Top Plugins and Extensions for Tekla Structures

If you use Tekla Structures regularly, you know the base tools only get you so far. The right plugins change how fast you work and what you can deliver.

Here's what actually makes a difference.

1/ Modeling Automation & Complex Geometry

Bridge Creator

An official extension that automates the creation of complex bridge geometries, including decks, piers, and abutments, by following a defined alignment.

Why it matters: Modeling double-curved decks or varying cross-sections manually in Tekla is incredibly slow and error-prone. This tool reads alignment data (LandXML) and extrudes profiles along it, keeping the geometry dynamic. If the alignment changes, the bridge updates.

Best for: Bridge engineers and infrastructure projects involving non-linear concrete geometry.

Grasshopper-Tekla Live Link

A bi-directional link that allows you to drive Tekla structures directly from Rhino/Grasshopper scripts.

Why it matters: It bridges the gap between algorithmic design and BIM. You can script complex parametric roofs, facades, or stadiums in Grasshopper and have them instantiate as native, data-rich Tekla objects (beams, plates, bolts) rather than "dumb" reference geometry.

Best for: Early-stage concept design of complex steel structures and stadiums.

Lifting Inserts

A specialized plugin that automates the placement of lifting anchors and inserts into precast concrete elements based on center-of-gravity calculations.

Why it matters: Manually calculating the center of gravity for every unique precast panel and placing anchors is a massive bottleneck. This tool automates the logic, ensuring safety compliance and reducing the risk of fabrication errors.

Best for: Precast concrete detailers and fabricators.

2/ Drawing & Documentation Efficiency

Drawing Numbering Tool

A simple but critical utility that allows you to renumber drawings and update title block data (like "Title 1", "Title 2") in bulk without opening each drawing.

Why it matters: Native Tekla drawing management can be rigid. If you need to shift a sequence of 100 drawings by one number, doing it manually takes hours. This tool does it in seconds by writing directly to the database.

Best for: Large projects with hundreds of General Arrangement (GA) or assembly drawings.

Trimble Drawing Extensions (Suite)

A collection of small, targeted tools often bundled together (e.g., "GA Out of View Object Filter," "Rebar Mark Merge," "Dimensioning Tools").

Why it matters: These micro-tools fix specific daily frustrations. For example, "Rebar Mark Merge" cleans up cluttered reinforcement drawings by combining multiple identical marks into a single leader, significantly improving drawing readability for the site team.

Best for: Detailing teams focused on producing high-quality fabrication drawings.

3/ Interoperability & Collaboration

Tekla Model Sharing

A cloud-based collaboration service that allows offline work with intelligent synchronization, unlike standard server-based multi-user modes.

Why it matters: Standard multi-user modes require a constant, low-latency LAN connection. Model Sharing downloads the model to your local machine and only syncs the changes (packets) via the cloud (Azure). This makes cross-office or work-from-home collaboration viable without VPN lag.

Best for: Distributed engineering teams working on the same model from different locations.

RISA-Tekla Link (and Analysis Links)

A dedicated plugin that facilitates round-trip data exchange between Tekla Structures and analysis software like RISA-3D or SAP2000.

Why it matters: It prevents the "re-modeling" cycle. You can start the physical model in Tekla, send it to analysis, size the members, and import the changes back into Tekla. The link maps sections and materials, keeping the physical and analytical models in sync.

Best for: Structural engineers who need to validate designs without maintaining two separate models.

4/ Specialist Fabrication Tools

Scaffolding Tools

An extension specifically for modeling, planning, and quantifying scaffolding systems directly within the structural model.

Why it matters: Scaffolding is often estimated roughly or modeled in separate software. bringing it into Tekla allows you to detect clashes with the permanent structure and generate exact material lists (BOM) for the temporary works.

Best for: Concrete contractors and temporary works engineers.

Weld & Bolt Custom Components

While not a single "plugin," downloading manufacturer-specific bolt and weld catalogs (e.g., from Hilti or Peikko) from the Warehouse is essential.

Why it matters: Generic components often lack the exact attributes needed for accurate procurement. Manufacturer components come with the correct weights, product codes, and geometric limitations pre-defined.

Best for: Detailers producing fabrication-ready models (LOD 400).

Choosing what fits your work

Not every plugin makes sense for every project. Match tools to your actual bottlenecks, not feature lists.

Start with one or two that address your most frequent friction points, likely Drawing Numbering for detailers or Grasshopper Link for designers. Add more as workflows evolve.

Bonus: Speed up rendering without leaving your workflow

If rendering is your bottleneck, Rendair handles visualization faster than most plugins can process.

Tekla is built for constructibility, not beauty. Instead of struggling with built-in visualization tools or exporting to complex 3D suites, simply upload your Tekla view screenshots or exports to Rendair.

You get presentation-ready renders in minutes, perfect for client updates or bid presentations.

Start creating – try it free