Is there a free trial of VCarve Pro or Aspire, and what are the trial limitations?

The trial deal

Free, fully functional trials for every product are on the official free trial page. The trial has no fixed evaluation period, so you can design, model, toolpath and preview. A trial build can still expire over time as it becomes out of date, in which case you uninstall it and download the latest trial installer again. The restrictions are on output:

1. You cannot cut files you have created. You cannot save toolpaths (G-code) except for the supplied free trial compatible tutorial projects, which ARE cuttable so you can test your actual machine end-to-end.
2. Some export functions are disabled (getting vectors and models out of the trial).
3. Gadgets do not run in the trial.

The important upside

Your own project files SAVE normally. Everything you design during the trial is kept. When you buy the full version, open your trial files in it on the same device where they were created, and they unlock and can be used normally. Trial time is never wasted work.

Two gotchas

1. Do not try to license the trial installer. When you purchase, download the FULL installer from your V&Co account portal (this is the number one activation complaint; see the licensing entry).
2. Trial the right product: the trial of Aspire will not tell you whether VCarve Pro is enough. Try the VCarve Pro trial if that is the purchase question (see the VCarve vs Aspire entry).

Pro tips

• Use the free sample projects to verify your post-processor and machine before spending anything.
• Design your first real project in the trial while you decide. It carries over.