E1 users, document inspector and templates

Question

I've been doing some research around removing personal information in Office documents using the Document Inspector but I couldn't find this feature when using the Office web apps alone.  Although you can open the document in the desktop version, surely an E1 user wouldn't be able to do this?  Does anyone know if it's possible to clean information such as author, cropped areas of pictures, etc. in the web apps?  When using the desktop apps you can also create a template to clean documents automatically when they are saved, unfortunately I cannot find any way to create documents from my own templates using the web apps alone, does anyone know whether this is possible?  Although I can see the Microsoft-provided templates it would be nice to be able to design my own.  I'm posting this under Word as it's probably the app where this would be most used but it applies to other apps as well.

Answer 1

That's all very well,  but surely features that are required to enable someone to comply with legislation like GDPR, e.g. removing the cropped areas of pictures where a person has been removed,  should be provided as default?  If Microsoft can't provide this facility then they should remove the crop tool altogether as it can lead the user to believe they have got rid of the crowd information.   

The lack of a decent template system for the online apps can also lead to employees completing personal information in documents within Sharepoint where everyone can see them rather than creating a new document from a template (I have heard of this happening in another organisation).

Answer 2

Thanks,  I've submitted the idea.  It's a pity the web apps leave organisations vulnerable to privacy and security breaches in this way. 

When an organization buys an Office license, it is clearly stated to the purchaser what the capabilities and limitations will be in the licensed software. If the organization needs greater capabilities, it's the purchasing agent's responsibility to choose the correct license -- in this case, E3 instead of E1. The E3 license allows the administrator to assign both web and desktop copies of Office applications. A larger organization might need a few E3 licenses and many E1 licenses, to be distributed according to each employee's responsibilities.

Answer 3

Thanks,  I've submitted the idea.  It's a pity the web apps leave organisations vulnerable to privacy and security breaches in this way.

Answer 4

Hi Andrea,

Thanks for posting the question on our forum.

Yes, Office 365 E1 subscription didn’t include Office client, it can only use Office web.

However, Office web is based on web, it has the simple features.

I have tested this, it can’t meet the requirement “remove personal information” and “create custom template”.

I could understand your feeling, I know it will be more convenience for you if we can meet the requirement.

I also think it is a good idea, given the situation, I'd like to invite you to submit this idea at our User Voice or vote this similar idea which is submitted by another customer. Many features have been designed or upgraded based on customers’ comments.

Your understanding is highly appreciated.

Qing