Am I able to get Autodesk CAD for free?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the availability of Autodesk CAD software for free to high school students, exploring eligibility criteria and alternative software options. Participants share personal experiences and insights related to using CAD software in educational contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in using Autodesk CAD for self-learning and questions if personal use qualifies for free access as a student.
  • Another suggests that the student should try to download the software and see if they qualify.
  • A participant references eligibility requirements for Autodesk's educational software, directing to a link for further information.
  • Several participants engage in light-hearted banter about their knowledge of Autodesk and its history, with one noting that Autodesk initially focused on AutoCAD before expanding its product range.
  • Alternative software options are mentioned, including Solid Edge Student Edition and Google Sketchup 8, with a claim that Sketchup is easier to learn.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether personal use qualifies for free access to Autodesk CAD, and there are differing opinions on the best software options for beginners.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific eligibility criteria and historical context of Autodesk products, but these points remain unverified and are based on personal understanding.

Emily R.
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I'm a high school student and I'm interested in getting Autodesk CAD and sort of playing around with it and teaching myself how to use it. I used it during a quarter long class in 8th grade, which was three years ago, and really enjoyed it. I'm also looking into engineering as a career. I know that educators and students can download CAD for free. If I'm using it on my personal computer and in my free time, does that count as using it as a student and allow me to download it for free, or do I need to pay for it in that case?
 
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You appear to be a student, try getting it and see what happens.
 
Emily R. said:
I'm a high school student and I'm interested in getting Autodesk CAD and sort of playing around with it and teaching myself how to use it. I used it during a quarter long class in 8th grade, which was three years ago, and really enjoyed it. I'm also looking into engineering as a career. I know that educators and students can download CAD for free. If I'm using it on my personal computer and in my free time, does that count as using it as a student and allow me to download it for free, or do I need to pay for it in that case?
The eligibility requirements for free software from Autodesk are listed here:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/cust...account-access/education-program/who-can-join

You should check that your school meets these requirements as do you personally.
 
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Wow, I never associated Autodesk with CAD before...oh my ignorance :smile:
 
ProfuselyQuarky said:
Wow, I never associated Autodesk with CAD before...oh my ignorance :smile:
Man, that's like saying you just found out Bill Gates dabbled with computers when he was younger. :wink:
 
SteamKing said:
Man, that's like saying you just found out Bill Gates dabbled with computers when he was younger. :wink:
He did? (kidding! :angel:)

But, really, I don't think it's THAT drastically disgraceful...I'm familiar with Autodesk based on this:
https://www.sketchbook.com/?locale=en
 
ProfuselyQuarky said:
He did? (kidding! :angel:)

But, really, I don't think it's THAT drastically disgraceful...I'm familiar with Autodesk based on this:
https://www.sketchbook.com/?locale=en
For years, Autodesk's only product was AutoCAD, then they started expanding their offerings not only in the CAD field, but also design, manufacturing, and visual presentation. AutoCAD was one of those programs which pushed the envelope of early PCs in terms of the resources needed to support it. For many years, AutoCAD was distributed on 10 floppy disks, and it took a while to install and get working properly.
 
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Google Sketchup 8, free and a billion times easier to learn and use
 

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