Getting Started with Tekla Structures – First-Time Startup Guide
The Getting Started series is designed for new Tekla Structures users. It helps answer common questions when taking your first steps into Constructable BIM modeling. This guide explains how to start Tekla Structures for the first time, choose the correct configuration, verify your environment installation, and understand the home screen interface.
1. Starting Tekla Structures for the First Time
When you launch Tekla Structures for the first time, the software opens the startup screen where you can create a new model or open an existing project. Before you begin modeling, Tekla requires some important selections.
2. Choosing Your Configuration
A configuration determines which tools and features are available in your Tekla Structures installation.
| Configuration | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Steel Detailing | Structural steel modeling and detailing |
| Precast Concrete Detailing | Precast concrete projects |
| Full Detailing | Steel and Concrete detailing |
| Engineering | Design and analysis support |
| Partner / Viewer | Model viewing and collaboration |
Selecting the appropriate configuration ensures that all required tools and commands are available for your project type.
3. Selecting an Environment
An environment contains country-specific settings, standards, profiles, materials, templates, and reports.
- India Environment
- United States Environment
- United Kingdom Environment
- Australia Environment
- Default Environment
Choosing the correct environment helps ensure compliance with local design standards and fabrication requirements.
4. Verifying Environment Installation
Before starting a project, verify that the required environment is properly installed.
- Check that the environment appears in the Environment list.
- Confirm profiles and material databases are available.
- Verify drawing templates and reports are installed.
- If missing, use Tekla Installation Manager to install the environment.
5. Home Screen Overview
After selecting a configuration and environment, the Tekla Structures Home Screen appears.
Create New Model
Use this option to create a new project. Enter the model name, choose a storage location, and select a model template.
Open Existing Model
Open previously created local, shared, or cloud-based models.
Recent Models
Displays a list of recently opened projects for quick access.
Learning Resources
Provides access to tutorials, documentation, training materials, and release notes.
6. Understanding the Ribbon Tabs
File Tab
Contains commands for creating, opening, saving, importing, exporting, and managing projects.
Steel Tab
Used for creating beams, columns, plates, bolts, and welds for steel structures.
Concrete Tab
Provides tools for modeling slabs, walls, beams, footings, and concrete columns.
Detailing Tab
Contains tools for cuts, fittings, connections, and fabrication detailing.
Drawings Tab
Used to generate General Arrangement (GA), Assembly, Single-Part, and Cast Unit drawings directly from the model.
Manage Tab
Includes project settings, numbering tools, user settings, and model sharing functions.
View Tab
Provides tools for zooming, panning, rotating, filtering, and managing model views.
Applications & Components
Contains standard connections, custom components, extensions, and automation tools that speed up modeling and detailing.
7. Side Panels and Properties
Properties Pane
Displays object properties such as profile, material, class, finish, and dimensions.
Component Catalog
Provides access to thousands of predefined connections, base plates, gusset plates, stiffeners, and detailing components.
Model Tree
Displays the project hierarchy and helps organize model objects efficiently.
8. Basic Navigation Controls
| Mouse Action | Function |
|---|---|
| Mouse Wheel | Zoom In / Out |
| Middle Mouse Button | Pan View |
| Right Mouse Button | Rotate Model |
| Double Click | Open Object Properties |
Conclusion
By understanding the startup process, selecting the correct configuration and environment, and becoming familiar with the Home Screen and ribbon tabs, new users can confidently begin their journey with Tekla Structures. These foundational skills are essential before moving on to advanced modeling, detailing, and drawing generation workflows.