Introduction

GeoStudio and PLAXIS are two of the most widely used software solutions in geotechnical engineering, providing powerful tools for slope stability, seepage, deformation, and soil-structure interaction analysis. To support education and invest in the future of geo-professionals the Bentley Education Program offers student licences for both products for free, which grants access to the key basic modules with all functionalities needed for student’s first hands-on experience during classroom activities. 

However, these licences come with a key feature: watermarks. This article explains what watermarks are, why they exist, how they appear in outputs, and what students should know when using these versions. 

Why watermarks are used 

Watermarks serve several important purposes. First, they help maintain academic integrity by ensuring that results generated with student licences are not misused for commercial or professional projects. Second, they provide clear licence differentiation, making it easy to distinguish outputs from student versions versus professional or enterprise licences. Finally, watermarks support compliance and fair use, allowing software vendors to uphold usage policies while still offering affordable access for learning. 

When watermarks were introduced 

Student watermarks were first introduced in version 2025.2.1 of GeoStudio, and 2025.1.2 of PLAXIS. 

How watermarks appear 

Watermarks do not affect the numerical results or the integrity of the analysis; they only impact the presentation of outputs.  

GeoStudio 

Watermarks are embedded in exported figures, charts, and reports available in Results and Page Layout. They are typically displayed as a text overlay, such as “For Academic Use,” and remain visible in screenshots and printed documents. 

PLAXIS

Watermarks appear in the output program and SoilTest results, and are retained in screenshots, printed reports, and exported images and graphs. The watermark is usually placed in a way that remains visible regardless of cropping. 

How student‑licence model Files behave when opened in professional or non‑student versions 

Model files saved using a student licence permanently retain watermarks for compliance purposes. Even if these files are later opened in a non-student licence, such as a commercial version or an academic licence, the watermarks will remain visible. 

Users will receive a warning message before saving a model with a student licence, and a similar notification appears when opening and saving student-created files in non-student licences, ensuring transparency about the watermark’s permanence. 

Best practices for students 

Students should always exercise transparency by disclosing that their results were generated using a student licence. It is important not to remove or alter watermarks, as cropping or editing them out violates licence’s terms and academic integrity. Finally, if output is needed for commercial or consulting projects, students must upgrade to a full professional licence to ensure compliance and proper usage. 

In summary, watermarks in student licences for GeoStudio and PLAXIS are a simple but effective way to maintain licence integrity and promote fair use. They do not compromise learning or research quality, and they help ensure transparency in academic work. Students should embrace these guidelines and use the tools responsibly.