We present the two-dimensional (2D) thermo-tectonic modelling software TECMOD2D, which consists of a numerical forward model for sedimentary basin formation and an automatic inversion algorithm. The main objective using TECMOD2D is the assessment of palaeo-heat flows in frontier areas characterized by a lack of boreholes and deep to ultra-deep waters. The TECMOD2D forward model is based on kinematic stretching and can simulate finite multiple rifting events, depth-dependent thinning, temperature advection and conduction, flexural isostasy, normal faulting, sediment compaction, thermal blanketing due to sediment deposition and radiogenic heat production within the crust and sediments. The forward model is coupled with an inversion algorithm that iteratively finds the optimal set of thinning factors and palaeo-water depths, which fit any observed basin stratigraphy best. This optimal set of thinning factors and palaeo-water depths finally provides the thermo-tectonic history including the palaeo-heat flow of the investigated sedimentary basin or passive continental margin. A special feature of TECMOD2D is that automatic fitting of normal faults can be activated within the inversion algorithm. Thereby, the automatic inversion algorithm first fits a smoothed crustal topography with the pure shear thinning factors and second, activates normal faults at the positions where the misfit between modelled and observed stratigraphy is still large.