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Documentation

Open web-based help and access the main software documentation set, installation guides, examples, release notes, and more. 

Thermo-Calc Online Help (Web and Locally Installed)

The technical content is available in HTML format as an online help system that you can access in your web browser (i.e. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.). There is an external web version or the one locally installed with each version of Thermo-Calc.

Web Help Version

A web version is available at the link

  • The help at the link matches the most recently released version of Thermo-Calc, 2026b.
  • Between releases there can be minor updates to the web version compared to the installed version.
  • All interim updates made to the web version are included in the next installed version (i.e. 2027a).

Only the current version is available on the web.

If you want to view older versions of the help, open the applicable version of Thermo-Calc (i.e. 2026a, 2025b, 2025a, 2024b, 2024a…), then follow the instructions below to open it locally in your browser.

Locally Installed

A locally installed version that opens in your browser and matches each Thermo-Calc release.

Open Thermo-Calc then:

  • Press F1 on your keyboard, or
  • from the top menu select Help > Online Help, or
  • from the My Project page, click Online Help.

TC-Python Help and Documentation

TC-Python has its own searchable documentation that is generated directly from the program. Additionally,  troubleshooting and diagnostic tools are made available to help you resolve any issues. All of these resources are available at the TC-Python Help page.

TC-Python Help page

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Help and Documentation

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® has its own searchable documentation that is generated directly from the program. Additionally,  troubleshooting and diagnostic tools are made available to help you resolve any issues. All of these resources are available at the TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Help page.

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Help page

Current Documentation

Release Notes

Installation Guides

New License System

Starting with the 2025a release, Thermo-Calc Software began to migrate to a new License Entitlement System. The new license system greatly simplifies the licensing process and brings many advantages to our customers. Most licenses* are now handled through a login (where user credentials are entered), rather than downloading and storing license files on a computer. Details are in the following installation guides.

*This does not currently apply to the Educational Package (which does not require a license anyway) and some network licenses, which will be migrated later.

Thermo-Calc Full Installation Guide

This guide has all the details you need to download, install, and activate your licenses (using either the user credential or license file activation types) for Thermo-Calc for all platforms (Windows, macOs, and Linux). It also includes the instructions for the SDKs, TC-Python and TC-Toolbox for MATLAB®, plus much more.

Quick Install for Windows or macOS

A quick installation of Thermo-Calc Software products on supported Windows or macOS platforms. Linux users should refer to the full Thermo-Calc Installation Guide for instructions.

Educational Package Installation Guide

An installation guide specifically for the Free Educational version of the software, which does not require a license.

TC-Python Installation Guide

The full PDF installation guide for the Software Development Kit (SDK) TC-Python. Note this is also included in the Thermo-Calc full installation guide.

Installation Videos

We have several videos available that walk you step-by-step through the installation process. There are two videos to show you how to install on Windows and macOS using the new user credentials type of license system.

Thermo-Calc Software Content (PDF Guides)

The information below is about the PDF software documentation for the current version of the software. The Thermo-Calc Software Documentation Set contains a variety of user guides packaged together in one PDF. Previous or deprecated versions of the PDF documentation can be found in the Archive section below on this page.

If you cannot find what you are looking for it is recommended you search the help (press F1 in Thermo‑Calc or go to the 2026b web help).  Database content is included in the help or on the dedicated webpages. TC-Python and TC-Toolbox have separate help systems as detailed elsewhere.

Thermo-Calc Software Documentation Set

The Thermo-Calc Software Documentation Set is one PDF that includes the information needed to work with the Thermo‑Calc software. By having all content in one PDF it enables you to search almost all the content just like you would when in the online help.

The PDF includes:

  • Installation instructions
  • All the Graphical Mode example details
  • Add-on Additive Manufacturing (AM) Module, Diffusion Module (DICTRA), Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA), and Process Metallurgy Module
  • Material Specific Property Model Library details for Steel,  Nickel, Noble Metal Alloys, and Titanium
  • All the Console Mode content such as Data Optimization User Guide (for PARROT), the Database Manager User Guide, Command References, and more.

Standalone Software-related PDFs

These standalone PDFs are already included in the main Documentation Set PDF and provided separately for convenience.

TC-Python Online Help and PDF

TC-Python has its own searchable documentation that is generated directly from the program. Additionally, troubleshooting and diagnostic tools are made available to help you resolve any issues.

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Online Help and PDF

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® has its own searchable documentation that is generated directly from the program. Additionally, troubleshooting and diagnostic tools are made available to help you resolve any issues.

* Starting with 2021b, TC-Toolbox is completely rewritten. For details see the feature page or read the 2021b release notes. 

Database Technical Information and Examples Collections

Links to the database technical information and examples collections are available via the individual database pages.

Learn about Databases

Examples

Thermo-Calc Graphical Mode

Over 120 examples to get started using Graphical Mode in Thermo-Calc. Includes collections for Thermo-Calc, plus the Thermo-Calc Property Models (including examples for the Steel, Nickel, Noble Metal Alloys, and Titanium Model Libraries), plus all Add-on Modules — Diffusion Module (DICTRA), Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA), Additive Manufacturing (AM) Module, and Process Metallurgy Module.

