Installing Autodesk Maya Student: A Step-by-Step Guide

==================================================================

Autodesk Maya is an industry-standard computer animation software that offers a range of powerful tools for 3D modeling, rendering, lighting, effects, and more. For students and new users looking to get started with this complex yet rewarding software, Autodesk provides the Maya Student License as part of its suite of free or discounted offerings.

In this article, we'll walk you through the process of installing Autodesk Maya Student on your computer step-by-step, covering everything from downloading and extracting the installation files to activating your license and setting up your workspace for optimal performance.

Prerequisites

---------

Before proceeding with the installation instructions below, make sure that:

1. Your system meets the minimum hardware requirements for running Maya:

* Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or macOS High Sierra (or later)

* RAM: 16 GB or more recommended

- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1068/1070 (Windows) or AMD Radeon Pro Vega 56/60 (Mac)

2. You have a valid Autodesk Maya Student License serial number and access to the official download page.

Step-by-3 Step Installation Guide

--------------------------------

### Downloading the Software

1. Navigate to the 'Autodesk Maya Students & Educators'(https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya-student) webpage.

2. Click on 'Download Free Trial' or sign-in with your Autodesk account credentials if you already have one.

### Extracting and Installing the Files

1. Once downloaded, double-click on either `Maya-Student-mac-xxxxx.dmg` (for Mac) or `Autodesk Maya Student 2020_5_3_for_Windows_64bit.msi` to begin extraction.

2. Follow the prompts in the installation wizard:

* For Windows:

- Accept terms and conditions

- Choose destination folder

- Select components to install (we recommend all)

- Install

* For Mac:

- Double-click on `Maya-Student-mac-xxxxx.dmg`

- Drag-and-drop the extracted application bundle into Applications/ or desired location.

### Activating Your License

1. Once installation is complete, locate your Maya Student serial number in one of two places depending on how you initially downloaded and installed:

* If using a physical media: Check the back cover for a unique 24-digit activation code.

- If downloading directly from Autodesk's website or through their product manager software (Autodesk Application Manager): Look within the installation folder for either `Maya-Student.lic` file on Windows or `.license` inside `Library/Preferences/Autodesk/Maya-x.x`.

2. Launch Maya by double-clicking its icon in Applications/ (Mac) or Start > Programs > Autodesk Maya Student 2020 (Windows).

3. Click 'Help' and then select 'Autodesk License Manager.'

4. Follow the on-screen prompts to activate your software using either:

- Serial Number + Product Key combo

- Autologin with an existing Autodesk account

### Configuring Your Workspace for Optimal Performance

1. After activation, you'll be prompted to sign-in again or create a new Maya account.

2. Upon successful login, navigate through the initial setup wizard which will prompt you:

* To agree to terms and conditions of use

- Choose your preferred units (metric or imperial)

3. Once done with these steps, click 'Continue' twice more until you're presented with an empty workspace.

Congratulations! You've successfully installed Autodesk Maya Student on your computer and are now ready to dive into the world of 3D modeling, animation, and effects creation!

Additional Resources

----------------

For detailed information about planning, installing, configuring network licenses for multiple users or troubleshooting common issues during installation/activation processes please refer to these helpful resources:

- Workflow: 'Planning, Installing & Configuring Network Licenses'(https://help.autodesk.com/en/student/rev18/learn/software-management/networked-workflow)

- Autodesk Support Knowledgebase:

- Maya Student License Activation Issues

- Error Codes and Troubleshooting

By following the steps outlined above and referring to these additional resources when needed, you should be able to successfully install and set up Autodesk Maya Student on your computer for productive use. Happy creative endeavors!

Install autodesk maya student