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Request for Permission to Use Excel screenshots to shows example for Educational Book.

HUSNA R BADLISHAH 5 Reputation points
2026-05-05T14:25:46.2366667+00:00

I respectfully request permission to use Excel screenshots for educational purposes to show an example of the data, as part of this educational written textbook that I am currently preparing.​ I would like to include some of the content you created or contributed. The purpose of this textbook is strictly educational and instructional. It is intended to teach students, beginners, and general learners in using Excel to key in data.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For education | Windows
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  1. Hendrix-C 16,725 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-05-05T15:53:03.72+00:00

    Hi @HUSNA R BADLISHAH,

    Based on Microsoft's published copyright guidance, you can use screenshots of Microsoft Excel generally in documentation, tutorial books, videos and websites with the following Microsoft's conditions:

    • Do not use boot-up, opening, splash, beta, or unreleased product screens.
    • Do not alter the screenshot except to resize it.
    • Do not use portions of screenshots.
    • Do not include screenshots with third-party content or an identifiable individual.
    • If referencing the product, use the full product name and follow Microsoft’s Trademark and Brand Guidelines.
    • Permitted uses should include the statement “Used with permission from Microsoft.

    Therefore, if your request only to Excel screenshots showing sample data for educational instruction, that type of use is allowed as long as all of the above conditions are followed.

    For references, please carefully review this article: Use of Microsoft Copyrighted Content | Microsoft Legal

    Moreover, in case of requiring further escalation, it's mandatory to involve the publisher, school legal team or Microsoft consent if any of these apply:

    • The book will be sold commercially or published widely
    • You want to use cropped/partial screenshots
    • You want to use Excel logos/app icons prominently (Microsoft’s brand assets and icons have separate restrictions, and many uses require a license)
    • You want to reuse Microsoft-created text, icons, stock images, or other contributed content, not just plain screenshots.

    I hope this explanation helps you in moving forward smoothly. If there is any concern, don't hesitate to reach out again and I will be happy to help. 

    Thank you for your patience and understanding. Looking forward to your response.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have any extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".            

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  2. AI answer

    2026-05-05T14:25:58.5733333+00:00

    Excel screenshots created in Excel can be used inside Microsoft 365 apps and exported as part of documents (for example, a Word or PowerPoint file) according to the rights granted by the applicable Microsoft 365 license.

    Premium creative content (such as stock images, icons, etc. inserted via Insert > Pictures in Microsoft 365) can be used freely within Microsoft 365 apps and SharePoint, including in documents, workbooks, and presentations that are sold or distributed, and in files exported to other formats (such as PDF). However, that premium content cannot be taken out and reused separately from Microsoft 365 or SharePoint (for example, by copy‑pasting the image into a non‑Microsoft 365 tool or saving the image file directly for general use).

    For a textbook that teaches Excel and shows how to key in data, Excel UI screenshots and any data or examples created by the author in Excel are generally covered by what is permitted in the applicable Microsoft 365 license for works created in Microsoft 365. For any premium stock images or icons inserted from Microsoft 365’s content libraries, use them only as part of the Excel/Office document itself and not as standalone art outside that context.

    For precise legal permission and any additional rights needed for a published textbook, the applicable Microsoft 365 End‑User License Agreement (EULA) must be reviewed, and legal counsel or the appropriate Microsoft contact should be consulted.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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