Access University software

AppsAnywhere is the University’s software portal for accessing specialist applications you may need for your course. It gives you one place to find and open University-provided software, without having to search for or install each application yourself.

You can access AppsAnywhere through a web browser on or off campus. The software available to you will vary depending on:

• The course or subject you are studying.
• Whether you are using a University computer or your own device.
• Whether you are on or off campus.
• The operating system on your device.
• The licence and access requirements for the application.

Some applications can be used from anywhere, while others are only available on University computers or when you are on campus.

On a University Windows computer, open AppsAnywhere from the desktop. On your own device, open the AppsAnywhere website and sign in with your University account.

Open AppsAnywhere  AppsAnywhere guidance

Adobe Creative Cloud is a collection of creative applications for design, photography, video, animation and other digital projects. It includes applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro and After Effects. The University provides access to Creative Cloud so you can use these specialist tools when they are needed for your course or projects.

Where you can use Adobe Creative Cloud

University-provided Adobe Creative Cloud applications are available on University computers only. The University licence does not allow you to install these applications on your personal device.

On most University Windows computers, Adobe applications are accessed through AppsAnywhere. In Eldon Building, Adobe applications are installed directly on selected computers and can be opened from the Start menu.

Open and sign in to an Adobe app

1. Open AppsAnywhere and find the Adobe application you want to use. If you are using a computer in Eldon Building with Adobe already installed, open the application from the Start menu instead.
2. Launch the application and wait for the Adobe sign-in screen to appear.
3. Enter your University email address and select Continue.
4. If you are asked to choose an account, select Company or school account.
5. Follow the University sign-in process using your University account.
6. Once you have signed in, the Adobe application will open.

You should not normally need to sign in again when opening another Adobe application during the same session on the University computer.

Learn how to use Adobe applications

Adobe Learn provides tutorials and guidance for Creative Cloud applications, from getting started with the basics to developing more advanced skills.

Open AppsAnywhere  Explore Adobe Learn

Microsoft 365 is the University’s main suite of apps for creating work, communicating, collaborating and storing your files. It includes familiar applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, alongside Outlook, Teams and OneDrive. You will use Microsoft 365 for many of your everyday study activities throughout your time at the University.

Your University Microsoft 365 account is created automatically when you become a registered student. You can use Microsoft 365 on University computers, in a web browser and on compatible personal devices.

Use Microsoft 365 on a University computer

Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint are installed on University computers. Sign in to the computer with your University account and open the application you need from the Start menu.

Use Microsoft 365 online

You can use Microsoft 365 in a web browser from your own device or a University computer. This is useful when you want quick access to your apps and files without installing anything.

1. Go to Microsoft 365.
2. Sign in with your University email address and password.
3. Select the app launcher (nine dots) from the left menu.
4. Choose the app you want to use, such as Word, Excel or PowerPoint.

Files you create in the online versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint are saved to your University OneDrive, so you can access them again from other devices.

Google Workspace is a collection of online tools including Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms. The University now uses Microsoft 365 as its main platform for email, file storage and collaboration, but Google Workspace is still used for some specific University resources, shared drives, forms and documents.

You may need to use Google Workspace if your course, department or another University service gives you access to something that is still stored or managed there.

Access Google Workspace

You can access Google Workspace from a web browser on a University computer or your own device.

1. Go to Google Workspace, then sign in using your University email address and password.
2. Select the app you want to use, such as Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides or Forms.
3. Open the file, form or shared drive you need.

Any shared Google Drives you have access to will appear under Shared drives in Google Drive.

For new University work and personal file storage, use Microsoft 365 and OneDrive unless you have been specifically asked to use Google Workspace.

ArcGIS is a collection of mapping and geographic information system (GIS) tools used to create maps, analyse locations and work with geographic data. You may use ArcGIS as part of your course for activities such as mapping, spatial analysis, data visualisation and working with location-based information.

The University provides ArcGIS for academic use. Your access includes ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro and Esri training resources.

Access ArcGIS Online

ArcGIS Online runs in your web browser, so you can use it on a University computer or your own device without installing any software.

1. Go to the University ArcGIS portal.
2. If prompted, sign in using your University account.
3. Choose the Maps tab to access the mapping area.

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Pro is the desktop application for more advanced mapping, data management and spatial analysis. It is available for Windows. On a University computer, you can access ArcGIS Pro through AppsAnywhere.

You can also download ArcGIS Pro to a compatible personal Windows computer using the University's ArcGIS licence:

1. Go to the University ArcGIS portal and sign in using your University account.
2. Select your name in the top-right corner.
3. Select My Settings.
4. Select Licenses.
5. Find ArcGIS Pro and select Download.
6. Follow the instructions to install and sign in to ArcGIS Pro.

Support for installing ArcGIS Pro on a personal device is limited. For help using ArcGIS as part of your course, contact your course or department.

Learn how to use ArcGIS

Your University access also includes Esri Training, which provides tutorials and learning resources covering mapping, spatial analysis and other ArcGIS features.

Explore Esri Training

Bloomberg is a professional financial information platform used to access and analyse financial markets, companies, investments and economic data. It is widely used across the finance industry and may be used as part of courses including accounting, economics, finance and related subjects.

You can use Bloomberg to explore real-time and historical financial data, research companies and markets, and develop experience using professional financial tools.

Access Bloomberg

Bloomberg is only available on designated University computers. You cannot access the University Bloomberg service from your personal device.

You can use Bloomberg at the following locations:

If you need help using Bloomberg for your studies, speak to your lecturer or course team.

MATLAB and Simulink are specialist tools used for numerical computing, data analysis, modelling, simulation and engineering. You may use them as part of your course for tasks such as analysing data, developing algorithms, creating mathematical models or testing systems.

