Download the Microsoft Word Add-in for Creative Commons Licensing

Do you publish documents using Creative Commons licensing? If so, download the Word add-in for Creative Commons which allows you to embed the licensing right into your Office documents.

The add-in works in versions 2007 and 2010 of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You will need to have one of the following operating systems installed to use it:

Windows Vista
Windows Server 2008
Windows 7

Tech note: I successfully installed the add-in on a Windows XP machine running Microsoft Word 2010. It worked fine but the toolbar icon that shows whether the document is licensed or not did not display correctly.

You will also need to have internet access and the Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 installed to use the add-in.

What is Creative Commons Licensing?

CC licensing allows writers and artists to retain their copyright, but let others use their work with certain restrictions.

When selecting your license, you can choose public domain or a license that allows or prohibits commercial use and modifications (derivative works), or sampling for audio or video files. You can also select whether your license is for one country or international in scope.

The license is actually a mark that is placed on your document or work. (Sort of like a logo.) Keep in mind your work is not registered with Creative Commons so if you want it registered you will need to file with the US Copyright office.

Installing the Add-In

Download the Word Add-in for Creative Commons Licensing

The download link takes you directly to the Microsoft website download page. The system requirements and installation instructions are located on that page so be sure to read them before downloading the software.

Once the installation is complete, the add-in is available on the ribbon. Click the Creative Commons tab to use it.

Attaching Creative Commons Licensing to a Document

Before starting, open the document and make sure you are connected to the internet.

To attach a new licensing mark to a Microsoft Word document, follow these steps:

On the ribbon, click the Creative Commons tab.
Click Licenses, then select New License.
Select one of the following licenses:
- Public Domain
- Creative Commons
- Sampling
- Public Domain Mark
If you selected a Public Domain license, click Finish. If you selected a Creative Commons or Sampling license, click Next.
Follow the prompts to choose your preferences for commercial use, modifications, and the geographical jurisdiction of your license.
Click Finish.

You can view or remove the license mark by clicking Licenses on the ribbon.

View or remove licensing menu in Microsoft Word 2010

Visit the Creative Commons website for more information about licensing and usage.

Creative Commons logo used by permission.

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Download the Microsoft Word Add-in for Creative Commons Licensing

What is Creative Commons Licensing?

Installing the Add-In

Attaching Creative Commons Licensing to a Document