Envato Elements is a premier digital marketplace that provides creatives, designers, and businesses with access to millions of high-quality assets, including stock photos, videos, graphics, templates, and more.
For many years, the platform offered a generous 7-day free trial that allowed users to explore its vast library and download an unlimited number of items – all with a lifetime commercial license.
This free trial was a game-changer, giving people the opportunity to test drive Envato Elements and see how it could elevate their projects before committing to a paid subscription.
Unfortunately, that free trial is no longer available.
Envato Elements made the difficult decision to discontinue the offer, citing concerns about fraudulent activity and the need to maintain the integrity of the platform. While this change may disappoint some, there are still ways to access Envato Elements’ resources without paying the full subscription fee.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the details of the former free trial, explore the current free offerings, and uncover alternative options to help you make the most of this incredible creative resource.
The Envato Elements Free Trial: What Was It?
Back in the day, Envato Elements’ free trial was the stuff of legend. For a full 7 days, you could sign up and explore the platform’s entire library of digital assets without any restrictions.
Whether you were a graphic designer in need of stunning graphics, a YouTuber searching for the perfect video templates, or a small business owner looking to elevate your marketing materials, the Envato free trial gave you unprecedented access to Envato’s impressive catalog.
During the trial period, you could download as many items as you wanted – from stock photos and illustrations to fonts, templates, and 3D models.
And the best part?
Any assets you downloaded came with a lifetime commercial license, meaning you could use them in your projects without worrying about copyright or licensing issues, even after the trial ended.
The free trial was a game-changer for creatives of all levels, from seasoned professionals to budding entrepreneurs. It allowed people to truly experience the value of Envato Elements, test out different assets, and see how they could elevate their work before committing to a paid subscription. Many users raved about the trial, praising the wide selection of resources and the freedom to experiment without financial risk.
Why Did Envato Elements Discontinue the Free Trial?
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. In 2023, Envato Elements made the difficult decision to discontinue its 7-day free trial offer. While this news was met with disappointment from many in the creative community, the company had valid reasons for making this change.
According to Envato, the free trial had become more of a magnet for fraudulent activities than a valuable service for genuine users. Some people were exploiting the system, creating multiple accounts or sharing login details to access the trial over and over again. This not only undermined Envato Elements’ business model but also took away resources from paying subscribers who relied on the platform to power their creative projects.
Envato recognized that this type of abuse was eroding the integrity of their platform and decided to take action. By removing the free trial, they aimed to create a more equitable and sustainable ecosystem where users could access Envato Elements’ resources in a fair and legitimate manner.
While the decision to discontinue the free trial was undoubtedly a difficult one, Envato Elements remains committed to providing value to its users. The platform continues to evolve and introduce new features, content, and offerings to keep its subscribers engaged and inspired.
Current Free Offerings from Envato Elements
Just because the 7-day free trial is no longer available doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck when it comes to accessing Envato Elements’ content for free. The platform still offers a selection of complimentary downloads each month, allowing you to explore and utilize a range of digital assets without any cost.
Every month, Envato Elements curates a collection of free files, including fonts, presentations, videos, and more.
All you need to do is create a free Envato Elements account, and you’ll be able to access and download these hand-picked resources. It’s a great way to get a taste of the platform’s offerings.
The free file downloads may not be as extensive as the former free trial, but they still provide a valuable opportunity to experience Envato Elements’ quality and versatility. Whether you’re a designer looking for the perfect font, a content creator in need of stunning video templates, or a small business owner seeking to uplevel your marketing materials, these free assets can be a game-changer.
To access the monthly free files, simply head to the Envato Elements website, sign up for a free account, and navigate to the “Free Files” section. There, you’ll find the latest selection of complimentary downloads, ready for you to explore and incorporate into your work.
While the free files come with a commercial license, allowing you to use them in both personal and professional projects, the terms of use may have some restrictions. Always be sure to review the licensing information for each asset to ensure you’re using it within the guidelines.
Alternatives to the Envato Elements Free Trial
If you’re still looking for ways to access Envato Elements’ resources without paying the full subscription fee, there are a few other options to consider:
- Student Discount: Envato Elements offers a 30% discount on its annual subscription plan for students. All you need to do is verify your student status, and you’ll be able to take advantage of this discounted rate.
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals: Envato Elements often runs special promotions and discounts during the holiday season, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Keep an eye out for these sales, as they can provide significant savings on the platform’s subscription plans.
- Exploring Free Stock Photo/Video Websites: While Envato Elements is a premium platform, there are plenty of free stock photo and video websites out there, such as Pixabay, Pexels, and Coverr. These sites offer high-quality assets that you can use in your projects without having to pay a subscription fee.
Cautions Against Illegal Methods
While the temptation to access Envato Elements’ content for free may be strong, you should to refrain from using any illegal or unethical methods to do so.
This includes techniques like using someone else’s account, finding “cracked” versions of the platform, or trying to bypass the paywall through the use of cookies or other workarounds.
Not only is this type of behavior against Envato Elements’ terms of service, but it can also have serious legal and financial consequences. If you get caught, you could face copyright infringement charges or even have your account banned from the platform. It’s simply not worth the risk.
Instead, focus on the legitimate ways to access Envato Elements’ resources, such as the monthly free file downloads, student discounts, or holiday sales. These options may not be as extensive as the former free trial, but they still provide a great way to get your hands on high-quality content without breaking the rules.
By taking the ethical route, you’ll not only protect yourself from potential legal issues, but you’ll also be contributing to the overall health and longevity of the Envato Elements platform.
Conclusion on Envato Free Trial
While the Envato Elements free trial may be a thing of the past, there are still plenty of ways for you to access the platform’s vast library of digital assets without having to pay the full subscription fee.
From the monthly free file downloads to student discounts and holiday sales, there are numerous opportunities to explore and utilize Envato Elements’ resources in a cost-effective manner.
However, it’s crucial to always respect the platform’s terms of service and avoid any illegal or unethical methods of accessing the content. By taking the high road, you’ll not only protect yourself from potential legal issues but also contribute to the overall health and longevity of the Envato Elements platform, ensuring that it can continue to serve the creative community for years to come.
So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the free and discounted options today.
