“Envato Elements Free Trial” used to be the golden ticket for creatives looking to explore premium Envato Elements for their graphics, web design, etc., without spending a dime. It’s a go-to platform for designers, freelancers, marketers, and creators who need unlimited downloads of graphics, templates, and media.
But the big question everyone asks is: “Does Envato Elements still have a free trial in 2025?”
The short answer is “NO”.
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Envato officially discontinued its 7-day free trial in March 2023 due to heavy misuse. However, that doesn’t mean you’re left out. In fact, Envato offers smart alternatives that still allow you to explore its database for free, legally, and without requiring your credit card.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what’s available now, how to use Envato’s free monthly files, what their plans cost, etc.
If you’re new to digital marketing tools, you can also read my 9 Best Email Marketing Tools for Small Businesses, where I explain how creators grow their audience through email automation before investing in premium design assets like Envato Elements
Let’s get into it.
Why did Envato withdraw its Envato Elements free trial?
According to Envato’s Help Center, the free trial program was officially discontinued worldwide in 2023.
The reason? Too many users were signing up, downloading thousands of assets, and cancelling before payment. That led Envato to shift toward a different model — one that rewards consistency while still allowing free access to quality resources.
So, instead of a full-access trial, Envato now offers a “Free Monthly Files program”.
What You Get Instead: Envato’s Free Files Monthly
This is the closest you can get to a free trial — and it’s totally legitimate.
Each month, Envato releases a new collection of “12 free files” that cover various categories like templates, photos, video assets, and fonts.
You don’t need to add a payment method or create a subscription. Just visit Envato Elements → Free Files and download what’s available for that month.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Feature: Envato Free Monthly files
- Access: Free for all registered users
- Files Offered: 12 new items every month
- License Type: Commercial and personal use allowed
- Watermark: None
- Download Limit: Unlimited for that month’s selection
- Credit Card Required: No
- Reuse Allowed: Each file can be used once per project
All these files come with a valid Envato Elements license – link to the Envato License at the end, meaning you can safely use them in personal or commercial projects — from YouTube intros to client presentations.
This program is perfect for testing file quality and exploring how Envato’s licensing works before committing to a paid plan.
Envato Elements Pricing Plans (2025)
After you have used the free elements and later decide the platform is worth the investment, here’s what you can select from the monthly/annual plans:
| Plan Type | Monthly Billing | Annual Billing (50% Off) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $33/month | $16.50/month (billed at $198/year) | Unlimited downloads from 22+ million assets |
| Student | $27.30/month | $11.50/month | Requires verified student email (.edu / .ac / .school) |
| Team (2–5 members) | Varies | From $29 to $53.75 per member/month | Shared team access and central billing |
Disclaimer on Pricing and Reviews:
The prices, ratings, downloads, and reviews of Envato Elements mentioned in this article are based on information available at the time of writing. These details may change over time as theme authors update their products, run promotions, or adjust pricing. We recommend checking the official Envato Elements or the theme developer’s website for the most current and accurate information before making a purchase.
Best Value Option
If you’re working long-term as a freelancer or agency, the annual plan gives you 50% off compared to monthly billing. You pay once per year and can download everything — fonts, photos, videos, templates, WordPress themes — with no restrictions.
For students, the 30% education discount is a hidden gem. It brings the cost down to $11.50/month, which is cheaper than a single premium template on most marketplaces.
If you’re a student or just getting started in creative work, Envato has something valuable for you. Even though the Envato Elements Free Trial no longer exists, they’ve introduced a special student plan that offers the same premium access at a lower price — perfect for learners, freelancers-in-training, or anyone on a tight budget.
🎓 Envato Elements Student Plan – Affordable Access for Learners
Here’s what the Envato Elements Student Plan includes:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Discount | 30% off the regular plan for verified students |
| Price (Annual) | $11.50 per month (billed yearly) |
| Price (Monthly) | $27.30 per month |
| Eligibility | Must be 18+ and enrolled full-time in a recognized institution |
| Verification | Requires a valid academic email (.edu, .ac, .school, or .sch) |
| Downloads | Unlimited access to 22+ million assets |
| License Type | Full commercial license (same as paid users) |
Disclaimer on Pricing and Reviews:
The prices, ratings, downloads, and reviews of Envato Elements mentioned in this article are based on information available at the time of writing. These details may change over time as theme authors update their products, run promotions, or adjust pricing. We recommend checking the official Envato Elements or the theme developer’s website for the most current and accurate information before making a purchase.
Envato Elements Licensing and Usage Rights: What You Can and Can’t Do?
Envato uses one simplified commercial license across all its assets — and that’s a big plus.
Here’s how it works:
✅ You can use any downloaded file in personal and client projects.
✅ You can include assets in marketing campaigns, YouTube videos, and paid client work.
✅ Each project has lifetime usage rights (even after cancelling your subscription).
🚫 You can’t resell or redistribute the original files as standalone products.
🚫 You can’t share your account or use assets in on-demand platforms (like print-on-demand stores) without adding your own creative input.
To stay compliant, each download must be registered for a specific project inside your Envato dashboard. For ongoing work, you can register assets under “Project Use.” If you’re just testing, use the “Trial Use” tag — though you’ll need to relicense once it’s published.
For detailed terms, check the official Envato License FAQ.
Best Alternatives to Envato Elements 7 Days Free Trial
Here’s what you will receive after successful subscribing:
| Platform | Trial Duration | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Stock | 30 days | 1 million free assets + 10 free premium downloads |
| iStock | 30 days | Free premium stock photos |
| 123RF | 7 days | Royalty-free images & vectors |
| Depositphotos | 30 days | Free download credits |
| Freepik | Free plan | Thousands of templates and icons |
| Mixkit | Always free | Royalty-free videos and music |
Disclaimer: Information about trial period, inclusion details, etc., about all the platforms mentioned in this article is based on information available at the time of writing. Users’ discretion to verify actual details is appreciated before purchasing/subscribing on the respective parent website.
