"Don't fight the catalog," said Marco, the senior detailer, peering over her shoulder. "Treat it like the library of every shape steel can take. But if the book isn't there? You write it."
Beyond standard library sections, you can expand the catalog to meet unique project needs: tekla structures profile catalog
This is the most critical step. You must match the physical geometry to the type: "Don't fight the catalog," said Marco, the senior
Share custom profiles between models or office locations using Define Hierarchies: You write it
The in Tekla Structures is a centralized, parametric database of cross-sectional shapes used in structural modeling. It replaces the legacy profdb.bin file from older versions (pre-2017) and provides a more flexible, user-friendly interface for managing, searching, and customizing profiles. The catalog supports standard shapes (I-beams, channels, angles, hollow sections) as well as parametric and user-defined profiles. Its efficient management is critical for accurate detailing, material estimation, and connection design.
An organized profile catalog means fewer errors in the BOM (Bill of Materials) and a much smoother handoff to the fabrication shop.