how can we practice AutoCAD at home without a licence? legally

[AutoMarcus]

Hi all

A colleague has a question that I couldn't answer, perhaps you guys may be able to help please.

His workplace still uses ACAD 2013.

He would like to practice the latest full version of AutoCAD at home to keep his skills up to date.

he wont be using it for any other purpose than to be skilled in the software in case his boss upgrades, or he changes jobs.

[Patchy]

Haul his computer home each day ☺ and take it back to work the next day ☺

[tony1978 · Accepted solution]

As far as I know, you can either download the 30 day trial or you can sign up for the student version if you are an active student at a college or university.  Another option is to see if your company will allow you to borrow a license for home.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/customer-service/account-management/users-software/home-use/request-h...

https://www.autodesk.com/education/edu-software/overview?sorting=featured&page=1

https://www.autodesk.com/education/students

[RobDraw · Accepted solution]

After the 30 day trial, AutoCAD cannot be used without a license. 30 days once a year to keep up with new features might help a bit. 

[Valentin_CAD · Accepted solution]

@AutoMarcus ,

One options is becoming an Autodesk Expert Elite Program member; in addition to the rights and restrictions set forth in the License and Services Agreement accompanying the software made available to you under the Expert Elite program, you have the right to use such software non-commercially to become familiar with its features and functions and to increase your proficiency for purposes of enhancing your participation in Autodesk's online customer support communities. 

Another way to stay current with Autodesk software is to use the Learning Pathways that offer curated courses designed by industry professionals and Autodesk experts to align to your career and certification goals. A self-paced, on-demand course designed to help you build your skill set and prepare you for in-demand industry roles.

Take advantage of the FREE Autodesk University 2021, October 5-14

[dgladfelter · Accepted solution]

Honestly, while the changes between one version of AutoCAD and the next are often incremental, jumping more than a few versions at a time is always a significant leap. Based on your post, it sounds like your colleague is using AutoCAD 2013. As of today, the current version of AutoCAD is AutoCAD 2022. From 2013 to 2022 is a 9 version jump.

If the objective is truly to upskill to a new version, my recommendation would be to sign up for an AutoCAD class at your local community college. In addition to being quite affordable when compared to in-person training that might be offered by an Autodesk Authorized Training Center, doing so will accomplish a number of things.

First, taking a class at a community college will qualify you as a student, and therefore eligible to get a student license of AutoCAD at no cost.

Secondly, your community college professor has likely upgraded between every version since AutoCAD 2013 (and likely before that). As such, taking a community college class will grant you access to a subject matter expert who can help you navigate the many changes that have occurred over the better part of a decade.

In my experience, people who go it alone and jump 9 software releases at once tend to use the new version in the same way they used the old version. I say this not as a criticism of the individuals themselves, but instead as a recognition that many changes require a little help to know about and then learn to leverage in your own workflow. That insight is something a good instructor, like those in a community college setting, can help you with.

[RobDraw]

Good answer!

[Kent1Cooper]

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@Valentin_CAD wrote:

....One options is becoming an Autodesk Expert Elite Program member; ....

---

As a charter member of the Expert Elite Program, I would point out that one can't simply "become" a member.  You can start an application at that link, if you feel you might be qualified.  They won't reveal the exact criteria for membership, but it requires a significant degree of participation and/or expertise and/or connection in various ways.

[AutoMarcus]

Thanks Everyone

I have emailed my colleague / friend your answers, and a link to this forum.

there are a number of helpful solutions here.

Much appreciated

Marcus

[jrreid]

AutoCAD allows you to use your software on two computers for the same person.

I have done this for years. You just Request a License to Use Software at Home.

Here is the link:  Request a license to use software at home | Account Management | Autodesk Knowledge Network

If that don't work copy and pastes this to your browser:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/customer-service/account-management/users-software/home-use/request-h...

Glad to see more companies are allowing user to work from home. Tip... use Microsoft Teams (or Zoom or etc ) and you can use Video Conference or just use CHAT and Share your documents if there are questions needed. We use it all the time due to working from home. Especially CHAT. So many questions and time can be done using CHAT vs calling. You can set it up at a TEAM Chat so all get the questions or comments or just use it as separate chats.

Hope this helps!

JRR.

[Patchy]

Good luck finding a PC that works with 2013.

[AutoMarcus]

This isn't an option, he isn't a student, and his employee will not upgrade from 2013.

why do professionals need to be a student to keep up to date ?

[RobDraw]

That's just so short sighted.

There are many ways to stay up-to-date. There's the 30 day trial, reading about new features, participating in forums, to name a few.

Okay, let's here the excuses.

[Valentin_CAD]

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@AutoMarcus wrote:

... why do professionals need to be a student to keep up to date ?

---

Our professional careers evolve. Therefore, we must keep up-to-date or risk having someone take our place.

It has been said,  "some people become content with where they are in their career,”  while “other people are hankering for more career development and want to continue to progress in their industry.”

Being a student is relevant for all professionals, as it plays a big part in a successful career.

I suggest you read these articles:

• How To Stay Current With Technology Trends
• How CAD Has Evolved Since 1982

[ahmed01118885387MEBB4]

Kindly I need this software just only for learning 

[RobDraw]

Become a student and you can get it for free.