Each alternative has its pros, but personally, I vouch for Envato for combining all creative categories under one license — something most competitors charge separately for.
If your workflow relies heavily on analytics and reporting, you might also want to explore my list of best SEO reporting tools for marketers. It complements Envato’s creative resources by showing you how to measure what designs actually convert.
How to Maximize Envato Elements Value Without a Free Trial?
You don’t need a free trial to get maximum value. Here’s how I (and many creators I’ve coached) get the most from Envato:
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Start with the free monthly files: Test different asset types — a video intro one month, a WordPress theme the next. It helps you understand what’s worth paying for.
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Track downloads and licenses: Use a simple Google Sheet to log which projects use which items. This avoids confusion later if you need proof of licensing.
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Stack discounts and annual deals: During promotions, Envato sometimes drops the annual plan to $13/month.
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Use ChatGPT for creative briefs: Here’s where my process comes in — I often record my thoughts using Otter.ai, then ask ChatGPT to reframe those notes in my own tone. It helps me build blog outlines, ad scripts, and even creative campaign drafts that sound natural and rank better for SEO.
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Evaluate before upgrading: Compare Envato’s asset quality with Freepik or Unsplash. Once you feel limited, the upgrade feels like a natural step rather than a forced one.
Personal Experience Using ChatGPT for SEO-Friendly Workflow
Here’s a quick behind-the-scenes note for freelancers and digital marketers reading this.
When I create blog posts, I first record rough ideas using Otter.ai. I talk through what I’d tell a friend about the topic — no script, just thoughts. Then I paste that transcription into ChatGPT and ask it to: “Keep my voice and tone, but make it SEO-friendly and structured for Google.”
This hybrid workflow works incredibly well, for me atleast it worked great. ChatGPT, using some tailored prompts, keeps my natural rhythm while optimizing headers, readability, and keyword density. It’s the reason posts like this one feel conversational yet rank for competitive terms like Envato Elements free trial 2025.
It’s a strategy I recommend for every creator — especially if you struggle to write long-form content that sounds human. You may give it a try as well.
Why Envato Elements Still Wins (Even Without a Free Trial)
Despite dropping its trial, Envato Elements remains one of the best deals for creative professionals in 2025. Here’s why:
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Unlimited downloads mean no per-asset fees.
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One license covers all file types — no confusion.
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Free monthly files give everyone a way in.
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Educational discounts make it affordable for students.
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Lifetime usage rights protect your projects long-term.
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AI tools are now bundled, adding modern creative flexibility.
It’s a strategy I recommend for every creator — especially if you struggle to write long-form content that sounds human. You may give it a try as well.
Quick Pros and Cons Overview
Pros
- Unlimited access to all assets
- Commercial license included
- Affordable annual plan
- High-quality curated content
- Simple single license
Cons
- No traditional free trial
- License registration per project required
- Cannot resell or redistribute
- Free files limited to 12/month
- No refunds after download
Conclusion
Even though Envato Elements no longer offers a 7-day free trial, you’re not missing out. The Free Monthly Files program, student discount, and competitive annual plan give you plenty of legitimate ways to explore, test, and create — without paying upfront.
Let me put it forward, bluntly: if you’re serious about design, marketing, or freelancing, the platform’s mix of affordability, licensing clarity, and creative depth makes it a worthwhile long-term investment.
So instead of hunting for “Envato free trial hacks,” spend that time exploring free resources, testing monthly assets, and building your own creative workflow.
If you’re planning to build or redesign a website using your Envato subscription, my Envato WordPress Themes for Beginners guide walks you through the most user-friendly themes included with the plan.
FAQs
Does Envato Elements still offer a free trial in 2025?
No. Envato Elements discontinued its free trial in March 2023. However, users can still access 12 free monthly files without adding a credit card or starting a paid plan. Read the details above.
Can I still use Envato Elements for free?
Yes. Envato offers 12 hand-picked free files each month under its Free Files section. These can be used for both personal and commercial projects.
Do I need to add my credit card to access free files?
No. The free monthly files are available to all registered users, and you don’t need to provide any payment information.
What’s included in the Envato Elements free monthly files?
Each month, Envato releases 12 free assets like photos, templates, fonts, and videos. The collection changes monthly and comes with a valid Envato Elements license.
Are Envato’s free files licensed for commercial use?
Yes. Every free file is covered under the standard commercial license, which allows usage in client work, marketing, and digital content.
What is the price of Envato Elements in 2025?
The Individual Plan costs $33 per month or $16.50 per month with annual billing. Verified students get a 30% discount, paying just $11.50 monthly. See the pricing details here.
Are there any student discounts for Envato Elements?
Yes. Students with valid academic emails (.edu, .ac, .school) get 30% off on subscriptions through the Envato Student Plan.
What are the best alternatives to Envato Elements with a free trial?
Some great alternatives offering free trials are Adobe Stock, iStock, Depositphotos, and Freepik. You may get some more information in the section above. Click here!
Can I use Envato Elements assets for commercial projects after canceling my subscription?
Yes. Any asset you registered for a project during your active subscription remains licensed forever. However, you can’t use new files once your plan ends.
How do I cancel my Envato Elements subscription before renewal?
Go to your Envato account → Subscriptions → Manage → Cancel Subscription. You’ll retain access until the current billing cycle ends. Details are available on Envato’s Help Page.
Is Envato Elements worth it without a free trial?
Absolutely. For $16.50/month (annual billing), you get unlimited downloads, full commercial rights, and over 22 million creative assets. For consistent creators, it’s one of the best deals online.
