Microsoft Paint, often regarded as a basic tool for quick edits, is undergoing a transformative upgrade with the introduction of a Copilot AI feature. This innovative addition allows users to enhance their creative endeavors by leveraging the capabilities of Microsoft’s AI assistant. Currently, this update is available exclusively to Windows Insiders, with plans for broader access as Microsoft fine-tunes the functionality.
Upon clicking the Copilot button in the Paint taskbar, users are greeted with a suite of AI-driven tools designed to elevate their artistic experience. Among these features is the Image Creator, which utilizes OpenAI’s DALL-E model to generate images from text prompts. Another intriguing tool, Cocreator, merges user-generated doodles with text inputs to produce unique artwork. Additionally, the Generative Erase function allows users to seamlessly remove objects or people from images while preserving the integrity of the background.
This isn’t the first instance of Paint embracing AI technology. In 2023, Microsoft began integrating Cocreator into the application, followed by the introduction of generative fill, which enables users to modify or replace elements within an image through AI instructions. The consolidation of these tools under the Copilot umbrella streamlines the user experience, making it easier to access and utilize these advanced features.
Organization Copilot
Beyond Paint, Microsoft is also enhancing its AI-powered search capabilities. Initially available for local files, this feature has now expanded to include cloud storage, allowing users to locate their OneDrive photos by simply describing them. For instance, instead of sifting through countless folders, a user can type “beach sunset from last summer,” and the AI will efficiently retrieve the relevant images.
While Paint may not be the most glamorous tool in Microsoft’s arsenal, the integration of AI signifies a noteworthy evolution for an application many believed would fade into obscurity. Instead, Paint is poised to flourish in the age of AI, thanks to its enduring simplicity and newfound capabilities that cater to the creative needs of users.
