Which Is the Most Efficient Software for Steel Detailing?

Steel detailing software has transformed the construction industry, making complex designs easier to execute with pinpoint accuracy. But with so many options available, which one is truly the best? Choosing the right software isn’t just about features—it’s about finding the perfect balance of automation, precision, and ease of use.

Let’s dive in and explore the top contenders, breaking down what makes each one stand out.

Understanding Steel Detailing Software

If you’ve ever manually drafted steel fabrication drawings, you know it’s a painstaking process. Steel detailing software takes the grunt work out of it by automating shop drawings, reports, and 3D models. But what separates great software from just “good enough”?

• Automation that actually works – The best software minimizes manual input while maintaining accuracy. Changes to the model should automatically update the drawings, ensuring consistency—your model and drawings should never live separate lives.
• Precision where it matters – Even a small error in detailing can cost time and money. The right software doesn’t just check for clash detection in overlapping geometry but also analyzes more complex issues, like bolt accessibility, weldability, and fabrication feasibility. A truly intelligent system helps avoid hidden mistakes before they turn into costly field problems.
• Plays well with others – Integration with CNC machines and BIM workflows makes life easier for fabricators and engineers.
• Easy collaboration – Cloud-based tools ensure that everyone—from detailers to fabricators—is on the same page.

The goal? To work smarter, not harder. But remember—no software will make your detailing better. It’s just a tool in the hands of a master, helping you create great (or terrible) detailing much faster.

Popular Steel Detailing Software Options

The steel detailing world isn’t lacking in software options. But which ones are actually worth your time? Here are the big players:

• Tekla Structures – The industry heavyweight. If you need advanced modeling and BIM integration, this is it.
• Autodesk Advance Steel – The go-to for AutoCAD users who want to automate steel detailing.
• SDS2 – Famous for its intelligent connection design. A huge time-saver for structural steel detailers.
• Bocad – More well-known in Europe than in the U.S., particularly strong in modular construction.

Each software has its strengths, but the best choice depends on your specific needs.

Which Is the Best Automatic Structural Detailing Software?

Let’s be honest—nobody likes spending hours doing repetitive tasks. That’s where automation comes in. Some software does it better than others:

• Tekla Structures: Does a fantastic job of automating modeling, connection parametrization, design, and report generation.
• SDS2: Its intelligent design automation can optimize connections with little manual input.
• Advance Steel: Offers parametric tools but is still tied to AutoCAD’s interface, making it slightly less intuitive.

If automation is your top priority, Tekla and SDS2 are the clear winners.

What Is Tekla Steel Detailing?

If you’ve spent any time in the steel industry, you’ve probably heard of Tekla Structures. But what makes it so special?

• 3D modeling with insane accuracy – Tekla isn’t just about placing bolts and welds in the right spots. It handles complex geometries like spirals, twisted beams, and irregular steel structures with precision, making it a go-to choice for architecturally challenging projects. Whether it’s a simple frame or an intricate, free-form design, Tekla ensures that what you model is what gets built.
• Seamless collaboration – BIM workflows make it easy for engineers, fabricators, and detailers to stay in sync.
• Automatic shop drawings – Spend less time drafting and more time getting work done.
• CNC machine integration – Because who wants to manually input fabrication data?
• Tekla PowerFab for fabricators – A dedicated production management solution that helps fabricators track materials, optimize workflows, and streamline the entire fabrication process. From estimating to cutting and shipping, PowerFab connects detailing with shop floor operations for maximum efficiency.

For large, complex projects, Tekla is an absolute powerhouse.

Is Advance Steel Better Than Tekla for Steel Detailing?

Here’s where things get interesting. If you’re torn between Advance Steel and Tekla Structures, it all depends on what you need.

Advance Steel

• Ease of use—It is designed for users transitioning from AutoCAD and is more intuitive for those familiar with Autodesk products.
• Better BIM integration within the Autodesk ecosystem – Works seamlessly with Revit, Navisworks, and AutoCAD, making it a strong choice for firms already using Autodesk solutions.
• More affordable – A cost-effective option for smaller and mid-sized projects.
• Streamlined for quick detailing – While it lacks some of Tekla’s advanced automation, it offers efficient workflows for standard steel structures.

Tekla Structures

• Better performance on large and complex models – Handles massive steel structures without performance issues, making it ideal for industrial and high-rise projects.
• More advanced detailing tools – Provides precise control over connections, welds, and custom components.
• Higher level of automation – Generates detailed shop drawings, reports, and CNC data with minimal manual input.
• Superior fabrication workflows – Offers better model-data synchronization, ensuring that drawings and models remain consistent.

If a company works primarily on mid-sized projects and relies on Autodesk tools, Advance Steel may be the better choice due to its familiar interface and strong BIM compatibility.

However, for firms handling large-scale and intricate steel structures, Tekla Structures provides more accuracy, automation, and reliability. It is particularly well-suited for projects that require a high level of detailing precision and advanced modeling capabilities.

Which Is the Most Efficient Software for Steel Detailing?

Let’s cut to the chase—what’s the most efficient option? It depends on what efficiency means to you:

• Need full BIM integration? → Tekla Structures.
• Want automated connection design? → SDS2.
• Looking for an AutoCAD-based solution? → Advance Steel.

While software plays a crucial role in steel detailing, the choice of software should not define project success. The key factors are accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration—and that depends more on the expertise of the detailing team rather than the tool itself. Regardless of the software used, fabricators receive all necessary files for manufacturing, such as PDFs, DWGs, NC1, DXFs, and more upon request.

For companies that prefer to retain control over the model and make adjustments, an experienced detailing team can handle revisions efficiently, ensuring that corrections are implemented quickly and accurately. In many cases, fabricators don’t use detailing software at all—they focus on production while their detailing partners handle everything else.

It’s Not About the Software—It’s About the Expertise

At ESD Solutions, we don’t just use software—we maximize its potential. With expertise in structural, miscellaneous, and ornamental steel detailing, we bring precision and efficiency to every project. Contact us today, and let’s build something great together!