Install the Tekla Plugin
Install the FrameAI plugin for Tekla Structures and push models to FrameAI without leaving your model environment.
Install the Tekla Plugin
The FrameAI plugin puts a "Send to FrameAI" button directly in your Tekla ribbon. You never have to leave Tekla to get Eurocode validation and DSTV NC1 output.
Before you start
Make sure your Tekla version is **2020 or newer**. The plugin does not support Tekla 2019 or earlier. Check your version in **Help → About Tekla Structures**.
Step-by-step
1. **Download the plugin** — go to /integrations/tekla in FrameAI and click the download button. You'll get a .tsep file.
2. **Find the Tekla component folder** — in Tekla, go to **File → Applications & Components → Open folder**. This opens the folder where Tekla looks for plugins.
3. **Paste the .tsep file** — move the downloaded FrameAI.tsep into that folder.
4. **Reload Tekla** — close Tekla completely and reopen it. The plugin loads at startup — you won't see it if Tekla was already running.
5. **Send to FrameAI** — you now have a **FrameAI** tab in the Tekla ribbon. Select the members you want to upload and click **Send to FrameAI**.
6. **Review in the browser** — FrameAI opens automatically in your browser with your model loaded and all Eurocode checks ready.
What you should see
A **FrameAI** tab in the Tekla ribbon with a "Send to FrameAI" button. After uploading, your browser opens to the FrameAI results page.
Common problems
**Plugin not showing up after install**
Close Tekla completely (File → Exit) and reopen. The plugin only initializes at Tekla startup — it won't appear in a running session.
**"Only beams supported" warning**
The plugin sends beams and columns. Plates, bolts, welds, and concrete parts are skipped. Filter to structural members before uploading.
**Upload is slow for large models**
For models with more than 200 members, use **Selected only** mode to upload a subset rather than the whole model.
**Wrong Tekla version**
The plugin requires Tekla Structures 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023. Tekla 2019 and earlier are not supported — upgrade your Tekla version to use the plugin.