ForceSketch is a free tool developed by the team at CORE Studio Thorton Tomasetti. It is a user-friendly 2D structural analysis platform that allows designers to quickly sketch different structural concepts, apply supports and loads, and run analyses in real time. The structural calculations are performed in the background using Karamba3D and enable immediate analytical feedback within an intuitive and accessible interface. By focusing on intuitive interaction, it eliminates much of the complexity and steep learning curve typically associated with conventional structural analysis software.

Sketches can be saved and shared with others to facilitate collaborative design processes.

ForceSketch enables users to create and compare multiple structural models within a single canvas and to import image underlays as contextual references during the sketching process. It provides access to extensive section libraries, including wide flange, HSS, and pipe sections in both US and metric standards, alongside flexible unit preferences. Integrated measurement, quantity, and automatic tonnage calculation tools support efficient documentation and reporting. Sketches can be saved and shared with others to facilitate collaborative design processes.

Additionally the platform offers a focused and efficient toolset for structural modeling and analysis. It allows users to draw and modify elements directly within an interactive grid environment. Supports and loads can be applied with ease, while intuitive selection and editing tools simplify model management. Users can define custom sections and materials using standard geometric profiles or fully customized inputs, supported by flexible unit settings for both metric and imperial workflows. The adaptive grid facilitates precise sketching through snapping, orthogonal drawing, panning, and zooming.

Frame definitions allow elements to be automatically grouped as beams, columns, or braces based on their alignment, making it easy to select and modify multiple members at once. These groupings are fully customizable by adjusting the tolerance for what is considered horizontal or vertical. Users can toggle gravity on or off as part of the analysis setup, with changes applied when the model is rerun.

Result units can be adjusted through the Settings panel; however, any changes will only be reflected after rerunning the analysis. ForceSketch provides flexible visualization controls that allow users to show or hide numerical result values and support reactions directly within the canvas. Available result outputs include deflection, shear, moment, axial force, and utilization, enabling focused review of specific performance metrics.