When you have a direct link to an analysis and design application, and you export the analysis model from Tekla Structures using that particular analysis application, the model is opened in the application. Tekla Structures and the analysis and design application need to be installed on the same computer.

The analysis and design direct links are created either using the Tekla Open API or the older COM link (Common Object Model transfer technology). A number of direct links are available including AxisVM, Diamonds, Dlubal, ETABS, GTStrudl, ModeSt, MIDAS, NISA, Powerframe, ISM, Robot, SAP2000, SCIA, S-Frame, STAAD.Pro, STRUDS, and Strusoft.

Many of the direct links are available for downloading in Tekla Warehouse. For the applications that are not available in Tekla Warehouse, the links can be downloaded from the vendor web sites or by contacting the vendor.