# STAAD.Pro, Tekla Structures vs AutoCAD Comparison

| | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 75 | 64 | 1,930 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (57.7% of reviews) | Small-Business (50.8% of reviews) | Small-Business (46.9% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $3,210.00 1 License Per Year | No pricing available | $260.00 1 user | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### STAAD.Pro

Pros:
- Ease of Use (3 reviews)
- Design Development (2 reviews)

Cons:
- High Memory Usage (1 reviews)
- Inaccuracy Issues (1 reviews)

### Tekla Structures

**Not enough data**

### AutoCAD

Pros:
- Ease of Use (183 reviews)
- Drawing (116 reviews)

Cons:
- Expensive (65 reviews)
- Learning Curve (48 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.5 (54 reviews) | 8.7 (47 reviews) | 8.8 (1575 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.2 (55 reviews) | 8.3 (48 reviews) | 8.3 (1583 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.4 (22 reviews) | 7.4 (14 reviews) | 8.3 (343 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.4 (21 reviews) | 7.6 (13 reviews) | 8.0 (204 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.4 (49 reviews) | 8.2 (46 reviews) | 8.2 (1419 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.8 (20 reviews) | 8.8 (15 reviews) | 8.5 (203 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.4 (51 reviews) | 8.8 (48 reviews) | 8.0 (1544 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### STAAD.Pro

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: STAAD.Pro 12-Month Subscription

Price: $3,210.00 1 License Per Year

Key Features:
- Design and analyze concrete, steel, timber, or aluminum projects
- Reduce rework and eliminate errors
- Automatically convert your model into an analytical model

[Learn more about STAAD.Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/staad-pro/reviews)

#### Free Trial

No

### Tekla Structures

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### AutoCAD

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Monthly Subscription

Price: $260.00 1 user

Description: Access software 1 month at a time for the lowest up-front investment.


Key Features:
- Access to the latest software releases
- 1-on-1 online support
- Includes AutoCAD Mobile App

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **STAAD.Pro** | 7.9/10 | 50 |
| **Tekla Structures** | 8.3/10 | 51 |
| **AutoCAD** | 8.1/10 | 490 |

#### Design

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Visualizing** | 7.9 (43 reviews) | 8.9 (39 reviews) | 8.4 (411 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 7.1 (41 reviews) | 8.3 (34 reviews) | 7.3 (378 reviews) | 
| **Drawing** | 8.0 (41 reviews) | 8.5 (41 reviews) | 9.2 (428 reviews) | 
| **Editing** | 8.0 (40 reviews) | 8.4 (35 reviews) | 8.8 (410 reviews) | 
| **Sequence Steps** | Feature Not Available | 8.1 (30 reviews) | 8.2 (371 reviews) | 
| **Dynamic Updating** | 7.8 (40 reviews) | 8.4 (30 reviews) | 8.3 (199 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Multi User** | 7.4 (37 reviews) | 8.4 (35 reviews) | 7.9 (368 reviews) | 
| **File Import/Export** | 8.0 (41 reviews) | 8.3 (37 reviews) | 8.8 (422 reviews) | 
| **Annotating ** | Feature Not Available | 8.8 (36 reviews) | 8.7 (416 reviews) | 
| **Document Storage** | 8.4 (39 reviews) | 8.4 (37 reviews) | 8.7 (396 reviews) | 

#### Construction

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | 8.7 (35 reviews) | 8.7 (38 reviews) | 8.4 (367 reviews) | 
| **Reinforcement Tools** | 7.9 (40 reviews) | 8.3 (38 reviews) | 8.2 (357 reviews) | 
| **Clash Detection ** | 7.5 (33 reviews) | 8.5 (40 reviews) | 7.5 (335 reviews) | 
| **Grading** | Feature Not Available | 8.0 (27 reviews) | 8.1 (187 reviews) | 
| **Earthwork** | Feature Not Available | 7.2 (23 reviews) | 7.8 (180 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.2 (48 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.1 (46 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.2 (48 reviews) | 

#### Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Role-Based Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.0 (5 reviews) | 

#### Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electrical System Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **MEP Coordination** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Load Calculation & Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Interoperability with BIM & CAD** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **STAAD.Pro** | N/A | N/A |
| **Tekla Structures** | N/A | N/A |
| **AutoCAD** | 8.4/10 | 595 |

#### Design

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.5 (529 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (495 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (488 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.4 (427 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (495 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (438 reviews) | 
| **Views** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (484 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (458 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (478 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (470 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (447 reviews) | 

### GIS

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **STAAD.Pro** | N/A | N/A |
| **Tekla Structures** | N/A | N/A |
| **AutoCAD** | 8.4/10 | 46 |

#### Data Management

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Data Capture** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (37 reviews) | 
| **Data Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (38 reviews) | 
| **Data Manipulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (36 reviews) | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (37 reviews) | 

#### Map Creation

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Geocoding** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (37 reviews) | 
| **Buffer Zone Query** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (32 reviews) | 
| **Overlaying** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (36 reviews) | 
| **Publishing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (34 reviews) | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Spatial Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (34 reviews) | 
| **Reporting ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (34 reviews) | 
| **Real-Time Streaming ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (29 reviews) | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **STAAD.Pro** | N/A | N/A |
| **Tekla Structures** | N/A | N/A |
| **AutoCAD** | 8.4/10 | 21 |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (13 reviews) | 
| **Rendering Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.4 (13 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.2 (14 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.1 (13 reviews) | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (13 reviews) | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (13 reviews) | 
| **Import Files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (13 reviews) | 
| **File Interoperability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (15 reviews) | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (13 reviews) | 
| **File size** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (14 reviews) | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (14 reviews) | 
| **Custom Scripts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (14 reviews) | 
| **Custom Menus** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (12 reviews) | 
| **Custom Interface** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (16 reviews) | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (13 reviews) | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (12 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (12 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (13 reviews) | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim)



**Unique to AutoCAD (3):** [GIS Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/gis), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | STAAD.Pro | Tekla Structures | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 57.7% | 50.8% | 46.9% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 32.4% | 40.7% | 34.3% | 
| **Enterprise** | 9.9% | 8.5% | 18.9% | 

### By Industry

#### STAAD.Pro

- **Civil Engineering:** 39.4%
- **Construction:** 29.6%
- **Design:** 11.3%
- **Education Management:** 4.2%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 2.8%
- **Higher Education:** 2.8%
- **Telecommunications:** 1.4%
- **Research:** 1.4%
- **Oil & Energy:** 1.4%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 1.4%
- **Other:** 4.2%

#### Tekla Structures

- **Civil Engineering:** 40.7%
- **Construction:** 35.6%
- **Design:** 5.1%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 3.4%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 3.4%
- **Higher Education:** 3.4%
- **Oil & Energy:** 1.7%
- **Mining & Metals:** 1.7%
- **E-Learning:** 1.7%
- **Building Materials:** 1.7%
- **Other:** 1.7%

#### AutoCAD

- **Architecture & Planning:** 22.3%
- **Civil Engineering:** 10.4%
- **Construction:** 9.3%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 8.6%
- **Design:** 8.4%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.2%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 2.9%
- **Automotive:** 2.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 2.3%
- **Higher Education:** 1.8%
- **Other:** 27.8%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to STAAD.Pro

- [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (946 reviews)
- [PROKON Structural Analysis and Design](https://www.g2.com/products/prokon-structural-analysis-and-design/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (15 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (304 reviews)
- [Archicad](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (291 reviews)
- [Navisworks](https://www.g2.com/products/navisworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (204 reviews)
- [Vectorworks Architect](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-architect/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (235 reviews)
- [Revizto](https://www.g2.com/products/revizto/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (208 reviews)
- [AutoCAD MEP](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-mep/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (203 reviews)
- [Tekla Structural Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/tekla-structural-designer/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (12 reviews)

