5 Easy Steps to Download AutoCAD, FREE for Students and Educators

Do you know that you can download AutoCAD 2023 for free as a student and or educator? Follow these simple steps to get the CAD software plus the 12-month free license.

Autodesk Incorporated, the maker of globally renowned software applications for 2D and 3D CAD drafting software is offering a free download of Autocad, and other newer versions provided that you are students and educators.

Those who want to learn and teach this computer-aided design (CAD) software can get a free 12 months renewable license to learn or teach Autocad. In order to do so, they should register an account via Autodesk’s official website (www.autodesk.com).

Once the account is activated, students and educators can download Autocad for free. The serial number and product key will be sent to their registered email account. The license has an expiration of 12 months, but it is renewable every year as long as you are eligible and meet the requirements set by Autodesk.

In order for you to have free access for 12 months to the Autocad software, you register for an account as a student or educator/teacher at the Autodesk website. You can follow these 5 simple steps.

Step 1: Visit the AutoDesk website to Register an Account and download the free Autocad software

Go to Autodesk’s official website at www.autodesk.com. Scroll at the bottom part of the homepage until you see “RESOURCES” then go to the “Free Software for Students” link. Alternatively, you can go directly to the bottom/footer of the website. You will see different links but since you are a student or educator who wants to use the free AutoCAD software, you should visit the “Students and Educators” link. If you choose this path, in the navigation bar you will see the respective link for students or for educators. Choose whichever is appropriate for you.

Go to “Get Started” to create an account. Assuming you don’t have an Autodesk account yet. It is a requirement if you want to download the software.

Step 2: Create an Account by Filling Out all the details requested by Autodesk

As a student and educator, you need to fill out all the information that Autodesk asks. This includes your Country or the Philippines, Educational roles such as student or teacher, and institution types such as High School / Secondary or University / Post Secondary.

Start creating an account by supplying all the necessary information such as your first name, last name, valid email address, and your preferred password.

Make sure that your complete name is the same as reflected on your school ID, transcript of records, or school confirmation letter for verification purposes.

The password requirement has a minimum of 8 characters. It should contain at least 1 letter, 1 number, and at least 3 unique characters. Afterward, tick the agree with Autodesk terms and conditions. Then go to create an account link.

Make sure that you supply a valid email address as the account verification link will be sent there so you can proceed with the remaining steps.

Step 3: Check your Email to Verify and Activate your Autodesk Account

Once you supplied all the needed information. Autodesk will ask to you verify your email address.

At this point, you need to check your email address and look for a link that says “verify your Autodesk account. It contains a button or link to finally confirm your account. To give you an idea, you may check this email sample.

Step 4: Complete your Education Details and Uploading of Document

After you activate your account, you need to complete your education profile. Go to the Autodesk website www.autodesk.com and login with your account. In the given space, type your email address and password.

In the dropdown menu, select the name of your school and tick your area of study. Select also your enrollment and supposedly graduation date. Go to next then upload the required document.

In this part, you need to prepare at least one of the three documents that Autodesk asks for. The documents are a school transcript, school-issued confirmation letter, or school ID. You can scan these documents using an all-in-one printer and convert them to the file types supported such as JPEG, PDF, PNG, and GIF. Upload it on the Autodesk website.

Autodesk will give you 14 days to upload any of the requested documents. Make sure that it reflects your complete name, the accurate name of the educational institution, and the current school term date.

Do not include confidential information such as your bank details or social security numbers. If confidential information such as mentioned is included in the document, you need to black it out before you upload your file.

Once you uploaded the documents, allow Autodesk up to 48 hours to complete the verification. Check your email afterward to proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Access and Download AutoCAD software for Free

Check your email for a link that will allow you to access and download the AutoCAD software for free and other Autodesk products. Such as AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD for MAC. Autodesk will allow you to have free access to AutoCAD for 12 months. It is renewable as long as you are able to meet Autodesk’s requirements. Once you supply the needed information, you can now start downloading AutoCAD for free.

What are the System Requirements for AutoCAD 2023?

Before you download the AutoCAD software and install it on your laptop / Windows PC, you should check first if the specifications of your personal computer meet the software’s system requirements. Here is the basic PC specification:

• Windows 10 64-bit operating system or higher version
• 2.5 – 2.9 GHz processor, though the recommended is a 3 GHz processor or higher
• The minimum RAM requirement is 8GB, and the recommended is 16GB
• GPU or Display card’s minimum requirement is 1GB with 29 GB/s bandwidth, the recommended is 4GB with 106 GB/s bandwidth
• Direct X 11 compliant
• 10 GB disk space (recommended hard drive is SSD)
• 1920 x 1080 display resolution or higher

Note: For older versions of Autocad, you can check the installation requirements in www.autodesk.com

Where can I study AutoCAD in the Philippines?

You can study AutoCAD in training centers accredited by TESDA. The duration of the training for the computer-aided design software is 70 hours.

What is the File size of AutoCAD software?

AutoCAD file size is around 6 GB or higher depending on the version.

What are the Other AutoDesk Free Access Software for Students and Teachers

Aside from Autocad, Autodesk also allows students and educators to experience other popular drafting software for Engineering, Construction, and Architecture. There are also products for professionals specializing in manufacturing, product design, media, and entertainment.

These products include but are not limited to Fusion 360, Revit, Tinkercard, Inventor Professional a product design software, 3DS MAX a 3D modeling software for animation and game development, MAYA and MAYA LT, a 3D animation, and simulation software for film, games, and Television.

AutoDesk also allows students and teachers to access design software such as CIVIL 3D and CIVIL 3D Project Explorer for Civil engineers for design and construction documentation.

There is also software for students and professionals specializing in animation such as the likes of MOTIONBUILDER, SKETCHBOOK for drawing and painting.

To learn these software applications, just sign in with your account and start downloading your chosen computer-aided design software. Visit Autodesk’s official website for their complete list of software applications.