SteelFlo vs SketchDeck LIFT: Connection Detection
SketchDeck LIFT was one of the first tools to claim AI connection detection from steel drawings. With SteelFlo now offering the same capability, fabricators have a real choice. Here is how they compare. (This post covers connections specifically — for the broader member-takeoff landscape, see SteelFlo vs Beam AI; and note that generalist AI tools like Togal.AI don't read structural sheets at all.)
What Each Tool Detects
Connections
| Capability | SteelFlo | SketchDeck LIFT |
|---|---|---|
| Connection types (shear, moment, base plate) | Yes | Yes |
| Bolt count and diameter | Yes | Yes |
| Bolt grade (A325, A490) | Yes | Yes |
| Cope dimensions | Yes | Yes |
| Plate details (shear tabs, end plates, gussets) | Yes | Partial |
| Weld specifications (fillet, CJP, PJP) | Yes | Unknown |
| Stud detection | Yes | Yes |
| Camber detection | Yes | Yes |
Both tools handle the core connection details. SteelFlo adds weld spec extraction and detailed plate dimensions that LIFT's public documentation does not mention.
Standards and International Support
| Standard | SteelFlo | SketchDeck LIFT |
|---|---|---|
| AISC (US) | Yes | Yes |
| EN (Europe) | Yes | Not published |
| BS/IS (UK, India) | Yes | Not published |
| AS/NZS (Australia, NZ) | Yes | Not published |
| GB (China) | Yes | Not published |
| Metric bolt grades (8.8, 10.9) | Yes | Unknown |
This is the fundamental difference. LIFT publicly emphasizes North American/AISC workflows. SteelFlo detects members and connections across five international standards with automatic standard detection.
A fabricator in Sydney working with AS/NZS drawings, a shop in Mumbai using IS sections, or a UK firm mixing UC/UB with IPE/HEA — SteelFlo handles all of them. LIFT does not.
Pricing Integration
SteelFlo's connection detection feeds directly into the pricing engine. Confirmed bolts, plates, and hardware appear as line items in the BOM with costs calculated from your configured rates. LIFT exports to Tekla PowerFab or Excel — pricing is done elsewhere.
For shops that want one tool from drawing to estimate, SteelFlo closes the loop. For shops already using PowerFab, LIFT's native export is an advantage.
Review Workflow
Both tools put a human in the loop — AI detects, you review. SteelFlo shows each connection grouped by type with confirm/reject buttons and bulk actions. The PDF viewer highlights the connection area and shows the raw text evidence so you can verify against the drawing.
What SteelFlo Does Not Do (Yet)
LIFT generates estimate-level 3D models from 2D drawings. SteelFlo does not. LIFT exports directly to Tekla PowerFab and Strumis. SteelFlo exports CSV and integrates with its own pricing engine but does not have native Tekla/Strumis export yet.
The Bottom Line
If you work primarily in North American workflows and use Tekla PowerFab, LIFT is a solid option. If you work internationally, want built-in pricing, or need to handle drawings from multiple standards in the same week, SteelFlo is the more complete tool.
Try SteelFlo free — upload a shop drawing and see connection detection in action.