### Alternatives to Tekla Structures

- [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (946 reviews)
- [Archicad](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (291 reviews)
- [ALLPLAN](https://www.g2.com/products/allplan/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (25 reviews)
- [SDS/2](https://www.g2.com/products/sds-2/reviews) — 3.3/5 stars (8 reviews)
- [Navisworks](https://www.g2.com/products/navisworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (204 reviews)
- [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (304 reviews)
- [AutoCAD MEP](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-mep/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (203 reviews)
- [Vectorworks Architect](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-architect/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (235 reviews)
- [Newforma Konekt](https://www.g2.com/products/newforma-konekt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (32 reviews)
- [Revizto](https://www.g2.com/products/revizto/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (208 reviews)

### Alternatives to AutoCAD

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (996 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (191 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (539 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (527 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (404 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (349 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### STAAD.Pro

- Title: [Could you please incorporate design of concrete slab in Staadpro](https://www.g2.com/discussions/could-you-please-incorporate-design-of-concrete-slab-in-staadpro) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Design is a wide ranging topic. STAAD.Pro does support some codes internally on plate elements, however at the moment for a more comprehensive slab design we..."
- Title: [why STAAD.PRO gives uneconomical Design For High Rise RCC buildings?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/why-staad-pro-gives-uneconomical-design-for-high-rise-rcc-buildings-5d3cfa14-d62e-44ea-9ed7-af72375db241) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "I am puzzeled as to your comment. There are many reasons why a solution might report different rebar arrangements and much of that is down to important..."
- Title: [What is the best way to do programming in this?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/36635-what-is-the-best-way-to-do-programming-in-this) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "We have an API called OpenStaad. https://docs.bentley.com/LiveContent/web/STAAD.Pro%20Help-v9/en/OpenSTAAD_HELP_HOME.html "
- Title: [What is the difference between pushover and seismic analysis in STAAD Pro?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/34956-what-is-the-difference-between-pushover-and-seismic-analysis-in-staad-pro) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Here's a wiki on our Communities site to get you started...."
- Title: [why STAAD.PRO gives uneconomical Design For High Rise RCC buildings?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/34595-why-staad-pro-gives-uneconomical-design-for-high-rise-rcc-buildings) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "There are many possibilities for that, but it depends on the design code, the user input, etc. You should probably post your request on the Bentley STAAD..."

### Tekla Structures

- Title: [What is Tekla Structures used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-tekla-structures-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Structural Detailing & Fabrication, Concrete & Rebar Modeling"
- Title: [How much does Tekla structural designer cost?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-much-does-tekla-structural-designer-cost) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "1 employee is paid 8000 $ annually on 4 years of experience."
- Title: [Is Tekla structure free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-tekla-structure-free) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "no Tekla structure is not free but they provide 1-year free educational license."
- Title: [What is best way to buy Tekla cheap price?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/32610-what-is-best-way-to-buy-tekla-cheap-price) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "buy with someone else who is also need to buy the software and than use it share basis using tekla license borrow tools."

### AutoCAD

- Title: [Can we add simulation?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/15648-can-we-add-simulation) — 4 comments, 3 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Yes we can do any kind of simulation here. This tool provides great flexibility."
- Title: [Which of the features might be useful for CAD software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-of-the-features-might-be-useful-for-cad-software) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "3d extend "
- Title: [What is AutoCAD Architecture used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-autocad-architecture-used-for) — 2 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "AutoCAD Architecture is a specialized version of AutoCAD developed for architects and building professionals. It provides intelligent architectural..."
- Title: [Can you do 3d in AutoCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-you-do-3d-in-autocad) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Yes"
- Title: [What is AutoCAD software used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-autocad-software-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "drafting, design and drawing production.  2d and 3d"

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/staad-pro-vs-tekla-structures-vs-autocad)