The world of digital graphics and illustrations has undergone a significant transformation over the years. With the rise of advanced software and online platforms, users now have access to a vast array of visual content. However, for those who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s, the mention of “clipart” is sure to bring back memories of school projects, presentations, and DIY crafts. In this article, we will delve into the history of clipart, its evolution, and answer the question that has been on everyone’s mind: does Microsoft have clipart?
A Brief History of Clipart
Clipart, short for “clip art,” has its roots in the early days of printing. The term referred to pre-made illustrations and graphics that could be cut out and used in various publications. With the advent of digital technology, clipart made its way into the world of computers. In the 1980s and 1990s, clipart became a staple in desktop publishing, and its popularity soared.
Microsoft, being a pioneer in the software industry, recognized the potential of clipart and included it in their early versions of Microsoft Office. The clipart gallery in Microsoft Office was a treasure trove of illustrations, ranging from simple icons to complex graphics. Users could easily browse, select, and insert clipart into their documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
The Golden Age of Clipart
The 1990s and early 2000s are often referred to as the “Golden Age” of clipart. During this period, Microsoft’s clipart gallery was at its peak, offering thousands of images, including:
- Icons and logos
- Illustrations of animals, plants, and objects
- Borders, frames, and other decorative elements
- Cartoons and comics
- Seasonal and holiday-themed graphics
The clipart gallery was a go-to resource for students, teachers, and professionals alike. It was an easy way to add visual interest to documents, presentations, and websites. The nostalgia surrounding clipart is still palpable, with many people reminiscing about the hours they spent browsing through the gallery, searching for the perfect image.
The Decline of Clipart
As technology advanced and the internet became more accessible, the need for pre-made clipart began to decline. The rise of stock photo websites, such as Getty Images and Shutterstock, offered users a vast array of high-quality images. Additionally, the proliferation of social media platforms and online marketplaces made it easier for artists and designers to showcase and sell their work.
Microsoft, too, began to phase out its clipart gallery. In 2014, the company announced that it would be discontinuing the clipart feature in Microsoft Office. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some users expressing disappointment and others welcoming the change.
What Happened to Microsoft’s Clipart?
So, what happened to Microsoft’s clipart? While the company no longer offers a built-in clipart gallery, users can still access a limited selection of images through the Microsoft Office Online website. However, the collection is significantly smaller than its predecessor, and the images are not as easily accessible.
In 2015, Microsoft acquired the online image repository, Pickit, which offers a vast library of images, including illustrations, photos, and graphics. While not a direct replacement for the clipart gallery, Pickit provides users with a convenient way to search and download images for use in their documents and presentations.
Alternatives to Microsoft Clipart
While Microsoft’s clipart gallery may be a thing of the past, there are still many alternatives available. Here are a few options:
- Openclipart: A free and open-source clipart library that offers over 100,000 images.
- Wikimedia Commons: A vast repository of images, including illustrations, photos, and graphics, that are free to use and distribute.
- Unsplash: A popular website that offers a vast collection of high-resolution photos, all released under the Unsplash license.
- Pexels: A website that offers a vast collection of high-quality photos, all released under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license.
Using Online Resources
In addition to these alternatives, there are many online resources available that offer clipart and illustrations. Some popular options include:
- Clipart Panda: A website that offers a vast collection of clipart images, including illustrations, icons, and graphics.
- Clipartion: A website that offers a vast collection of clipart images, including illustrations, photos, and graphics.
- Vecteezy: A website that offers a vast collection of vector graphics, including illustrations, icons, and graphics.
Conclusion
While Microsoft’s clipart gallery may be a thing of the past, the nostalgia surrounding it remains. The rise of online resources and stock photo websites has made it easier than ever to access high-quality images. However, for those who grew up with clipart, the memories of browsing through the gallery, searching for the perfect image, will always remain.
