Post by PatrickG on Mar 3, 2014 21:18:40 GMT -6
Just wanted to let others know:
Autodesk, Inc. allows and encourages students to use their professional grade 3D design/modeling/animation, CAD, prototyping, engineering, etc. software for FREE with a 3-year license (which can be renewed).
From Wiki:
"Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational software corporation that makes software for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and entertainment industries. Autodesk became best known for AutoCAD but now develops a broad range of software for design, engineering, and entertainment as well as a line of software for consumers. The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, a coauthor of the first versions of AutoCAD, the company's flagship computer-aided design (CAD) software. Autodesk software has been used in many fields, from the New York Freedom Tower to Tesla electric cars. Autodesk's digital prototyping software, including Autodesk Inventor and the Autodesk Product Design Suite, are used in the manufacturing industry to visualize, simulate, and analyze real-world performance using a digital model during the design process. The company's Revit line of software for Building Information Modeling is designed to let users explore the planning, construction, and management of a building virtually before it's built. Maya is a 3D animation software used in film visual effects and game development."
How to get started:
I'm not advertising for Autodesk (it's free anyway) but I've been learning to ropes over on Autodesk Inventor for a couple weeks and I have the say the capabilities of this software are mind blowing (and this is just one of many of their software products). I figured others, especially in the Club and STEM fields, would benefit immensely from these very powerful tools. To put this in perspective, buying these programs would run you tens of thousands of dollars. To buy the full AutoCAD alone you'll be shelling out $4,000 to $4,200 and even more for others such as Inventor Pro. Another benefit is rather than obtaining them through various other less-than legitimate means you can avoid all the pain and trouble of dealing with cracks and activation tricks with an authentic account.
Some screenshots from different programs (not mine):
Autodesk, Inc. allows and encourages students to use their professional grade 3D design/modeling/animation, CAD, prototyping, engineering, etc. software for FREE with a 3-year license (which can be renewed).
From Wiki:
"Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational software corporation that makes software for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and entertainment industries. Autodesk became best known for AutoCAD but now develops a broad range of software for design, engineering, and entertainment as well as a line of software for consumers. The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, a coauthor of the first versions of AutoCAD, the company's flagship computer-aided design (CAD) software. Autodesk software has been used in many fields, from the New York Freedom Tower to Tesla electric cars. Autodesk's digital prototyping software, including Autodesk Inventor and the Autodesk Product Design Suite, are used in the manufacturing industry to visualize, simulate, and analyze real-world performance using a digital model during the design process. The company's Revit line of software for Building Information Modeling is designed to let users explore the planning, construction, and management of a building virtually before it's built. Maya is a 3D animation software used in film visual effects and game development."
How to get started:
- First you must create an account if you don't have one (it's rather easy) by going here: www.autodesk.com/education/student-software and hitting 'Create account' on the right hand side
- Fill out the appropriate information and make your account, afterwards you'll have to check your email for an account activation link you'll have to use.
- After you're activated and signed in use the links above to find a software product you'd like to use (NOTE: Please check the system requirements)
- Select the options you'd like and it should automatically generate a serial number and product key for you to use as well as a download link.
- Download, install, and get started! I recommend using the built-in tutorials if you have never used the program before, the interactive tutorials will go a long way in showing you the basics.
- Make some cool stuff for the 3D printers and laser cutters on campus!
I'm not advertising for Autodesk (it's free anyway) but I've been learning to ropes over on Autodesk Inventor for a couple weeks and I have the say the capabilities of this software are mind blowing (and this is just one of many of their software products). I figured others, especially in the Club and STEM fields, would benefit immensely from these very powerful tools. To put this in perspective, buying these programs would run you tens of thousands of dollars. To buy the full AutoCAD alone you'll be shelling out $4,000 to $4,200 and even more for others such as Inventor Pro. Another benefit is rather than obtaining them through various other less-than legitimate means you can avoid all the pain and trouble of dealing with cracks and activation tricks with an authentic account.
Some screenshots from different programs (not mine):
