How to insert PDF in tekla model

Tekla Structures is a powerful 3D modeling and structural design software widely used in the steel detailing industry. While it excels in creating detailed 3D models, it doesn't have a built-in feature to directly insert PDF files into your model. However, there's a workaround that allows you to reference PDF documents within your Tekla Structures project. In this blog post, we'll guide you how to insert pdf in Tekla model through the steps by step procedure.

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Points to be remembered before inserting PDF.

Inserting a pdf is relatively straightforward but before you import one you need to ensure some things:

• The PDF drawing needs to be a vector pdf (created with vector-based software like a cad system)
• Raster or scanned images will not work when inserted in Tekla.

Step 1: Open settings in Tekla structure

On the File menu, click Import > Insert PDF. The Insert PDF Reference Model dialog box opens. Click Browse and Browse for the PDF file and click Open.

Step 2: Input PDF page numbers

Next, input the correct page number you want to be inserted from the pdf file. Choose the scale if you know, and then pick the insertion point.

Step 3: Set the scale for the reference model

If you don’t know the exact drawing scale, you can use the "ReferenceModelScale" component from the applications & components side pane. Double-click on the icon and select the pdf. Choose two points with a known distance, then provide the actual distance between the points you pick, and the reference model is scaled.

You can use the pdf reference drawings to check the model for mistakes or use it as a layout to build the model on top of it directly. Remember to change the work plane to vertical if you want to insert an elevated view reference drawing.

Conclusion

In summary, by following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can effectively integrate PDF documents into your Tekla Structures project, enhancing your modeling and ABM placing. Keep in mind that the PDF content will be static and won't be dynamically linked to the model.