In conclusion, while Microsoft may not have clipart in the classical sense, there are still many alternatives available. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or professional, there are many resources available to help you find the perfect image for your project.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Openclipart | A free and open-source clipart library that offers over 100,000 images. |
| Wikimedia Commons | A vast repository of images, including illustrations, photos, and graphics, that are free to use and distribute. |
By exploring these alternatives and online resources, you can still experience the joy of clipart, even if Microsoft’s clipart gallery is no longer available.
What is Microsoft Clipart?
Microsoft Clipart is a collection of images, sounds, and animations that were included in Microsoft Office and other Microsoft products. It was a popular feature in the 1990s and early 2000s, allowing users to easily add graphics and other multimedia elements to their documents, presentations, and other projects.
The clipart collection included a wide range of images, from simple icons and shapes to more complex illustrations and photographs. The images were often humorous, colorful, and playful, making them a favorite among users, especially children and educators. Microsoft Clipart was widely used in schools, homes, and offices, and became an iconic part of the Microsoft brand.
Is Microsoft Clipart still available?
Microsoft Clipart is no longer a standalone feature in Microsoft Office or other Microsoft products. In 2014, Microsoft announced that it would be discontinuing the Clipart feature in Office and replacing it with a new image search feature called Bing Image Search. This feature allows users to search for and insert images from the web into their documents and presentations.
Although Microsoft Clipart is no longer available as a separate feature, many of the images from the original collection are still available through Bing Image Search. Users can search for specific images or browse through the collection to find the perfect graphic for their project. Additionally, Microsoft has made many of the original Clipart images available for download from its website.
What happened to the original Microsoft Clipart images?
The original Microsoft Clipart images are still available, but they are no longer included in Microsoft Office or other Microsoft products. In 2014, Microsoft made the decision to retire the Clipart feature and replace it with Bing Image Search. As a result, the original Clipart images are no longer included in Microsoft Office or other Microsoft products.
However, many of the original Clipart images are still available through Bing Image Search or by downloading them from the Microsoft website. Microsoft has also made many of the images available under a Creative Commons license, allowing users to download and use them for free. This has made it possible for users to continue using their favorite Clipart images, even though the feature is no longer included in Microsoft Office.
Can I still use Microsoft Clipart images?
Yes, you can still use Microsoft Clipart images, although the process is a bit different than it used to be. As mentioned earlier, many of the original Clipart images are available through Bing Image Search or by downloading them from the Microsoft website. You can search for specific images or browse through the collection to find the perfect graphic for your project.
Once you’ve found the image you want to use, you can download it to your computer and insert it into your document or presentation. Keep in mind that some of the images may be licensed under Creative Commons, which means you may need to provide attribution or follow other usage guidelines.
Are there any alternatives to Microsoft Clipart?
Yes, there are many alternatives to Microsoft Clipart. One popular option is Openclipart, a free and open-source clipart library that includes thousands of images. Other options include Pixabay, Unsplash, and Pexels, which offer high-quality images that are free to use for personal or commercial purposes.
Another option is to use online image search engines like Google Images or Bing Image Search to find and download images. You can also use online graphic design tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to create your own custom graphics and illustrations.
Why was Microsoft Clipart discontinued?
Microsoft Clipart was discontinued in 2014 as part of a broader effort to modernize and streamline the Microsoft Office suite. At the time, Microsoft announced that it would be replacing Clipart with Bing Image Search, which would allow users to search for and insert images from the web into their documents and presentations.
The decision to discontinue Clipart was likely due to a combination of factors, including the rise of online image search engines and the increasing availability of high-quality images on the web. By replacing Clipart with Bing Image Search, Microsoft was able to provide users with access to a much larger and more diverse collection of images, while also simplifying the user interface and reducing the size of the Office suite.
Can I still download Microsoft Clipart images?
Yes, you can still download Microsoft Clipart images from the Microsoft website or through Bing Image Search. Microsoft has made many of the original Clipart images available for download under a Creative Commons license, which allows users to download and use them for free.
To download Clipart images, simply visit the Microsoft website or use Bing Image Search to find the images you want to use. Once you’ve found the image you want to download, click on it to open it in a new window, then right-click on the image and select “Save as” to download it to your computer.