Hi, Jim,
The Personal Learning Edition (PLE) is a free software, with no time limit. However, work that you do in this version can not be brought in to the retail version when you do purchase. Work done in the PLE is exported with a watermark.
The Trial Version is a special version that provides free access to our software for a limited time. Those using the Trial Version have access to the same toolsets available in Toon Boom Software. The Trial version restricts users to non-commercial applications through the display of a watermark on images, a limitation of panels and a 15 or 30-day time limitation.
The Academic version is a full version, but the price is different. And it’s also illegal for commercial use.
Thanks
Wei