Thermo-Calc Console Mode

More than 55 examples using Console Mode in Thermo-Calc. Also see the Diffusion Module (DICTRA) for more Console Mode macro examples.

Diffusion Module (DICTRA) Graphical Mode

These examples are included with the Thermo-Calc Graphical Mode example zip files above.

Diffusion Module (DICTRA) Console Mode

Comprehensive set of 40 examples using the Diffusion Module (DICTRA).

Software Development Kits (SDKs)

These examples can only be run if you have a Software Development Kit (SDK): TC-Python, TQ-Interface, or TC-Toolbox for MATLAB®. If you do not have an SDK, you can view the examples to get an idea of how the SDKs work.

All of these links are to zip file downloads.

Database Examples Collections

Links to the database technical information and examples collections are available via the individual database pages.

Learn about Databases

Getting Started Guides

Learn how to get started in Thermo-Calc with our Getting Started Guides. We offer getting started guides for Thermo-Calc, the Diffusion Module (DICTRA), and the Additive Manufacturing Module.

The Thermo-Calc guide teaches you how to navigate within the program, set up a simple calculation with our different templates, save your results, and more!

The Diffusion Module (DICTRA) guide shows how to set up a simple diffusion calculation by guiding you through the set-up of a calculation example of a Fe-Cr-Ni diffusion couple with different nickel contents.

The Additive Manufacturing (AM) guide demonstrates how to set up a common workflow, which involves steady-state, single track, and multi-layer simulations.

Visit the Getting Started Guides

Archive

Release Notes

Current

2021-2026a

2015-2020

2014 and Earlier

2014
2013

2019 to 2026a PDF Archive

The current release is 2026b and the documentation is found above.

The 2019 to 2026a release documentation PDFs are below. All of this information (and more) is also accessible from the web-based online help in Thermo-Calc for each specific release. To access it, in Thermo-Calc press F1 or go to Help > Online help. The content in the help corresponds to the version of the Thermo-Calc installed.

Thermo-Calc

Installation Guides

For all products, includes the Quick Install guides for Standalone (SUNLL) Windows and macOS systems, plus instructions for TC-Python, with the full installation instructions for all platforms (Windows, macOS, and Linux) and license types (SUNLL and NWL).

Graphical Mode Examples Guide

Console Mode Example Macros (PDF)

Additive Manufacturing (AM) Module

Note that in addition to the standalone User Guide, the Additive Manufacturing Module information is included with the main documentation set.

User Guide

Diffusion Module (DICTRA)

Quick Guide – Graphical Mode

Quick Guide – Console Mode

Console Mode Example Macros (PDF)

Software Development Kits (SDKs)

TC-Python API Programmer Guide

TC-Python Installation Guide

Also included in the full installation guide and as part of the TC-Python Help. 

TQ-Interface SDK Program Guide

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Programmer Guide

Starting with 2021b, TC-Toolbox is completely rewritten. For details see the feature page or read the release notes. 

2019-2026a Examples Archive

Examples (Zip Folders)

Graphical Mode

Console Mode – Thermo-Calc

Console Mode – Diffusion Module (DICTRA)

TC-Python

TQ-Interface

There are usually no changes between releases for these examples.

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB®

Starting with 2021b, TC-Toolbox is completely rewritten. For details see the feature page or read the release notes. 

DATAPLOT

There are no changes between releases for these examples.

  • 2026a, 2025a/b – download previous versions – no changes
  • 2024a/b (no change)
  • For 2023ab you can download the 2022ab examples
  • 2022a/b
  • 2021a / 2021b
  • 2020ab

2019-2026a Deprecated Guides and Products

Deprecated PDF Guides

Thermo-Calc Documentation Set (Deprecated as of 2026b)

Note that as of 2026b this is now replaced by the Thermo-Calc Software Documentation Set, which contains all the content. This guide is deprecated going forward.

Diffusion Module (DICTRA) Documentation Set (Deprecated as of 2026b)

Note that as of 2026b this is now replaced by (and included with) the Thermo-Calc Software Documentation Set, which contains all the content. This guide is deprecated going forward.

Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA) User Guide (Deprecated as of 2026b)

Note that as of 2026b this is now replaced by (and included with) the Thermo-Calc Software Documentation Set, which contains all the content. This guide is deprecated going forward.

Pourbaix Diagram Module Examples (Console Mode) (Deprecated)

This archived educational material guide is relevant only to 2025b and earlier and the Console Mode Pourbaix Diagram module using TCAQ3.1 and older. As of 2026a there is a dedicated Aqueous Calculator included with Graphical Mode and documented extensively in the technical content.

Deprecated Products

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Legacy Version

The PDFs below are for the legacy version of the SDK, which is deprecated as of 2023a.

The examples below are for the legacy version of the SDK.

