Autodesk has released the latest version of its Maya Personal Learning Edition (PLE) software. Based on Maya Complete 8.5, the release 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. It is now available for download in English and Japanese at www.autodesk.com/maya-trial.

The Maya PLE is designed to orient new users, guiding them through a series of documents and tutorials. Beginners are also directed to books, DVDs, classroom training options and events/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.

In the PLE, users will find the majority of features found in the commercial version of Maya Complete 8.5, including modeling tools (NURBS, polygons, subdivision surfaces); character rigging and animation technology, including full body Inverse Kinematics (IK); the Maya Trax non-linear animation editor; a full dynamics system including soft and rigid body dynamics; a complete particle system; Maya Paint Effects; toon shading capabilities; Adobe Photoshop integration; four renderers: Maya software, hardware, vector and mental ray for Maya; and 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, go to www.autodesk.com/maya-trial.