How to download and install Autodesk Revit?

Autodesk Revit is the industry-standard BIM software used by architects, MEP engineers, and structural engineers across India and the GCC. Whether you are a student looking to build your skills or a professional setting up a licensed workspace, getting Revit installed correctly is the first step. This guide covers both routes — the free student version via the Autodesk Education Community and the paid licensed version — with every step laid out clearly.

Student Version vs Licensed Version — Which One Do You Need?

Before starting the download, it is important to understand which version of Revit applies to your situation. Autodesk offers two distinct access routes, and using the wrong one can result in eligibility issues or restrictions on your work.

How to Download and Install the Student Version of Revit

The student version of Revit is available for eligible students and educators through the Autodesk Education Community. Before proceeding, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and have a valid student or educational email address ready.

1. 1
   Visit the Autodesk Education Community

   Go to the Autodesk Education Community website at www.autodesk.com/education. This is the dedicated portal for student and educator software access — separate from the main Autodesk website.
2. 2
   Sign In or Create an Autodesk Account

   If you already have an Autodesk account, sign in using your credentials. Otherwise, create a new account by clicking on the "Sign In" or "Create Account" button. Make sure to use your valid student or educational email address during the account creation process — this is what Autodesk uses to verify your eligibility.
3. 3
   Access the Software Downloads Page

   Once you are signed in, navigate to the "Software Downloads" or "Get Software" page on the Autodesk Education Community website. Look for Revit among the available software options listed on this page.
4. 4
   Choose the Revit Version

   On the software downloads page, select the version of Revit that you want to download. Make sure it is the student version specifically marked for educational use. Autodesk typically offers the current year's version and one previous version for download.
5. 5
   Verify Your Eligibility

   To access the student version of Revit, you may need to verify your eligibility as a student or educator. Follow the instructions provided on the website to complete the verification process. This typically involves providing information about your educational institution or submitting proof of your educational status such as a student ID or an official college email address.
6. 6
   Download Revit

   Once your eligibility is verified, click on the "Download" button or link for the student version of Revit. Choose the appropriate download option for your operating system — Windows or macOS. The installer file is large (typically 5–8 GB), so ensure you have a stable internet connection before starting.
7. 7
   Save the Installer File

   After initiating the download, you will be prompted to select a location to save the installer file. Choose a location on your computer where you can easily access the file, such as the Downloads folder. Avoid saving to a cloud-synced folder as this can cause issues during installation.
8. 8
   Run the Installer

   Once the download is complete, locate the installer file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click on it to run the installer. If a security warning pops up, click "Run" or "Yes" to proceed. On Windows, you may need to right-click and select "Run as administrator" for the installation to proceed correctly.
9. 9
   Customize Installation Settings (Optional)

   During the installation process, you may be given the option to customize the installation settings. You can choose the installation location, language, and additional components to install. If you prefer the default settings, you can proceed without making any changes. For most students, the default settings are sufficient.
10. 10
    Accept the License Agreement

    Read through the license agreement carefully and click on the checkbox to accept the terms and conditions. Then click on the "Install" or "Next" button to proceed with the installation. Note that the student license agreement specifically prohibits commercial use of files produced with the software.
11. 11
    Wait for the Installation to Complete

    The installation process may take some time depending on your computer's speed and the selected installation options. Do not close the installer window or shut down your computer during this process. Installation typically takes 15–45 minutes on a standard machine.
12. 12
    Launch Revit

    Once the installation is complete, you can launch Revit by locating the application in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS). Double-click on the Revit icon to start the program. The first launch may take longer than usual as it completes initial setup.
13. 13
    Sign In and Activate Revit

    When you launch Revit for the first time, you will be prompted to sign in using your Autodesk account credentials. Sign in with the same account you used to download the software to activate your student version license and start using Revit.

How to Download and Install the Licensed Version of Revit

The licensed version of Revit is for professionals and firms using Revit on commercial projects. Before proceeding with the installation, ensure that your computer meets the system requirements for running Autodesk Revit. You will need an active Autodesk subscription to complete activation.

