Maya: Create expansive worlds, complex characters, and dazzling effects

3D animation and visual effects software

Avengers: Endgame — Marvel Studios, Image courtesy of Framestore

Why use Maya?

Accelerate workflows

Maya’s powerful tools help you iterate faster so you can focus on creativity and meet deadlines.

Deliver stunning visuals

Add fine details to characters and scenes, and deliver quality work that keeps clients coming back.

Scale for complexity

Top artists in the industry rely on Maya to create the most complex shots, characters, and worlds.

What you can do with Maya

Breathe life into 3D models with powerful animation tools

Whether you’re animating lifelike digi doubles or lovable cartoon characters, Maya has the animation toolset to bring your 3D assets to life.

Image courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc

Create detailed simulations with Bifrost for Maya

From blazing explosions to complex snowstorms, Bifrost makes it possible to create physically accurate simulations in a single visual programming environment.

Workflows and use cases

Harnessing the power of rigging in Maya

Rodeo FX’s lead rigger, Mathias Røyrvik, puts Maya’s latest rigging tools to the test on his Peaky Rhino character.


Creating a 3D animated sequence remotely

See how the tools in the Media & Entertainment Collection are being used for animated short, Mkali’s Mission.


Spreading awareness on climate change

The team behind award-winning short film Migrants used Maya to tell a beautiful story about climate change.


USD in Production at Animal Logic

Animal Logic shares their journey of how they integrated Universal Scene Description (USD) in Maya into their production pipeline.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Maya used for?

Maya is a professional 3D animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering toolset, designed for creating realistic characters and blockbuster-worthy effects.

From fantastic creatures to sweeping landscapes and explosive battle sequences, top artists, modelers, and animators rely on Maya’s award-winning toolset to bring today’s most-loved animated and live-action films, TV shows, and video games to life.

Who uses Maya?

Maya is used by 3D modelers, animators, lighting artists, and FX artists across the film, TV, and games industries.

Which versions of Maya can I use if I subscribe to the current version?

Your Maya subscription gives you access to install and use the 3 previous versions. Available downloads are listed in your Autodesk Account after subscribing. See also previous releases available for subscribers.

How do I download Maya?

Autodesk provides download and install instructions for individuals and administrators. Your available downloads appear in Autodesk Account. Find your product, select a version, platform, language, and download method. For more information, visit the Autodesk Knowledge Network.

Can I install Maya on multiple computers?

With a subscription to Maya software, you can install it on up to 3 computers or other devices. However, only the named user can sign in and use that software on a single computer at any given time. Please refer to the Software License Agreement (US site) for more information.

How do I convert my Maya free trial to a paid subscription?

Launch your trial software and click Subscribe Now on the trial screen or buy Maya here. When buying your subscription, enter the same email address and password combination you used to sign in to your trial. Learn more about converting a trial to a paid subscription.

How much does a Maya subscription cost?

The price of the Maya subscription is  annually .

See more

Support and learning

Get Maya documentation, tutorials, downloads, and support.

Get more with the Media & Entertainment Collection

Bring breathtaking scenes and characters to life for film, TV, and games.

All of the creative tools you need to build a powerful and scalable 3D animation pipeline for complex simulations, effects, and rendering.



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Legal disclosures

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SRP is Autodesk's suggested retail price (excluding freight, handling and taxes) for the specified product in your region as at the date of this communication. SRP is used for reference purposes only and may not be in local currency. Actual retail price is determined by your reseller, and may be subject to currency fluctuation, which can impact the level of discount and savings. Autodesk reserves the right to alter the SRP, product offerings, and specification of its products and services at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical, graphical, or other errors that may appear.

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