How to Remove the Educational Stamp in AutoCAD?

Understanding the Educational Watermark in AutoCAD

When using the educational version of AutoCAD, users often encounter a watermark that signifies the software is part of the educational licensing program. This can be a hindrance for those looking to present their work professionally or for academic assessments. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to effectively remove the educational watermark from your AutoCAD projects.

Steps to Remove the Educational Watermark from AutoCAD

Step 1: Verify Your License

Before attempting to remove the educational watermark, ensure that you have a valid commercial license for AutoCAD. The educational version and the commercial version have different serial numbers, and the watermark cannot be removed unless you switch to a commercial license.

• Check License Status:
  1. Open AutoCAD.
  2. Navigate to Help and click on About AutoCAD.
  3. Look for the product information section, confirming whether it indicates an educational version.

Step 2: Upgrade to a Commercial Version

If you wish to remove the watermark, you must change your current educational version to a commercial one. Follow these steps:

1. Access Product Information:

   • From within AutoCAD, go to Help and select About AutoCAD.
   • Click on Product Information or a similar option that allows you to change the serial number.

2. Change the Serial Number:

   • In the Product Information window, find the option labeled Change Serial Number.
   • Enter your new commercial license number that you obtained from Autodesk.
   • Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the switch.
3. Restart AutoCAD:
   • After changing the license, restart AutoCAD for the changes to take effect.
   • Open your project to confirm whether the watermark has been removed.

Adjusting Plot Settings

In addition to removing the educational watermark, users may want to adjust their plot settings if they encounter watermark stamps during printing. Here’s how to turn off plot stamps:

1. Open Options Menu:

   • Type OPTIONS into the command line and hit Enter.

2. Edit Plot and Publish Settings:

   • Go to the Plot and Publish tab.
   • Click on the Plot Stamp Settings button followed by Advanced.
3. Disable Log File Creation:
   • Uncheck the option for “Create a log file” to avoid any unnecessary stamps during plotting.
   • Click OK to apply changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I don’t have a commercial license?

Without a commercial license, the watermark cannot be removed. You can still use the educational version for learning purposes, but any projects intended for professional presentation will be marked with the educational watermark.

2. Is the process the same for AutoCAD 2025?

Yes, the procedure for removing the watermark and adjusting plot settings is consistent across versions, including AutoCAD 2025. Always ensure that your serial number is updated to reflect your current license.

3. Can I still access the educational version after upgrading?

Once you upgrade to a commercial license, the educational version no longer provides access to your projects with the educational watermark. If you need educational features again, you may need to re-register or check with Autodesk for new licensing options.