---
title: Install the Tekla Plugin
slug: tekla-plugin
summary: "Install a small tool inside Tekla that lets you send your steel models straight to FrameAI without leaving Tekla."
youll_need:
  - "Tekla Structures 2020 or newer"
  - "FrameAI account"
  - "Windows PC"
  - "~5 minutes"
steps:
  - "Go to /integrations/tekla in FrameAI"
  - "Download the FrameAI Tekla plugin (.tsep file)"
  - "Open Tekla → File → Applications & Components → Open folder → paste the .tsep file there"
  - "Reload Tekla — FrameAI tab appears in the ribbon"
  - 'Click "Send to FrameAI" → select members → upload'
  - "Return to FrameAI to review your audit results"
what_you_should_see: "FrameAI ribbon tab in Tekla with a 'Send to FrameAI' button — results appear in your browser"
common_problems:
  - "Plugin not showing up: Close Tekla completely and reopen — the plugin loads at startup."
  - "Only beams supported: The plugin currently sends beams and columns — plates and bolts are skipped."
  - "Upload slow: For large models (>200 members), use 'Selected only' mode instead of 'All'."
  - "Wrong Tekla version: Requires Tekla 2020 or newer — 2019 and below are not supported."
video_slug: tekla-plugin
category: integration
locale: en
---

## 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.