The University provides access through a site-wide MathWorks licence, so registered students can use MATLAB and Simulink on University computers, online and on compatible personal devices.

Use MATLAB on a University computer

You can access MATLAB and Simulink through AppsAnywhere on University computers.

Use MATLAB on your own device

You can use the University’s MathWorks licence to access MATLAB and Simulink on a compatible personal device.

1. Open the University of Portsmouth MathWorks page.
2. Select Sign in to get started.
3. Sign in to an existing MathWorks account or create one using your University email address.
4. Follow the MathWorks instructions to access or download the products available through the University licence.

Your MathWorks account must be linked to your University email address to use the University licence.

Use MATLAB online

MATLAB Online lets you use MATLAB directly in a web browser without installing the desktop application. Sign in with the MathWorks account linked to your University email address to get started.

Learn MATLAB and Simulink

Your University licence also includes access to self-paced MathWorks training, documentation and learning resources to help you develop your MATLAB and Simulink skills.

Access MATLAB and Simulink

Adobe Substance 3D is part of the University’s Adobe software provision and is used for creating, texturing and working with 3D models, materials and scenes. You may use it as part of courses involving 3D design, animation, games, visual effects or other digital creative work.

Substance 3D includes specialist applications for different parts of the 3D workflow, including creating materials, painting textures and building 3D scenes.

Access Adobe Substance 3D

Adobe Substance 3D is available on University computers only and cannot be used through the University licence on your personal device or from home.

1. Open AppsAnywhere on a University computer.
2. Search for Adobe Creative Cloud and open it.
3. From Creative Cloud, find and open the Substance 3D application you need.
4. Sign in with your University Adobe account if prompted.

If you cannot see the Substance 3D application you need, contact IT Support for help checking your access.

Vectorworks is professional design software used for 2D drawing, 3D modelling, building information modelling (BIM) and visualisation. It is commonly used in areas such as architecture, interior design, landscape design and entertainment, and you may use it for design-based work as part of your course.

Students can apply directly to Vectorworks for a free educational licence, which lets you download and use Vectorworks Design Suite on a compatible personal device for your studies.

Get Vectorworks on your own device

Vectorworks is not accessed through AppsAnywhere. To use it on your own device, apply for a free student educational licence through Vectorworks.

1. Go to the Vectorworks Education website.
2. Select the option to get a free educational licence.
3. Sign in to your Vectorworks account or create a new account.
4. Complete the student verification process if requested.
5. Once your licence has been approved, download and install Vectorworks Design Suite on your compatible device.

The educational licence is for learning and academic use. Check the current Vectorworks licence terms before using work created with it for commercial purposes.

Houdini is professional 3D software used for animation, visual effects, modelling, simulations and procedural design. You may use it as part of courses involving animation, games, film, visual effects or other 3D creative work.

Houdini is developed by SideFX and is widely used for creating effects such as smoke, fire, fluids, destruction and other complex 3D simulations.

Use Houdini on a University computer

You can access Houdini on University computers through AppsAnywhere.

1. Open AppsAnywhere on a University computer.
2. Search for Houdini.
3. Select the application and launch it through AppsAnywhere.

Use Houdini on your own device

You can download Houdini Apprentice for free from SideFX to use on a compatible personal device. Apprentice is designed for learning and personal, non-commercial projects and includes most of the features available in Houdini FX, with some restrictions.

1. Go to the SideFX Houdini Apprentice website.
2. Create or sign in to your SideFX account.
3. Download Houdini for your operating system.
4. Install the software and follow the instructions to activate your free Apprentice licence.

Houdini Apprentice has some limitations, including restrictions on rendering and commercial use. If your course requires a particular Houdini licence or version, check with your course team before starting your work.

Foundry provides professional software used for visual effects, compositing, 3D texturing, lighting and animation. You may use Foundry applications as part of courses involving visual effects, animation, film, games or other digital creative work.

Foundry applications include Nuke, NukeX and Nuke Studio for compositing and visual effects, Mari for 3D texturing, and Katana for lighting and look development.

Use Foundry apps on a University computer

Selected Foundry applications are available on University computers through AppsAnywhere.

1. Open AppsAnywhere on a University computer.
2. Search for the Foundry application you need, such as Nuke or Mari.
3. Select the application and launch it through AppsAnywhere.

Use Foundry apps on your own device

Full-time students can apply directly to Foundry for a student Education licence to use Foundry applications on a compatible personal device.

The Foundry Education Collective includes Nuke, NukeX, Nuke Studio, Mari and Katana. You will need to confirm your student status when applying, and Foundry will confirm the licence available to you.

1. Go to the Foundry student licence website.
2. Select Apply now.
3. Sign in to your Foundry account or create one.
4. Complete the student verification process.
5. Once your application is approved, follow Foundry's instructions to access and activate your software.

Student licences are intended for learning, coursework and personal projects. Check the current Foundry licence terms before using the software for commercial work.

Microsoft developer tools give eligible students access to specialist software for programming, software development, databases and other technical projects. You may use these tools as part of courses in areas such as computing, science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

This is separate from Microsoft 365 and provides access to additional Microsoft software used for learning, development and academic work.

Access Microsoft developer tools

Eligible students can access available software through Azure for Students using their University account.

1. Go to Azure for Students.
2. Sign in using your University account and follow the instructions to verify your student status if prompted.
3. Open the Education Hub.
4. Select Software to see the developer tools available to you.
5. Select the software you need and follow the instructions to download it.

The software available may vary depending on your eligibility and Microsoft's current education offering.

Software provided through the education programme is intended for learning, teaching and non-commercial academic use.