Is Metashape Free to Use? Everything You Need to Know About Pricing and Trial Options
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Is Metashape Free to Use? Everything You Need to Know About Pricing and Trial Options

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Agisoft Metashape is a powerful photogrammetry software used by professionals in surveying, drone mapping, archaeology, and 3D modeling. But one of the most frequently searched questions online is: “Is Metashape free to use?” In this article, we’ll break down the pricing structure, what you get with the free trial, and how to choose the best option for your needs.

Is Metashape Free?

The short answer is no, Agisoft Metashape is not entirely free. However, there is a fully functional 30-day free trial available. After the trial ends, users must purchase a license to continue using the software.

Free Trial: What’s Included?

Agisoft offers a generous 30-day free trial that includes access to all features of the Professional Edition. This is ideal for evaluating the software’s capabilities, including:

  • Photogrammetric 3D reconstruction from images
  • Dense point cloud generation
  • Digital Elevation Models (DEM)
  • Orthomosaics and textured 3D meshes
  • Georeferencing and GPS integration
  • Python scripting support

No credit card is required for the trial, and there are no limitations on project size or export formats during the 30-day period.

After the Trial: License Options

Once the trial expires, you will need to choose between two main types of paid licenses:

1. Metashape Standard Edition

This version is aimed at hobbyists, educators, and non-commercial use. It includes many of the core photogrammetry features but lacks advanced tools like multispectral support, GIS integration, and Python scripting.

  • Price: ~$179 USD (one-time purchase)
  • Great for 3D modeling, mesh generation, and orthophotos
  • No annual fees

2. Metashape Professional Edition

This is the full-featured version used by professionals in industries like surveying, architecture, agriculture, and forensics. It supports all advanced features, including:

  • Ground control points (GCPs)
  • Georeferencing with accuracy reports
  • Stereo and multi-camera support
  • Batch processing and network distributed computing
  • Python API access

Price: ~$3,499 USD per license (perpetual, not subscription-based). Educational discounts and floating licenses are also available.

Are There Any Free Alternatives?

If you’re just getting started and can’t afford a Metashape license, consider testing some free or open-source photogrammetry software such as:

  • COLMAP: Academic-grade open-source software with strong 3D reconstruction capabilities.
  • Meshroom by AliceVision: A user-friendly open-source solution, though less robust than Metashape.
  • OpenMVG + OpenMVS: A modular alternative, but requires technical knowledge to install and use.

However, most professionals prefer Metashape for its user-friendly interface, powerful automation, and stability with large datasets.

Can I Keep Using Metashape After the Trial?

Technically, the software still opens after the trial period, but all export and processing features are disabled. You can view projects created during the trial, but you won’t be able to save new results or run any new processes unless a valid license is activated.

Is There a Free Viewer?

Yes! Agisoft provides a free 3D viewer tool called Agisoft Viewer. It lets you open and explore point clouds, 3D models, and orthomosaics generated in Metashape. This is a great option for sharing models with clients or collaborators who don’t need full editing capabilities.

How to Download the Free Trial

To get started with the 30-day free trial:

  • Go to the www.agisoftmetashape.com
  • Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
  • Install and run the application—no activation code required for trial use

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Paying For?

Metashape may not be free, but it’s one of the most cost-effective and reliable photogrammetry solutions on the market. Its perpetual licensing model (no subscriptions!) makes it a solid long-term investment for professionals. The free trial gives you full access to evaluate whether it fits your workflow.

If you’re serious about drone mapping, 3D modeling, or photogrammetry, investing in a Metashape license is well worth it.

Note: All prices are indicative as of 2025 and may vary depending on region or VAT.