Get started with Tekla Structures

Are you a Tekla Structures user?

Before you start, ensure that you have completed the following steps:

• Create your Trimble Identity online profile
  You need a Trimble Identity to download the software, access your license, and use some online services. Sign in or create a Trimble Identity. You can watch this video for guidance.
• Download and Install Tekla Structures
  If Tekla Structures is not already installed, download and install Tekla Structures and at least one regional environment. If you are unsure which environment to choose, or if one isn't available for your region, install the Default environment. You can check our Hardware recommendations here.
• License Assignment
  Your administrator must assign a license to you. You can check to see if you have a license assigned here. Watch this video to see how.

Are you the administrator for your organization?

As the administrator, you might need to:

• Invite users to your organization
  Invite colleagues to create their own Trimble Identities and join your organization using the Tekla Online Admin Tool. Watch this video to see how.
• Assign licenses
  Assign a Tekla Structures license to colleagues after they have joined your organization. Watch this video to see how.
• Download and install software
  If you need to, you can download and install Tekla Structures and at least one regional environment. Check our Hardware recommendations here. Refer to this product guide for more information about installation and licensing.

Ready to start learning how to use Tekla Structures?

To get started with using Tekla Structures quickly, visit Trimble Learn, our online training platform. When prompted to sign in to Trimble Learn, use the Trimble ID option, as highlighted below.

• The best place to start learning is with our Tekla Structures Core Training. This training consists of two courses: First Steps with Tekla Structures and the Tekla Structures Evaluator Course. You can complete one or both of these courses, in any order.
• After you have completed the Tekla Structures Core Training, or if you already know the basics, you can develop your skills by completing one of our free fundamentals level eLearning courses.
• Browse further eLearning and instructor-led training courses in the Tekla course catalog.
• You can also contact your local Tekla reseller for details about any further training requirements that you might have.

Are you responsible for implementing Tekla Structures in your business?

Although you can start using Tekla Structures straight out of the box, you can also customize it to suit the needs of your business. Here are a few essentials that you will likely need to make Tekla Structures work for you.

• Project and firm folders
  Store customized files for custom ribbons, drawing styles, catalogs, or any other settings for future use. Find out more here.
• Customize Tekla Structures for users
  As the Tekla Structures administrator or BIM manager, customize Tekla Structures to align with your company standards and project needs. Find out how to do this here.
• Naming & Numbering
  Deciding on the numbering and naming parameters to be used in Tekla Structures is critical for creating accurate drawings and reports. Find out more about what it is and how to do it here.
• Filters
  It's important to understand how to use and create filters early in your Tekla Structures journey. You can use filters to select a large number of objects, check your models, and to hide or find objects. Find out more here.
• Templates
  Create graphical drawing templates with your company logo, and textual templates for reports. Find out how to create them and much more here.
• Manage Tekla Structures
  Take a look at the complete Manage Tekla Structures product guide here.

Do you need some support?

After you have learned the basics of Tekla Structures, it's time to start using it for your own projects! But don't worry, we are here to help!

• If you need assistance, we have a variety of Online Support Services available to help you.
• You have full access to Tekla User Assistance, our online searchable database of product documentation, video tutorials, and FAQ support articles.
• The Tekla Online and Instructor Side Panes provide you with guidance and assistance from directly within the software.
• Still need some help? You can contact your local Technical Support Team from inside Tekla Structures using the Support Tool, or you can open a support case using the link below.

Trimble Connect

With your Tekla Structures named user subscription, you also have access to Trimble Connect, our powerful cloud collaboration platform. Trimble Connect allows you to easily share and reference your constructible models, drawings and documents from a variety of sources in one place. This improves productivity and project consistency by giving you access to the information that you need, when you need it. Take a look at the resources below to start making the most of Trimble Connect!

• The Tekla User Assistance home page for Trimble Connect gives you access to FAQs, product guides, discussion forums, videos, and more.
• Learn how to share Tekla Structures models with Trimble Connect by using Trimble Connector in this product guide.
• Although Trimble Connect is primarily accessed through a web browser, you can also download the desktop version for Windows here.

Tekla Model Sharing

Tekla Model Sharing is another powerful collaboration tool that is also included with your named user Tekla Structures subscription.

Tekla Model Sharing gives users the freedom to work with the same Tekla Structures model at the same time in different locations and time zones. It’s also the only construction sharing technology to allow teams to create in the cloud and work predominantly offline.

Find out more about Tekla Model Sharing, and see how it works with Tekla Structures in this product guide.