A new version of Autodesk.Maya Personal
Learning Edition (PLE) software is now available for download in English
and Japanese at www.autodesk.com/maya-trial. Based on Maya Complete 8.5
software, this Maya PLE provides free access to Maya 3D animation, modeling
and rendering software for non-commercial use by students, industry
professionals and others interested in learning the application.
The Maya PLE software provides an integrated learning path that orients new
users and guides them through a series of documentation and tutorials.
Beginners are also directed to books, DVDs, classroom training options, and
events and seminars that can assist in their learning. Additional
tutorials, as well as free shaders, models and sample scene files are
available on Area, the Autodesk Media & Entertainment community portal, at
www.the-area.com.

The majority of features found in the commercial version of Maya Complete
8.5 are offered in the Maya PLE, including:

  • Modeling (NURBS, polygons, subdivision surfaces)
  • Character rigging and animation technology, including full body Inverse Kinematics (IK)
  • Advanced Maya Trax non-linear animation editor
  • Full dynamics system including soft and rigid body dynamics
  • Complete particle system
  • Maya Paint Effects
  • Maya Artisan brush-based interface
  • Toon shading capabilities
  • Adobe Photoshop integration and Adobe Illustrator connectivity
  • Four renderers: Maya software, hardware, vector and mental ray for Maya renderer
  • Comprehensive documentation
  • The ability to import and export FBX files to and from Autodesk MotionBuilder 7 PLE
The Autodesk Maya PLE is a 32-bit application that is available for the
Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Apple Mac OS X (for Macintosh Power
PC or Intel-based Macintosh computers) operating systems. For a free
download of the Autodesk Maya PLE, visit: www.autodesk.com/maya-trial.