Downgrading & Maya file compatibility

[Anonymous]

Is it possible to downgrade? I would hope so as the computers at my school uses Maya 2016 but I have Maya 2018, I'm also wondering if i make something in 2018 and transfer it to 2016 will it end up not being compatible.

< Edited Content for better support. > 

[Mark.Lancaster]

You can always go back to the Autodesk educational community and request the 2016 version. However you can't install a legacy version when a newer version is already installed. In addition I'm not a Maya user so I'm not sure if its backwards compatible

[natasha.l · Accepted solution]

Hello @Anonymous,

Thank you for posting. I provided some information below that will help you make a decision & learn more about your options. 

Maya & Backwards Compatibility

It depends on the features & file format used but Maya is backward compatible, please review Maya Legacy File Compatibility. 

Although your school is teaching a later version it should be fine to use a newer version the tools & features do not greatly differ from 2016 to 2018 & the Maya 2018 has applied updates & fixes so it could benefit you to have a newer version. Just as long as you save your files properly they will open in both versions & try to stay away from using special features from 2018 that will not open in 2016.

I will reach out to @sean.heasley, in case you have some more Maya specific questions. 

Educational Software versions

Educational software includes the current version and 3 versions back & is offered for a term of 3 years. If you have not previously used a version that expired after the 3-year term, then Maya 2016 should still be available to you in your Education Community account & available for download (steps #3-4).

Let us know if you have any more questions. 

Please “Accept As Solution” if a reply or replies have helped resolve the issue or answered your question, to help others in the community.