From Stick Figures to Stunning Art, New AI Tools in MS Paint Empower Users to Create Like Never Before
In a surprising and exciting development, Microsoft has breathed new life into MS Paint — one of its most iconic yet simple applications — by integrating powerful artificial intelligence tools. Since its release in 1985, Paint has been widely known as a beginner’s platform for basic image editing and rudimentary illustrations. But with a recent Windows 11 update, Microsoft has elevated Paint’s creative potential, giving users tools that can produce impressive, professional-looking images.
The latest update introduces generative fill and generative erase capabilities to MS Paint. Users can now add AI-generated elements to their art simply by typing in prompts, and with the erase feature, they can remove unwanted objects from images without disturbing the background. Microsoft’s Dave Grochocki announced these features in a blog post, explaining that they allow users to overlay AI images onto existing artwork with remarkable ease and accuracy. These additions are among the latest steps Microsoft has taken to integrate artificial intelligence across its suite of consumer products, including Paint, Notepad, and its AI-powered Copilot assistant.
The rollout begins with Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program, which offers a sneak peek at these innovations to early adopters. However, users will need devices equipped with Microsoft Copilot+, the company’s latest AI iteration, to fully leverage these new tools.
Text-to-Image Creativity: A Game-Changer
AI-generated artwork has surged in popularity since OpenAI launched its DALL-E image generation tool in 2021, and now, this transformative technology has found its way into Paint. Generative fill, powered by DALL-E, lets users bring their creative visions to life, even if their own artistic skills are limited. By entering descriptive prompts, anyone can generate realistic or fantastical elements within Paint, instantly expanding its functionality from basic drawings to intricate and personalized art.
This isn’t Microsoft’s first AI-driven update to Paint. In 2023, the company introduced Image Creator, also based on DALL-E, which allowed users to experiment with AI-generated art. With the new Windows update, Microsoft has expanded access to Image Creator for European users as well, signaling its commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to a wider audience.
A New Era for Core Apps
Microsoft’s AI investments reflect its ambition to lead in an increasingly competitive market. Beyond Paint, the company recently announced a significant update to its Copilot virtual assistant, which now has enhanced user-friendly capabilities designed to streamline workflows and simplify tasks across Microsoft Office applications.
Microsoft has also embedded AI functionality into Notepad, where users can rewrite or modify text with AI-assisted adjustments to tone and length. This development mirrors similar advancements by competitors like Apple, which launched its own suite of AI tools, such as “Writing Tools,” with the iOS 18.1 update for iPhones. Both companies are aiming to simplify creativity and productivity for consumers with accessible, AI-driven solutions.
Staying Ahead in the AI Race
Microsoft’s efforts come amid broader shifts in the tech landscape as giants like Meta lean into AI content. Recently, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared plans to continue expanding AI-generated content on Facebook and Instagram, envisioning “a whole new category of content” that AI tools create or summarize. Though not without challenges, as users have seen an influx of AI-generated spam on platforms like Facebook, these tools continue to generate intrigue and foster creativity.
An Icon Reinvented
MS Paint has been part of Microsoft’s offerings since the first Windows release nearly 40 years ago, and its digital legacy has endured as a staple of the early internet era. The application’s simplicity has long made it an unlikely candidate for major updates, but these AI enhancements bring it firmly into the modern age, transforming it from a rudimentary tool into a versatile platform for creative expression.
This reimagining of Paint shows how Microsoft is positioning itself at the forefront of AI integration, striving to make advanced technology more accessible to everyday users. With AI-enhanced MS Paint and Notepad, Microsoft not only aims to empower creative novices but also reaffirms its vision of a future where technology simplifies and enriches users’ lives.
The new AI features in MS Paint are set to make a lasting impact, redefining what’s possible with a few clicks and an idea.
