Microsoft's once-humble Paint application continues its transformation into a capable image editing tool with the introduction of project file saving capabilities and enhanced transparency controls. The latest Windows Insider build brings features that bridge the gap between basic image editing and professional-grade functionality.
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| A digital artwork illustrating the enhanced capabilities of Microsoft Paint, depicting a futuristic cybernetic scene |
Revolutionary Project File System
Microsoft Paint now supports saving work as editable project files using a new .paint file extension. This feature allows users to preserve their layered compositions and return to edit them later, similar to Adobe Photoshop's .PSD format. The implementation stores all layer information within the project file, enabling seamless workflow continuity. Users can access this functionality through the File menu's Save as project option, which opens File Explorer for location selection and file naming.
Enhanced Transparency and Opacity Features
The update introduces opacity sliders for both pencil and brush tools, providing artists with greater control over transparency effects. Located on the left side of the canvas, these sliders allow real-time adjustment of tool opacity levels. This enhancement significantly improves Paint's capability for creating blended effects and sophisticated layering techniques that were previously impossible within the application.
Snipping Tool Improvements
Microsoft has expanded the Snipping Tool's functionality with a quick markup feature designed for screenshot annotation. The new toolbar includes highlighter, pen, and eraser tools, alongside improved image re-cropping capabilities. These additions streamline the process of annotating and editing captured screenshots directly within the Windows ecosystem.
AI-Powered Notepad Integration
Copilot Plus PC users will receive AI-powered writing assistance in Notepad without requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription. The feature includes write, summarization, and rewrite capabilities that seamlessly switch between local and cloud-based models. This integration leverages the local processing power of Copilot Plus PCs while maintaining flexibility for cloud-based operations when needed.
Paint's Ongoing Evolution
These updates represent Microsoft's continued investment in modernizing its built-in applications. Paint has evolved significantly from its basic origins, now featuring background removal, object selection, layers, dark mode, and AI-powered image generation. The addition of project file saving marks a significant milestone in Paint's journey toward becoming a legitimate alternative for intermediate image editing tasks.
The features are currently available to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Canary Channels, indicating they will likely appear in regular Windows releases in the near future. This gradual rollout approach allows Microsoft to gather feedback and refine the functionality before widespread deployment.