Start Tekla Structures using the classic startup screen

With Tekla Structures, you can create information-rich 3D models of all structures and materials, and the 3D model is also the single source of information for drawings and other outputs, such as reports and NC data files.

When you install Tekla Structures, two desktop icons appear:

that launches the classic Tekla Structures startup screen
that launches the Tekla Launcher startup screen

To use the classic startup screen to start Tekla Structures, double-click the desktop icon or select Tekla Structures from the Windows Start menu.

You are asked to choose your Tekla Structures setup. The setup consists of an environment, role, and configuration.

Environment means region-specific settings and information. It defines, for example, which profiles, material grades, default values, drawing settings, component settings, reports, and templates are available and used for the specific region.
Role is a user group profile that limits the availability of files and settings in an environment. The user interface has been customized for each role, meaning that some of the settings that are not relevant for the specific role are hidden to make the user interface clearer and easier to use.
Configuration consists of a set of features that the user is entitled to based on the license agreement.

If you are a company administrator, see Overview of environments, roles, and configurations.

Choose your Tekla Structures setup

Start Tekla Structures.
Sign in using your Trimble Identity when prompted.

A dialog where you choose your Tekla Structures setup and the type of license appears. Proceed with the default Tekla Structures subscription option.

If you have an on-premises license, click Change license server > Use your on-premises license server.
Select an environment that fits the region where your project is done.

If you cannot find the environment that you want in the list, see Install and license Tekla Structures.

You can also select blank project and use it as the basis to create your own customized environment.
Select a role.
The availability of roles depends on your environment, but typically the following roles are available:
- Concrete Contractor
- Engineer
- General Contractor
- Precast Concrete Detailer
- Production Planner for Concrete
- Rebar Detailer
- Steel Detailer
Select a configuration.

The configuration that you are using might not contain all the features described in the Tekla Structures product guides. For more information on the features available in each configuration, see Tekla Structures configurations.
Click OK.

The start screen appears.
Select what you want to do:
- On the Recent tab, you can open a recently used model.
  
  If the Recent tab is empty, then the All models tab is shown.
- On the All models tab, you can open any existing model.
  
  If the All models tab is empty, then the New tab is shown.
  
  On the Recent and All models tabs, you can sort each of the columns. Additionally, you can change the order and size of the columns by dragging them.
  
  You can search models by name just by starting to type the name of the model. For example, when you type N, Tekla Structures selects the first model starting with the letter N.
  
  To open the selected model, double-click the selected model, or select the model and click the Open button.
- On the Shared models tab, you can open a model that has been shared by using Tekla Model Sharing.
- On the New tab, you can create a new model.

Tip:

If you are unsure what to select or fill in on the Tekla Structures - Setup and Tekla Structures - Start windows, rest the mouse pointer on the icon to see the tooltip.

Create your own environment: blank project

Blank project is a Tekla Structures environment that includes only generic content, such as parametric profiles, undefined bolt, material and rebar grades, and basic drawing layouts. It can be used for gathering region-, company-, or project-specific settings, tools, and information. The blank project is always included in the Tekla Structures installation.

Download and install content to the blank project

You can use Tekla Warehouse to download and install content to the blank project. For example, you can download profiles, material grades, bolts, reinforcement, components, applications, and templates from Tekla Warehouse across all environment- and manufacturer-specific collections, and make combinations that suit your needs.

You can download and install content from Tekla Warehouse both before and during a project. Before starting a project, you can install content to your project and firm folders. During a project, you can install content to the model folder.

Check your Tekla Structures setup

You can check your current Tekla Structures setup (environment, role, configuration, and organization) at any time without having to close the model.

On the File menu, click Settings and scroll down to the Your current Tekla Structures setup area. You current setup is displayed.

If you want to change your setup, restart Tekla Structures and change the selection in the Tekla Structures - Setup dialog.