Last week, Autodesk announced that it is going to offer some of its popular software for free to students, educators and academic institutions. Autodesk is an American software corporation that provides 3D design software for entertainment, architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and natural resources. Its headquarter is based in California, USA but the company has offices all over the world. One of its most well known and often heard of software is the AutoCAD which is used by architects engineers and structural designers to design and model structures.

While this program has been available for schools in the United States since February this year, Autodesk only recently opened up the offer to all institutions worldwide. That means students in Malaysia are now able to download software and services from the website for absolutely free.

Softwares Worth RM30,000-RM40,000 For Students

The freely available Audodesk software and products can be used for product design, concept creations, automotive models and other 2D and 3D modeling. 3ds Max, for example, is used for 3D modeling, animation, rendering and compositing solutions for games, films and animations. Meanwhile, Maya can be used to create 3D computer animation, modeling, simulation and rendering. It has been used to create the feature effects in popular films and shows such as The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo, Up, Frozen, Finding Nemo, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and Futurama.

According to TechAttack.my, Autodesk is also offering its cloud-based products and services as well as the maintenance for free.

The Rakyat Post reported that Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh urged the public to make use of this opportunity to learn about the new technology and “integrate Autodesk technology in their classrooms, as part of the pedagogy to build the future generation off innovators for the county.”

Also Read The Cicret Bracelet: Wearable Technology That Makes Your Skin Function As A Touchscreen

Students are able to download the software for free on their own computers after some registering for an account. According to Autodesk Malaysian country manager C. S. Tan, the software is valid for three years, after which the user will have to confirm still being a student in order to continue using or purchase the software programs, which costs between RM30,000 and RM40,000. He also added that this three year program is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and that their company will be working closely with the education ministry to install the software in schools.

A Peek Into The Job Of A 3D Designer

Psstt… A little bird told us that you are able to download the program even if you aren’t a student. It does not even require a .edu email address as it only asks for the name of the school and the school website before allowing users to download the software. However, all your documents are watermarked with “Educational Edition”, which shouldn’t bother you unless you’re using it for commercial purposes. In which case we would recommend you purchase the product instead.

This is actually a brilliant marketing strategy for Autodesk. Familiarizing the students with Autodesk products and softwares will make them more likely to recommend it to companies and use it after they graduate. Students or enthusiasts interested in pursuing a higher education related to engineering, architecture, entertainment or anything related to the software should take full advantage of the free products and software offered. It lets students have a feel of how the product works prior to dedicating themselves to a four years in university studying the software in greater detail and ensures that they have an interest in mastering the field.

Take a look even if you’re not an expert (or well, a student), you could find yourself being more interested than you expect.