1. 1
   Visit the Autodesk Website

   Go to the official Autodesk website at www.autodesk.com. This is the main portal for purchasing and downloading all Autodesk products including Revit.
2. 2
   Sign In or Create an Autodesk Account

   If you already have an Autodesk account, sign in using your credentials. Otherwise, create a new account by clicking on the "Sign In" or "Create Account" button. Unlike the student version, you can use any valid email address — there is no institutional email requirement for the licensed version.
3. 3
   Access the Revit Product Page

   Once you are signed in, navigate to the Revit product page. You can search for "Revit" in the search bar on the Autodesk website or browse through the Architecture, Engineering & Construction section. The product page contains detailed information about features, pricing, and system requirements.
4. 4
   Choose the Version and Subscription Type

   On the Revit product page, you will see different versions and subscription options available. Select the version that suits your needs and choose the appropriate subscription type — a free trial or a paid subscription. Autodesk typically offers monthly and annual subscription plans, with annual plans providing a significant cost saving.
5. 5
   Review the System Requirements

   Before downloading Revit, review the system requirements to ensure your computer meets the necessary specifications. Key requirements include a 64-bit Windows operating system, a minimum of 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended), a dedicated GPU with DirectX 11 support, and at least 30 GB of free disk space. Failing to meet these requirements is a common cause of installation failures and poor performance.
6. 6
   Select the Download Option

   Click on the "Download" button for the selected version of Revit. If there are multiple download options available, choose the one that corresponds to your operating system — Windows or macOS. Ensure you have enough free storage space on your selected drive before initiating the download.
7. 7
   Choose Installation Method

   After initiating the download, you will be prompted to select the installation method. You can choose to install immediately using the Autodesk installer or create an installation package for offline installation on another computer. The offline package option is useful for firms deploying Revit across multiple machines without repeated downloads.
8. 8
   Run the Installer

   Once the download is complete, locate the installer file in your Downloads folder and double-click on it to run the installer. If a security warning pops up, click "Run" or "Yes" to proceed. On Windows, right-click and select "Run as administrator" to ensure the installer has the necessary permissions.
9. 9
   Customize Installation Settings (Optional)

   During the installation process, you may be given the option to customize the installation settings. You can choose the installation location, language, and additional components such as Revit Content Libraries for your region. For Indian users, selecting the metric content library during installation is recommended as it provides templates and families calibrated for IS standards.
10. 10
    Accept the License Agreement

    Read through the license agreement carefully and click on the checkbox to accept the terms and conditions. Then click on the "Install" or "Next" button to proceed with the installation. The licensed version agreement permits full commercial use of all files and deliverables produced with the software.
11. 11
    Wait for the Installation to Complete

    The installation process may take some time depending on your computer's speed and the selected installation options. Do not interrupt the installation or shut down your machine. Keep your internet connection active if you are using the online installer, as it continues downloading components during installation.
12. 12
    Launch Revit

    Once the installation is complete, you can launch Revit by locating the application in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS). Double-click on the Revit icon to start the program. A shortcut will also typically be created on your desktop automatically during installation.
13. 13
    Sign In and Activate Revit

    When you launch Revit for the first time, you will be prompted to sign in using your Autodesk account credentials. Sign in to activate your license and start using Revit. If your firm uses network licensing (common in larger Indian AEC firms), your IT administrator will provide the license server address instead.

Conclusion

Whether you are a student taking your first steps in BIM or a professional setting up a licensed workspace, downloading and installing Revit follows a clear, manageable process. The student version gives you full access to Revit's capabilities at no cost — an excellent way to build practical skills before entering the job market. The licensed version removes all commercial restrictions and is the standard requirement for any professional AEC role in India and the GCC.

Getting the software installed is only the beginning. The real value comes from learning to use Revit at a professional level — creating parametric families, coordinating MEP systems, and delivering ISO 19650-compliant BIM models. If you are ready to move beyond installation and start building career-ready Revit skills, structured training is the fastest path.

Frequently Asked Questions