Windows Paint App is one of the most popular and easy-to-use applications that comes pre-installed with every version of Windows operating system. It allows you to create and edit simple drawings, sketches, and paintings using a variety of tools and colors. You can also use it to add annotations, shapes, and text to your images.
In this article, we will show you how to use Windows Paint App in Microsoft Windows 11, the latest version of Windows that was released in October 2023. By the end of this article, you will be able to create your own artworks using Windows Paint App. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is Windows Paint App?
Windows Paint App, also known as Microsoft Paint or simply Paint, is a graphics editing program that has been included in every version of Windows since Windows 1.0 in 1985. It is designed to be simple and user-friendly, so that anyone can use it without any prior experience or training.
Windows Paint App allows you to create and edit bitmap images, which are composed of pixels (small dots) of different colors. You can use a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen, or a stylus to draw on a blank canvas or an existing image. You can also use various tools and options to change the size, shape, color, and style of your drawings.
Windows Paint App supports several file formats, such as BMP, JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and ICO. You can save your paintings as files on your computer or share them with others via email, social media, or cloud storage.
What’s new in MS Paint in Windows 11
The appearance of the app has undergone a significant transformation. You’ll notice that the corners are now rounded, the toolbar icons and symbols have been updated, and there’s an entirely new user interface (UI). Additionally, there’s a drop-down menu for selecting different types of brushes, along with a new circular color palette. While these changes may not seem like a major overhaul, they make a noticeable difference when using the app. It’s now much improved and provides a fresh and enjoyable user experience.
In terms of inserting text into your images, there have been some improvements as well. The new UI and design are visually appealing and offer a distinct and improved working experience.
Discover a simple method for removing backgrounds in Microsoft Paint and Paint 3D by reading the article titled “How to Easily Remove Background in Microsoft Paint and Paint 3D.” This informative guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you achieve clean and precise background removal, enhancing your image editing skills using these widely accessible software tools.
How to Access Windows Paint App in Windows 11?
Windows 11 is the latest version of Windows that was released in October 2023. It features a new design, improved performance, enhanced security, and more features and apps. One of the apps that comes pre-installed with Windows 11 is Windows Paint App.
There are several ways to access Windows Paint App in Windows 11. Here are some of them:
- From the Start menu: Click on the Start button on the lower-left corner of your screen. Then click on All apps and scroll down until you find Windows Paint App. Click on it to open it.
- From the Run dialog box: Press the Windows key + R shortcut to open the Run dialog box. Then type “mspaint” (without quotation marks) and click OK or press Enter.
MS Paint Tools in Windows 11
In Windows 11’s MS Paint, the tools are organized in a top menu ribbon. Here’s a breakdown of the tools and their functions:
Paste and Import
- You can import or copy/paste images into the Paint app.
- Options include directly importing an image or copying it from the clipboard (CTRL+C) and pasting it.
- You can also open an image using the File option in the main menu ribbon.
Cut, Crop, Flip, and Rotate
- These tools allow you to cut, crop, flip, and rotate images.
- The Resize tool has a new symbol but functions similarly to previous versions.
Basic Editing Tools
- This set includes the pencil, eraser, paint bucket, color picker, text tool, and magnifier.
- These tools are essential for image editing, and they remain largely unchanged from previous versions.
- The eraser tool can be used to correct mistakes, but you can also use the Ctrl+Z shortcut to undo changes.
Text Tool
- To add text to your image, click on the letter “A” in the third toolset of the main menu ribbon.
- You can now choose the font, font size, and apply formatting options like bold, italic, underline, or strikethrough.
- New alignment options allow you to align text to the left, center, or right, which was not available in earlier versions.
- You can also make the text transparent or add a background by checking a checkbox.
In summary, the tools in Windows 11’s MS Paint are categorized logically in the main menu ribbon, with some improvements like text alignment options and the ability to add text backgrounds. The basic editing tools remain familiar and user-friendly.
Brushes in MS Paint Windows 11
- Brushes are among the most frequently used tools in the MS Paint app.
- To access brushes, click on the Brush icon located in the main menu ribbon.
- A drop-down menu will appear, allowing you to select the brush type that suits your needs. This variety of brush options gives you flexibility in your creative work, allowing you to choose the right brush for your project.
How to add shapes in MS Paint
- The next toolset in the app includes various shapes that you can easily add to your images.
- Shapes are particularly handy when creating presentations or marking specific points in an image.
- You can apply different colors to these shapes, but to do so, you must first select a color from the color palette.
- Additionally, there is a tool available to adjust the thickness or size of your brush or shapes, giving you control over the visual elements of your design.
Using the Color Palette
- The color palette is the final toolset in the MS Paint app.
- Unlike previous versions where you had Color 1 and Color 2 labels, in the new Paint app for Windows 11, you will see two circles on the left side of the color palette.
- The top circle represents Color 1, which is the primary color, while the bottom one is Color 2, the secondary color.
- To activate a color option, simply click on the respective circle.
- In addition to the predefined colors in the palette, you can also choose custom colors by clicking on the small multicolored circle located on the right side of the color palette. This feature allows you to have a broader range of colors at your disposal for your creative projects.
In summary, brushes are crucial for artistic expression and editing in MS Paint, allowing you to create various brushstroke effects. Shapes can be added in different colors, and the color palette has been updated to offer more flexibility with Color 1 and Color 2 options, as well as the ability to choose custom colors. These tools collectively enhance your image creation and editing capabilities in Windows 11’s MS Paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows Paint App free?
Yes, Windows Paint App is free and comes pre-installed with every version of Windows operating system.
Can I use Windows Paint App on other devices?
Yes, you can use Windows Paint App on other devices that run on Windows operating system, such as tablets, laptops, or desktops. You can also use it on devices that support touch screen or stylus input.
Can I use Windows Paint App offline?
Yes, you can use Windows Paint App offline without an internet connection. However, some features such as sharing or printing may require an internet connection.
Can I import or export images from or to other applications?
Yes, you can import or export images from or to other applications that support the same file formats as Windows Paint App. For example, you can import an image from Photos app or export an image to Word app.
Can I undo or redo my actions in Windows Paint App?
Yes, you can undo or redo your actions in Windows Paint App by clicking on Edit > Undo or Edit > Redo in the toolbar or by pressing Ctrl + Z or Ctrl + Y shortcuts. You can undo or redo up to 50 actions in a session.
Conclusion
Windows Paint App is a fun and easy way to create and edit simple drawings, sketches, and paintings using a variety of tools and colors. You can also use it to add annotations, shapes, and text to your images. Windows Paint App comes pre-installed with every version of Windows operating system, including Windows 11.
In this article, we have shown you how to use Windows Paint App in Microsoft Windows 11. We hope that this article has helped you learn how to use Windows Paint App in Windows 11 and have fun with it. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below.
