ANSYS Workbench is a modern graphical user interface (GUI) environment that streamlines the setup of simulations with predefined templates (e.g. Static Structural, Thermal, Fluent CFD, etc.) and provides convenient tools for geometry import, meshing, and post-processing. It uses the same solver engine as classic ANSYS but hides most of the text commands. ANSYS APDL (ANSYS Parametric Design Language), on the other hand, is the traditional text-based interface (often called ANSYS Mechanical APDL or Classic ANSYS) where the user interacts via command lines and input files. Both ultimately perform the FEA using the same underlying algorithms, but APDL offers more granular control and access to certain advanced or legacy features not exposed in Workbench’s GUI. APDL is essentially the scripting language that Workbench can generate behind the scenes; it’s powerful for automation, complex contact interactions, customized element types, or when you need to loop through parametric studies with fine control. In contrast, Workbench is more user-friendly and efficient for most standard analyses – it organizes the model in a project schematic, tracks dependencies, and is generally easier for beginners to use correctly. You might choose APDL if you require: older element types or solvers, highly customized analyses (like writing your own result trackers, custom loads, or iterative loops), or batch-running large parametric sweeps and optimization that benefit from scripting. Use Workbench for the majority of typical simulations (structural, thermal, etc.) where the built-in tools and modules suffice – it reduces the chance of user syntax errors and provides a visual workflow. In summary, Workbench and APDL ultimately yield the same results when set up equivalently, but Workbench excels in ease of use and multi-physics integration, whereas APDL excels in customization and scripting automation. Many advanced users build a model in Workbench and then export to an APDL script if needed, merging the best of both.