We know this is not the happiest news, but unfortunately, the Windows Personalization Gallery open call is now closed. Which means that we're not accepting new submissions of your wonderful art or photography anymore. (And we miss it already.) Already submitted something? Please review the frequently asked questions and Terms of Use.
Here are some answers to questions you might have about your art or photography submissions to the Windows gallery.
If we choose your photo or artwork, it will either be included in a Windows theme in the gallery, or showcased on the Desktop Backgrounds page, or both.
We'll do our best to contact each person whose work is chosen, but we can't guarantee this. We will not contact anyone whose work isn't chosen.
Yes. You will be credited in one or more of the following locations:
On the feature page of the theme your image is included in
In the JPEG metadata of your image
Visibly on your image, in the lower-right corner
Yes, the copyright on your art or photograph still belongs to you. You give Microsoft permission to post your photo or artwork in the gallery, but you are still the owner of the copyright on it.
We will not significantly alter your image. We will not, for example, cut out or erase details or composite it with other images. However, we might make the following minor modifications:
Cropping and/or scaling your image so that it matches our size and dpi specifications (1920 x 1200 pixels at 96 dpi).
Changing the format of the image to JPEG, if it is not in that format already.
Minor optimizations such as making a dull or dark photograph brighter and clearer, making a horizon-line level, or making colors look naturally saturated.
Adding your credit to the image, if you have not added a credit or signature to it already.
We will credit you, but we will never share or publicize your email contact information.
Yes. If you change your mind, send an email to Windows Personalization Gallery with the word “REMOVE” in the title line. Include the following information and we will remove your image from the Windows Personalization Gallery worldwide within 60 days of receiving your request:
Your full name.
A copy of the image you want removed. It does not need to be full size, just large enough to help us identify the image.
The email name you used when submitting the image, if you are using a different one now.
Optionally, the reason why you want the image removed.
LICENSE. By submitting your photograph, image, or artwork (“Image”) to Microsoft, you grant to Microsoft (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) a worldwide, royalty-free, fully paid-up, perpetual license, in and in relation to, personalization services and features in the Windows operating system products (e.g. Windows themes and backgrounds) and any related Microsoft websites, the Windows Personalization Gallery, and any marketing and advertising materials for such personalization services and features: (a) to copy, use, and to create derivative works based on the Image; (b) to publicly perform and display copies of and derivative works based on the Image; and (c) to distribute and license copies of and derivative works based on the Image to Microsoft customers for their personal use (“License”). You unconditionally waive: all enforcement of any moral rights and similar rights that you may have in the Image, worldwide; and any right to inspect or approve the form in which the Image may be used, and you hereby consent to any alteration to, including additions to, or deletions from the Image that would otherwise violate any moral right or similar right if done without your consent.
NO OBLIGATION. Microsoft is not obligated to use the Image in any way, and may stop using the Image at any time, for any reason or no reason. Microsoft will not be liable for any damages for deciding not to use (or from ceasing to use) the Image and will solely determine the location in which the Image may be used.
ATTRIBUTION. You grant to Microsoft (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) the right to use your name, image, likeness, or any combination of these, to identify you as the artist who created the Image (collectively, “Attribution”). If Microsoft, its subsidiaries, or affiliates use the Image, they may make Attribution at their discretion, and will solely determine the placement, prominence, format, and length of time for its display and publication.
NO MONETARY COMPENSATION. You acknowledge that you have no expectation of any compensation (monetary or otherwise) for the rights granted to Microsoft, and its subsidiaries and affiliates, under these Terms of Use or the use of the Image (and any photographs or content in any Attribution).
INADVERTENT DISPLAY. If Microsoft inadvertently displays, publishes, or performs the Image as part of a Microsoft product or website not included in the License set forth in section 1 above, you will send written notice to Microsoft and Microsoft will use commercially reasonable efforts to remove the Image from such Microsoft product or website. You agree that this shall be your sole remedy for such inadvertent display of the Image.
ASSISTANCE. At the expense of Microsoft, you will execute and deliver instruments and take other actions that Microsoft may reasonably request to allow it fully to enjoy the rights granted under these Terms of Use.
PUBLICITY. Except as stated in §§1 and 3, neither party will communicate with the press or public regarding this License and these Terms of Use without the other’s prior consent.
WARRANTIES. You warrant and covenant that: (a) you are the copyright owner of the Image, (b) you have full power and authority to grant the rights and licenses under these Terms of Use; (c) distribution and use of the Image, as permitted under these Terms of Use, does not infringe any third-party intellectual property, privacy, publicity, or other proprietary right or break any law in the country where the Image was created, or require the approval, review, or payment of compensation to any person; and (d) you had all rights necessary and relevant to any person depicted in the Image in order to create the Image.
DISCLAIMERS; EXCLUSIONS; LIMITATIONS. Subject to §8, neither party makes any warranties (express, implied, or otherwise), including implied warranties of merchantability, non-infringement, fitness for a particular purpose, or title, related to its performance or anything else provided under these Terms of Use. Neither party will be liable for any special, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages of any kind for any reason whatsoever relating to the Image, any Attribution, or the License, even if such damages were reasonably foreseeable. Microsoft and its subsidiaries and affiliates’ total liability under these Terms of Use will not exceed US $500.
TERMINATION; EFFECT OF TERMINATION. Either party may terminate the License at any time upon 60 days written notice to the other party. Microsoft will cease making the Image available as soon as commercially practicable after the end of the 60-day written notice period. Sections 9, 10, and 11 will survive termination of this License. For the avoidance of doubt, Microsoft customers’ rights to the Image distributed to such customers before the expiration or termination of this License will survive expiration or termination of this License.
NOTICE. All notices under these Terms of Use will be: (i) in writing; (ii) in English (unless otherwise required); (iii) deemed given when received; (iv) sent by email, delivery service, messenger, or registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested); (v) if by email, sent to winpgal@microsoft.com; or if by physical mail, sent to “Attn: Program Manager, Windows 7 Themes, Microsoft” (with a fax copy to Legal ' Corporate Affairs at (425) 936-7329).
JURISDICTION AND VENUE. These Terms of Use are governed by Washington law, and the parties consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the King County Federal or State courts.
Learn how to create themes using your own photos or art.
Discover how to set up and change pictures for use on your desktop, Start, and lock screen.
Discover ways to personalize your PC with your favorite apps, people, photos, and colors.
Go behind the scenes for more on themes and wallpaper on Blogging Windows.
