Microsoft Paint App Receives Impressive Upgrades Similar to Photoshop at No Cost

The Microsoft Paint app, which holds nostalgic memories from our childhood, was often one of the initial programs Windows users would explore before the Internet era. Despite undergoing redesigns and receiving additional features, the essence of the Paint app has largely remained unchanged. However, a significant shift is now occurring as Microsoft introduces advanced Photoshop-like capabilities like transparency and layers, empowering users to craft intricate artwork.

In a blog post, Microsoft announced: “Today, we’re starting to release an update for Paint to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels (version 11.2308.18.0 or later). With this update, we’re introducing support for layers and transparency.” These two features are staples for advanced image editing applications like Photoshop, allowing users to create more versatile digital art.

Microsoft Paint is getting two new features

Now you have the ability to enhance and refine your digital art on canvas by adding, removing and arranging layers effortlessly. Layers allow you to overlay shapes, text, and various image components, allowing you to create complex compositions. To get started, click the newly introduced Layers button in the toolbar, which reveals a side panel next to the canvas. This panel acts as a control center for adding new layers to the canvas. Experiment with rearranging the order of layers in this panel to see how it affects the placement of stacked image elements on the canvas. In addition, you can easily change the visibility of individual layers, make copies or merge layers together to achieve the desired artistic result.

The Paint app has also introduced another feature called Transparency, which includes the ability to open and save images in transparent PNG format. When working with a single layer, you will see a checkerboard pattern on the canvas that indicates the transparent areas of the image. Removing content from the canvas now removes the content instead of filling the area with white. In the case of multiple layers, when you remove content from one layer, it reveals the content of the layers below it.

These features are rolling out and Insiders will see them in their accounts soon.