microsoft paint is getting its own photoshop-like Microsoft is enhancing its Paint application for Windows 11 by introducing features that align more closely with professional graphic design tools like Photoshop.
microsoft paint is getting its own photoshop-like
New Features in Microsoft Paint
Project File Support
Microsoft has been steadily improving its Paint app for Windows 11 over the past few years, introducing features such as dark mode, transparency, layers, and even AI-powered image creation. The latest update brings two significant features that resemble those found in Adobe Photoshop. One of the most notable additions is the ability to save Paint creations as project files, akin to Photoshop Document (.PSD) files. This functionality is currently being tested with Windows Insiders in the Dev and Canary Channels.
Dave Grochocki, the principal product manager lead for Microsoft’s Windows inbox apps, explained, “You can now save your creation as an editable Paint project file and seamlessly pick up where you left off.” This enhancement allows users to store their work in a .paint file format, which retains all layers within the file. This is a significant upgrade for users who require more flexibility and control over their artwork.
The ability to save and reopen projects means that users can work on complex designs over multiple sessions without losing their progress. When users are ready to return to their project, they can simply open the .paint file to resume editing in Paint, right where they left off. This feature is particularly beneficial for artists and designers who often juggle multiple projects or need to take breaks during their creative process.
Opacity Sliders for Enhanced Control
In addition to project file support, Microsoft is introducing opacity sliders that allow users to adjust the transparency of the pencil and brush tools in Paint. Grochocki noted, “To get started, select either tool and use the slider on the left side of the canvas to adjust the opacity to your desired level.” This feature provides users with greater control over their artistic expression, enabling them to create more nuanced and layered artwork.
Opacity control is a fundamental feature in many graphic design applications, and its inclusion in Paint signifies Microsoft’s commitment to making the app more versatile for both casual users and professionals. By allowing users to manipulate the transparency of their strokes, Paint can now facilitate more sophisticated techniques such as layering, shading, and blending—techniques that are often essential in digital art.
Quick Markup Feature for Snipping Tool
Microsoft is also enhancing the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 by adding a quick markup feature that simplifies the process of annotating screenshots. This feature includes a highlighter, pen, and eraser tool in the markup toolbar, as well as the ability to easily re-crop an image.
The quick markup feature is designed to streamline the workflow for users who frequently take screenshots for work or personal use. Whether it’s for creating instructional materials, sharing feedback, or simply capturing important information, the ability to annotate images directly after capturing them can save time and improve clarity.
This enhancement is particularly useful for professionals who rely on visual communication. For instance, educators can use the markup tools to highlight important information in lecture slides, while project managers can annotate screenshots to provide clearer instructions to their teams. The ease of re-cropping images also allows users to focus on specific details, making their annotations more effective.
AI-Powered Features in Notepad
In addition to the updates in Paint and the Snipping Tool, Microsoft is also rolling out AI-powered features in Notepad for Copilot Plus PC users. These features include write, summarization, and rewrite capabilities, which will be available for free without requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription. Grochocki emphasized that users can “seamlessly switch between local and cloud models based on your needs.”
The integration of AI into Notepad represents a significant shift in how users can interact with text-based applications. The write feature allows users to generate text based on prompts, while the summarization tool can condense lengthy documents into concise overviews. The rewrite feature can help users refine their writing, making it more polished and professional.
These AI capabilities are powered by local models on Copilot Plus PCs, ensuring that users can access advanced functionalities without needing a constant internet connection. This is particularly advantageous for users who may work in environments with limited connectivity or who prefer to keep their data local for privacy reasons.
Implications for Users
The introduction of these features in Microsoft Paint and other applications has several implications for users. First and foremost, the enhancements position Paint as a more viable option for digital artists and designers who may have previously relied on more complex software like Adobe Photoshop or CorelDRAW. By incorporating features that allow for project files and opacity adjustments, Microsoft is making strides toward creating a more robust graphic design tool.
Furthermore, the quick markup feature in the Snipping Tool and the AI enhancements in Notepad reflect a broader trend in software development toward integrating more intuitive and powerful tools into everyday applications. As users increasingly seek efficiency and ease of use, these updates cater to those demands, making it easier for individuals to produce high-quality work without needing extensive training or experience.
Stakeholder Reactions
Reactions to these updates have been largely positive, particularly among the creative community. Many users have expressed excitement about the new project file feature, viewing it as a game-changer for those who use Paint for more than just basic tasks. Artists and designers have noted that the ability to save layered files will allow them to experiment more freely, knowing they can return to their work without losing any progress.
The addition of opacity sliders has also been welcomed, as users appreciate the increased control over their artistic tools. This feature aligns Paint more closely with professional-grade software, which often includes similar functionalities.
On the other hand, some users have raised questions about the overall direction of Paint and whether these updates will be enough to compete with established graphic design software. While the new features are certainly a step in the right direction, some users feel that Paint still has a long way to go before it can fully meet the needs of professional designers.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s ongoing enhancements to Paint and its other applications demonstrate a commitment to evolving user needs and preferences. By introducing project file support, opacity sliders, and AI-powered features, Microsoft is not only improving the functionality of its software but also redefining what users can expect from basic applications.
As these features roll out more broadly, it will be interesting to see how they impact user behavior and whether they encourage a new generation of digital artists to explore the capabilities of Microsoft Paint. The integration of advanced tools into everyday applications signifies a shift toward making powerful creative resources more accessible to all users, regardless of their experience level.
With these updates, Microsoft is positioning itself as a serious player in the realm of creative software, challenging the dominance of established names in the industry. As users continue to explore these new features, the potential for innovation and creativity within Paint is boundless.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: September 18, 2025 at 1:36 am
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