& Construction
![architecture engineering and construction collection logo](https://damassets.autodesk.net/content/dam/autodesk/www/universal-header/flyout/architecture-engineering-construction-collection-uhblack-banner-lockup-364x40.png)
Integrated BIM tools, including Revit, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D
& Manufacturing
![product design manufacturing collection logo](https://damassets.autodesk.net/content/dam/autodesk/www/universal-header/flyout/product-design-manufacturing-collection-uhblack-banner-lockup-364x40.png)
Professional CAD/CAM tools built on Inventor and AutoCAD
Integrated BIM tools, including Revit, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D
Professional CAD/CAM tools built on Inventor and AutoCAD
Autodesk Support
Jul 13, 2022
Arnold is an advanced Monte Carlo ray tracing renderer. This FAQ provides an overview of Arnold single-user and multi-user subscriptions, Arnold subscription packs, Arnold as a part of the Media and Entertainment Collection, free trials and educational licenses, and support.
1. What subscription options are available to me?
There are several ways you can subscribe to Arnold:
2. What is the difference between single-user and multi-user Arnold subscriptions?
With a single-user subscription, it’s possible for you to simply sign into your Autodesk Account to access and start using Arnold. Single-user subscriptions require the Autodesk license to be assigned to a single “named” user. Whereas multi-user access allows licenses to be shared across multiple workstations using a network license server, a single-user license can only be used by the named user. With single-user access, you need to connect to the Internet every 30 days and sign into the software so that Autodesk can verify that the subscription is still current as well as keep the software up to date. There is an in-product reminder 3 days prior to having to reconnect.
3. When should I get a single-user Arnold subscription versus a multi-user Arnold subscription?
If you are an individual artist or small studio rendering on a local network of workstations, your best option is to get a monthly, annual, or 3-year single-user subscription on Autodesk.com. Upon subscribing to Arnold on the e-store, you will be prompted to create an Autodesk Account where you can access your subscription. If you are using Arnold on a render farm and require multi-user licenses, you can purchase annual and 3-year multi-user subscriptions from an Autodesk-authorized reseller. Arnold is also available for pay-per-use on the following cloud rendering platforms: AWS Thinkbox Marketplace, Microsoft Azure, and Conductor Technologies.
4. What are the prices of Arnold single-user and multi-user subscriptions?
For pricing information, you can visit Autodesk.com for single-user subscriptions or contact your Autodesk-authorized reseller for both single-user and multi-user subscription pricing.
5. Are Arnold single-user and multi-user subscriptions available globally?
Yes. Monthly, annual, and 3-year single-user subscriptions of Arnold are available on all standard Autodesk.com sites, just like 3ds Max® and Maya®. You can also purchase annual and 3-year single-user subscriptions from an Autodesk-authorized reseller, in addition to annual and 3-year multi-user subscriptions.
6. How do I install single-user and multi-user Arnold?
After purchasing a subscription, you can sign into your Autodesk Account to access and install Arnold plugins for Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Houdini, and Katana. You can also use this sign-in information to manage your subscription and access Arnold through your Autodesk Account.
7. Can I switch between multi-user and single-user subscription?
You may choose a different subscription option once the term of your current subscription plan expires. It is not possible to switch plans mid-term.
8. What are Arnold subscription packs?
Arnold subscription packs bundle multiple Arnold renderer subscriptions together, which can be used locally or on the cloud (as enabled by Cloud Rights - see further details on the Subscription Benefits FAQ: Cloud Rights for 3ds Max and Maya). You can choose between a 5-seat multi-user subscription (meaning 5 multi-user Arnold subscriptions included in the pack), 25-seat, or 100-seat. For more information, you can see the Arnold Subscription Packs FAQ.
9. What kind of Arnold subscriptions do I get with a Media & Entertainment Collection subscription?
For information on Arnold subscriptions as a part of the Media & Entertainment Collection, see the Media & Entertainment Collection FAQ.
10. How do I sign up for a free 30-day Arnold trial?
You can sign up for a 30-day trial of Arnold on the Arnold website.
11. What happens at the end of my trial?
At the end of a trial, you will be prompted to purchase a subscription of Arnold to continue rendering without a watermark.
12. Are Arnold single-user and multi-user subscriptions available to educational institutions?
Yes. Arnold is available to eligible students, educators, and educational institutions through the Autodesk Education Community.
13. How do I get support for technical or licensing questions?
If you need support, you can sign in to your Autodesk Account and create a case in the Support Requests section.
14. Can I access previous versions of Arnold?
Yes. Access to previous versions is available as part of an active subscription per standard Autodesk policy.
For any versions older than Arnold 5, you must make a request to Arnold.licensing@autodesk.com. An active subscription is also required.
15. Who should I contact with general Arnold sales questions?
For general sales questions, you can contact an Autodesk sales representative or an Autodesk-authorized reseller.
Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, 3ds Max, and Maya are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their resp ective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2022 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
Was this information helpful?
The Assistant can help you find answers or contact an agent.
What level of support do you have?
Different subscription plans provide distinct categories of support. Find out the level of support for your plan.
How to buy
Privacy | Do not sell or share my personal information | Cookie preferences | Report noncompliance | Terms of use | Legal | © 2025 Autodesk Inc. All rights reserved