TC-API Programmer Guide (Deprecated)

This API is discontinued and no longer supported as of Thermo-Calc 2024a. It is recommended that customers start using one of our other APIs. Contact the Thermo-Calc sales team for more information. 

Note that only the title page changes between releases in the documents below. 

Thermo-Calc Property Model Framework Guide (Deprecated)

Note that the Property Model Framework is deprecated and is now part of the TC-Python documentation. 

2016 to 2018

The release documentation PDFs for the years 2016, 2017, and 2018 are below.

All of this information (and more) is also accessible from the online help in Thermo-Calc. To access it, in Thermo-Calc press F1 or go to Help >Online help. The content in the help corresponds to the version of the Thermo-Calc installed.

Thermo-Calc

Installation Guides

Documentation Set (aka User Guide)

Graphical Mode Examples Guide

Console Mode Example Macros

  • 2018b / 2018a
  • Console Mode Examples Guide: 2018b / 2018a (note that this information is also in the Thermo-Calc Documentation Set)

Thermo-Calc Property Model Framework Guide

New as of 2018a.

Diffusion Module (DICTRA)

Documentation Set (aka User Guide)

Quick Guide – Graphical Mode

New as of 2018a.

Quick Guide – Console Mode

New as of 2018a.

Console Mode Example Macros PDF

Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA)

User Guide

Software Development Kits (SDKs)

TC-Python API Programmer Guide

New as of 2018a.

TQ-Interface SDK Program Guide

  • 2018b / 2018a
  • 2017b / 2017a
  • 2016b /2016a (part of the SDK Documentation Set, which incudes TC-API, TC-Toolbox for MATLAB®, and TQ-Interface Programmer Guides)

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Programmer Guide

  • 2018b / 2018a
  • 2017b / 2017a
  • 2016b / 2016a (part of the SDK Documentation Set, which incudes TC-API, TC-Toolbox for MATLAB®, and TQ-Interface Programmer Guides)

TC-API Programmer Guide

There are no changes between releases for this document, only the title page.

Examples (Zip Folders)

Graphical Mode – All

Console Mode – Thermo-Calc

There were no changes between a and b releases for these examples.

Console Mode – DICTRA

There were no changes between a and b releases for these examples.

TC-Python

New as of 2018a.

2015 and Earlier

2015

The 2015a and 2015b release documentation PDFs are below.

Starting with the 2015a release, all of this information (and more) is also accessible from the online help in Thermo-Calc. To access it, in Thermo-Calc press F1 or go to Help >Online help. The content in the help corresponds to the version of the Thermo-Calc installed.

Thermo-Calc

DICTRA

TC-PRISMA

Examples (Zip Folders)

These examples are the same for 2015a and b

Graphical Mode

Console Mode – Thermo-Calc

Console Mode – DICTRA

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB

TC-API Programmer Guide

TQ-Interface Programmer Guide

2014

Historically, there were separate software versions for Thermo-Calc and the SDKs. The documentation included below is from:

  • Thermo-Calc and DICTRA versions 4.0 and 4.1
  • TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® and TC-API  versions 7.0 and 7.1
  • TQ-Interface versions 9.0 and 9.1

Thermo-Calc

DICTRA

SDKs

2013

This is the software documentation relevant to various releases between 2008 and 2013. Historically, there were separate software versions for Thermo-Calc, DICTRA, TC-PRISMA, and the SDKs. There was also a less formal release cycle than there is today. The documentation included below is from:

  • 2013: Thermo-Calc version 3.1 and 3.0 ; DICTRA version 27; TC-PRISMA version 2.0
  • 2013: TC-API version 6; TQ-Interface version 8; TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® version 6
  • 2008 (approx): Thermo-Calc version S – Classic and TCW5

Thermo-Calc

DICTRA and TC-PRISMA

SDKs

2008-2009

2007 Tutorial

2007 Tutorial

Problems to be solved with Thermo-Calc from Mats Hillert

**See the Academia resource page for current academic material.**

A set of exercises from the text book “Phase Equilibria, Phase Diagrams and Phase Transformations” by Mats Hillert, Cambridge University Press (2007) that are intended to be solved using Thermo-Calc Department of Materials Science & Engineering KTH (Royal Institute of Technology), Stockholm, Sweden.

All the problems are based upon a textbook by Mats Hillert. Phase Equilibria, Phase Diagrams and Phase Transformations 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2007 ISBN-13: 9780521853514.

The Problems

These problems and their computerized solutions are open to anyone for reading and studying. However, in order to produce your own solution by following those presented in this document, you need at least the Thermo-Calc Classic version R. 

The present collection of problems has not been designed to make a general instruction to the use of Thermo-Calc, but will introduce you to features essential for solving special questions raised by the problems. Solving these problems with Thermo-Calc by following a detailed path is instructive, and will give a deeper insight in how thermodynamics works.

The problems are designed as exercises to various sections in the textbook and are collected chapter-wise. You can download one PDF that includes all problems for Chapters 1 to 11.

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Learn how to get started with Thermo-Calc.

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Check out our upcoming training courses.

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