Microsoft has made significant strides in enhancing Paint, a staple application since the inception of Windows, particularly with the rollout of Windows 11. While the initial updates focused on modernizing the user interface—such as the introduction of Dark mode—subsequent enhancements have delved deeper into Paint’s core functionalities, particularly its bitmap image creation and editing capabilities.
✅ Tip: Unlike Notepad, Paint’s new features, whether powered by AI or not, cannot be disabled. What you see is what you get.
⚙️ Defaults
The array of features available in Paint varies depending on the specifications of your PC. Most users will have access to a standard set of tools, while those equipped with a Copilot+ PC will unlock additional image creation and editing functionalities. To explore the differences, simply open the Copilot menu within the Paint toolbar.
🔨 Customize
Customization options in Paint are somewhat limited, and users cannot disable any of its image creation or editing features. However, there are a few key aspects you can tailor:
- The app theme: Paint defaults to the theme set in your system settings, but you can override this choice specifically for Paint through its settings interface.
- Watermark for AI-generated content: By default, Paint does not add a watermark to AI-generated images. However, you can configure it to either add a watermark automatically or prompt you each time you save an AI-created image. This watermark appears as a small Copilot logo in the bottom right corner.
✅ Tip: The watermark serves as a content credentials identifier, adhering to the C2PA standard used by many popular image editing applications.
The toolbar: Paint features a sizable toolbar at the top of the application window, providing access to various command-based tools. While you cannot resize or hide specific commands, you can set the toolbar to auto-hide for a cleaner workspace. Simply click the small caret at the far right of the toolbar and select “Automatically hide toolbar.”
✅ Tip: Pressing F11 allows you to view your work in full screen, enhancing your focus on the image at hand.
🆕 New Paint features you will see on any PC
Since the announcement of Windows 11, Microsoft has actively promoted updates to its in-box applications, including Paint. Initially, these changes were primarily aesthetic, aligning Paint with the overall Windows 11 design. However, functional updates soon followed, introducing enhancements such as an updated Text tool, layer capabilities akin to those found in Photoshop, and support for transparent PNG files.
With Microsoft’s recent focus on AI, Paint has become even more intriguing. The application now offers several AI-driven features, some accessible on any PC, while others necessitate a Copilot+ PC due to their reliance on local AI functionality. Accessing these features is straightforward via a drop-down menu in the Paint toolbar. However, it’s important to note that certain AI features require a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 subscription, with users spending AI credits for each use.
✅ Tip: You can check your AI credit balance at any time on the Microsoft account website.
Layers and projects
Paint’s layers feature has evolved significantly. Previously, users could save images with multiple layers but could not edit them upon reopening. Now, the introduction of the Projects feature allows users to save their work as a .paint file, preserving layer data for future editing. To initiate this, open Paint, optionally load an image, and select File > Save a project.
⌨️ Keyboard shortcut: Use Ctrl + Shift + S to save your project quickly.
After saving, you can continue to work with multiple layers and later export your project as a standard image format.
Remove background
Paint now includes a highly effective Remove background tool, available in both the Image group and the Copilot drop-down menu. This feature is completely free and does not require AI credits.
Image Creator
Image Creator allows users to generate images based on text prompts, similar to capabilities found in AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. While it produces high-quality images, users must have a Microsoft 365 subscription and spend AI credits for each creation. Additionally, it only generates a single image and lacks the flexibility to modify ongoing prompts.
Generative erase
This cloud-based tool enables users to remove objects from images, akin to Google Photos’ Magic Eraser. To use it, select Generative erase from the Copilot menu, adjust the eraser size, and apply the changes with a simple click.
🆕 New Paint features that require a Copilot+ PC
Copilot+ PCs, equipped with advanced processors and sufficient RAM, unlock a suite of features in Paint that operate locally without the need for cloud connectivity. This means users can enjoy these functionalities offline, free from the constraints of AI credits or subscriptions.
✅ Tip: If the required small language model (SLM) isn’t installed, you will be prompted to download it from the Microsoft Store when attempting to access these features.
Object select
This feature employs AI to facilitate the selection of objects within an image, allowing users to copy, move, or erase them with ease. Simply hover over the desired object and click to select.
✅ Tip: The Generative fill feature requires a Qualcomm Snapdragon X-based Copilot+ PC.
Sticker generator
The Sticker generator allows users to create personalized digital stickers by describing their desired design. Paint will generate four options to choose from, which can then be resized or edited as needed.
Cocreator
Cocreator combines text prompts with user-drawn designs, enabling the AI to generate a refined version of the sketch. Users can adjust the Creativity slider to influence the quality of the generated image and select from various artistic styles.
Generative fill (Snapdragon X Copilot+ PCs only)
This feature allows users to fill selected areas of an image based on text prompts, providing a versatile tool for creative expression. Users can refine their selections and choose their preferred version before finalizing the changes.
