An Autodesk free trial gives you the full, latest version of the software for a limited time, typically 30 days. AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are the main exceptions at 15 days, and a few Fusion extensions run 14. Autodesk says a trial can't be renewed or extended, and its trial terms say trials are for evaluation only, not for profit, production or commercial use.
That last rule surprises a lot of freelancers and small studios. A trial isn't a free month of paid work. If you need the software to deliver a real client job this month, Autodesk's own answer is a short paid subscription, not a trial.
How long each Autodesk trial lasts
Autodesk's free trials page lists the length next to each product. These are the ones most people search for:
| Product | Trial length on Autodesk's page |
|---|---|
| AutoCAD | 15 days |
| AutoCAD LT | 15 days |
| AutoCAD Web | 30 days |
| Revit and Revit LT | 30 days |
| AutoCAD Revit LT Suite | 30 days |
| Civil 3D | 30 days |
| Fusion | 30 days |
| Fusion Manufacturing, Simulation and Design Extensions | 14 days |
| 3ds Max | 30 days |
| Maya and Maya Creative | 30 days |
| Arnold, Mudbox, MotionBuilder | 30 days |
| InfraWorks | 30 days |
| Forma Site Design and Forma Building Design | 30 days |
Autodesk's trial terms describe trial versions as fully licensed for 15 to 30 days, which matches the table. If a product isn't listed here, check its own free trial page before you plan around a month.
The rules that come with every trial
- No extensions. Autodesk's FAQ says trial software can't be renewed or extended, and the Revit page repeats that once a trial expires you can't extend it.
- Evaluation only. Autodesk's support article says trial versions are designed solely for evaluation and are not to be used for profit, production or commercial use.
- It counts down on screen. The trial software shows the number of days left before it expires.
- Older versions are available. Autodesk says the trial defaults to the latest version, but you can pick an older version from the All Products and Services page in your account.
Does it renew automatically?
It depends on one detail: whether you gave a payment method when you started. The Revit and 3ds Max trial pages say that to cancel a free trial, you turn off automatic renewal before the trial period ends, and that if you weren't required to enter a payment method, the trial expires automatically. The main free trials FAQ simply says trial software expires at the end of the period. So if you entered card details, sign in to your Autodesk account on day one and switch automatic renewal off. If you didn't, there's nothing to cancel.
| How you started the trial | What happens at the end |
|---|---|
| No payment method entered | The trial expires automatically |
| Payment method entered | Turn off automatic renewal before the end date to avoid a paid subscription |
How to start an Autodesk free trial
- Go to Autodesk's free trials page and pick the product.
- Sign in with an Autodesk account or create one. Use the email you'd want on a paid subscription later.
- Download and install the trial, or open the web version where one exists.
- Note the end date the software shows you, and put it in your calendar.
Keeping your work when the trial ends
If you decide to buy, Autodesk's conversion steps are simple: start your trial software and click Subscribe Now, then sign in to your Autodesk account. Your license switches from a trial to a subscription and you can carry on straight away. Autodesk says to use the same email address and password you used for the trial, and its 3ds Max page says you can subscribe without losing access to work completed during your trial.
If you only need it for a short job
Autodesk suggests two options instead of a trial when the work is real: a monthly subscription with automatic renewal turned off, so you pay for one month only, or Flex, its pay-as-you-go option for occasional use. Both let you deliver client work without breaking the trial terms.
Free options that aren't trials
| Option | Who it's for | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Autodesk Education plan | Students and educators | One year of educational access, renewable while you're eligible |
| Autodesk Viewer | Anyone who only needs to open, view and mark up files | No trial needed |
| Product free trial | Anyone evaluating the software | 15 to 30 days, no extensions |
If you're a student, skip the trial. Autodesk says students and educators can get free one-year educational access, renewable as long as they're still eligible. My guide to getting Autodesk free as a student walks through it.
If you only need to open a file
Plenty of people start a trial just to open a drawing someone sent them. Autodesk says there's no need to download a trial to view a file: Autodesk Viewer is a free tool that lets you open, view and mark up various Autodesk file types. Save your trial for when you need to edit or create.
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My advice
Use the trial to answer one question: does this software fit how you work? Pick a real but non-paying test project, start the trial on a day you've cleared, and remember AutoCAD only gives you 15 days. If you're still choosing between tools, compare a few first in my roundup of AutoCAD alternatives so you don't burn your one trial on the wrong product.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Autodesk free trial?
Typically 30 days. Autodesk's free trials page lists AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT at 15 days and several Fusion extensions at 14 days.
Can I extend an Autodesk free trial?
No. Autodesk says trial software can't be renewed or extended, and you need to buy a subscription to keep using the product.
Can I use an Autodesk trial for client work?
No. Autodesk's trial terms say trial versions are for evaluation only and are not to be used for profit, production or commercial use.
Will I lose my work when I buy after the trial?
Autodesk says that when you click Subscribe Now and sign in with the same account, your license switches from trial to subscription and you can keep working right away.
Is there a free Autodesk option for students?
Yes. Autodesk says students and educators can get free one-year educational access, renewable as long as they remain eligible.
