Yes, you can download Autodesk Revit for free as a student—legally and securely—through the official Autodesk Education Community. But it’s not as simple as clicking one button. You must follow a series of verification, installation, and activation steps. This guide walks you through every detail, including compatibility issues, system requirements, and common download problems.
What Is Revit and Why Does It Matter in BIM?
Autodesk Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that allows architects, engineers, and designers to create detailed 3D digital models of buildings and structures. BIM isn’t just about drawing in 3D—it connects geometry with real-world data, making it easier to collaborate, detect clashes, and manage complex projects from start to finish.
Learning Revit during your studies gives you a strong edge in the job market and allows you to simulate professional workflows used globally in the AEC industry.
Eligibility for the Free Student Version of Revit
To qualify, you must be a student, teacher, or academic staff member at an accredited institution. Autodesk requires:
- A valid school email address (e.g., ending in .edu or .ac)
- OR a document proving your enrollment, such as:
- Student ID
- Transcript
- Enrollment confirmation letter
Your eligibility must be validated during the account creation process or later when downloading the software.
Step-by-Step: How to Download and Install Revit Student Version
Step 1 – Create an Autodesk Account
- Go to the Autodesk Education Community.
- Click “Sign In”, then choose “Create Account.”
- Use your student email and fill in your name and password.
- Check your inbox to confirm your email address.
Step 2 – Access the Student Software Section
- Log into your Autodesk account.
- Visit the “Get Products” section.
- Locate Revit and click “Get Started.”
Step 3 – Verify Your Academic Status
- Select your educational role (choose Student).
- Enter details such as:
- School name
- Website of the institution
- Expected graduation date
- Upload your verification document if required. Once verified, you’ll get access to the download page.
Step 4 – Download the Software
- Choose your operating system (Windows only; see below for macOS workaround).
- Select language and Revit version.
- Click “Install Now” or “Download Now.”
- Install Now: Installs directly from the web—faster but requires a stable connection.
- Download Now: Uses the Autodesk Download Manager—ideal for slower or unstable networks.
- The Download Manager (DLM) file will appear. Open it to launch the installation.
Step 5 – Install Revit
- Follow the DLM prompts.
- Accept the license agreement.
- Choose installation location and optional components.
- Click Install, then Finish.
Step 6 – Activate the Educational License
- Open Revit from your desktop or Start menu.
- If a trial screen appears, click “Manage License.”
- Click “Change License Type,” then “Switch User.”
- Sign in again using your Autodesk student credentials.
What If You’re Using a Mac?
Revit is not compatible with macOS by default. However, you have a few options:
- Bootcamp (Intel Macs only): Install Windows natively alongside macOS.
- Parallels Desktop: Virtualize Windows within macOS (performance may vary).
- Cloud-based solutions: Use services like Shadow, Frame, or school-provided virtual machines to access Revit remotely.
- Alternatives: Consider using FormIt, TinkerCAD, or Fusion 360, which are Autodesk tools available on macOS.
Minimum and Recommended System Requirements
| Specification | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 | Intel i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 or better |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB or more |
| Storage | 30 GB free space | SSD with at least 50 GB |
| Graphics | Basic integrated GPU | Dedicated GPU with 4GB VRAM (NVIDIA or AMD) |
| Display | 1280 x 1024 | 1920 x 1080 or higher |
Revit will not run on ARM-based Windows (e.g., some Surface devices) or macOS without virtualization.
Understanding the Different Versions of Revit
- Student Version (Free)
- Full-featured
- Watermark on all exported files
- Strictly educational use only
- Trial Version (Free for 30 days)
- No watermark
- Ideal for quick testing
- No license after expiration
- Commercial Version (Paid)
- No watermark
- Used for professional projects
- Includes premium support and add-on compatibility
Using a student version for commercial work is not allowed and could lead to legal penalties.
How Long Is the Student License Valid?
Your license is valid for 1 year from the activation date. It can be renewed annually as long as you remain eligible. To renew:
- Log in to your Autodesk account.
- Re-verify your student status.
- Download and activate the latest version if needed.
If your student status expires, your license will become inactive. Your files may remain accessible, but you’ll be unable to edit or create new projects.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Download not starting
- Try using “Download Now” instead of “Install Now.”
- Disable antivirus or firewall temporarily.
- Installer won’t launch
- Run as administrator.
- Reboot your system and try again.
- License activation failed
- Make sure you’re signed in with your student-verified Autodesk account.
- Go to Revit > Account > Manage License > Switch User and sign in again.
- Mac compatibility errors
- Ensure you’re running Windows via Parallels or Bootcamp. Revit won’t run natively on macOS.
Final Thoughts
Autodesk’s student offering is a rare opportunity to access professional-grade software for free. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be ready to practice your design skills and build a strong foundation in BIM using Revit.
Remember: Always use the software within its intended educational context and renew your license yearly to maintain access.
FAQs
1. Can I use the educational version of Revit for commercial projects?
The educational version of Revit is strictly for learning and training purposes. Using it for commercial projects is prohibited.
2. How long is the educational license valid?
The educational license for Revit is typically valid for one year and can be renewed as long as you remain a student or educator.
3. What should I do if I encounter issues during installation?
Check the Autodesk support page for troubleshooting guides or contact their support team for assistance if you experience issues while downloading or installing Revit.
4. Can I install Revit on a Chromebook?
No, Revit cannot be installed on a Chromebook. Revit requires a full Windows operating system, and Chromebooks run on ChromeOS. Even with Linux mode enabled or Android emulation, Revit will not work. You would need to use a Windows PC or a Mac running Windows through virtualization to use Revit.
5. What happens if my verification is denied?
If your verification is denied, Autodesk will usually provide a reason (e.g., invalid document, outdated transcript). You can retry the verification by submitting updated or corrected documents such as a current enrollment letter, student ID, or transcript. Make sure your documents clearly show your name, the institution, and an active date of enrollment.
6. How do I download a previous version of Revit, like Revit 2021 or 2022?
After logging into your Autodesk Education account, you can choose from several previous versions of Revit (typically going back three years). Simply:
- Click on Revit in the “Get Products” page,
- Choose the version year from the dropdown list,
- Then follow the standard download and installation process.
7. Can I install Revit on more than one computer with the same student license?
Yes, Autodesk allows installation on up to three devices as long as you use the same Autodesk account and the installations are for personal educational use only. However, only one session can be active at a time.
8. Is an internet connection required to use Revit?
You need an internet connection to:
- Download the software,
- Activate your student license,
- And log into your Autodesk account.
After activation, Revit can work offline, but periodic sign-ins are required to keep your license validated.
9. What is the difference between “Install Now” and “Download Now”?
- Install Now installs Revit immediately via a streaming setup. It’s faster but can fail if your internet connection is unstable.
- Download Now downloads the entire installation package using the Autodesk Download Manager. This method is safer for slow or unstable connections and allows you to install offline later.
10. Can I uninstall and reinstall Revit without losing my student license?
Yes, you can uninstall and reinstall Revit as long as you sign in again with the same student Autodesk account. Your license is linked to your account, not your machine. Just make sure to completely uninstall before reinstalling to avoid conflicts.
11. Are there any plugins or extensions available for the student version of Revit?
Yes. Most standard Autodesk plugins and extensions work with the student version. However, some third-party plugins may not support educational licenses or may require separate registration.
12. What folder can I safely delete after installation to save space?
You can safely delete the unzipped installer files, which are typically stored in: C:\Autodesk\ These files are no longer needed once the program is installed and running properly.
