud teamworking capabilities.

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
ArchiCAD: What is the difference between Archicad Studio and Archicad Collaborate?

Studio includes architectural modeling and BIMcloud Basic for local teamwork. Collaborate adds MEP Designer for MEP modeling and BIMcloud SaaS for cloud-based global teamwork, and costs $31 more per month.

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
ArchiCAD: Is Archicad free for students?

Yes, Archicad offers free educational licenses for students, educators, and academic institutions. Archicad Studio is available free for 30 days as a trial.

Source
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