Viqus Logo Viqus Logo
Home
Categories
Language Models Generative Imagery Hardware & Chips Business & Funding Ethics & Society Science & Robotics
Resources
AI Glossary Academy CLI Tool Labs
About Contact
Back to all news GENERATIVE IMAGERY

Microsoft Paint Gets Photoshop-Like Features

Microsoft Paint Windows 11 AI Photoshop Transparency Features Productivity
September 17, 2025
Viqus Verdict Logo Viqus Verdict Logo 7
Creative Revival
Media Hype 6/10
Real Impact 7/10

Article Summary

Microsoft is undertaking a significant overhaul of its long-dormant Paint app for Windows 11, incorporating features previously found in industry-standard software like Photoshop. The most notable addition is the ability to save creations as editable project files with the '.paint' extension, allowing users to seamlessly resume work. Alongside this, Paint is gaining opacity sliders for pencil and brush tools, offering granular control over transparency. Further enhancements include a markup tool with highlighter, pen, and eraser capabilities, as well as the integration of AI-powered write, summarization, and rewrite tools within Notepad for Copilot Plus PC users. This strategic investment signals Microsoft’s intent to reposition Paint as a versatile tool suitable for both casual and more serious creative tasks. The move also highlights the growing importance of AI-powered features within everyday applications.

Key Points

  • Microsoft is adding project file saving to Paint, similar to Photoshop.
  • Opacity sliders are being introduced for pencil and brush tools, allowing for precise transparency control.
  • The app is receiving a new markup tool with annotation features.

Why It Matters

This news matters because it represents a surprising and potentially impactful shift in Microsoft’s approach to its legacy software. By adding features that compete with professional tools, Microsoft is attempting to broaden Paint’s appeal and reclaim its position in the creative software landscape. This move also demonstrates the company’s continued investment in AI and its integration into commonly used applications, a trend increasingly shaping the future of productivity tools. Professionals relying on image editing software will want to observe how this evolves.

You might also be interested in