Microsoft is enhancing its Paint application for Windows 11 by introducing new features aimed at improving user experience. Among these updates are a dark mode, transparency options, layers, and AI-powered image creation capabilities. Recently, two new features akin to those found in Photoshop have been announced.
One significant addition is the ability to save Paint projects as editable files, similar to the Photoshop Document (.PSD) format. Currently, this function is being tested by Windows Insiders in the Dev and Canary Channels. According to Dave Grochocki, the principal product manager for Microsoft’s Windows inbox apps, users can save their work as a Paint project file with the .paint file extension, which will retain layers within the file. This feature allows users to easily return to their projects later, resuming from where they left off.
Another new feature involves the implementation of opacity sliders for the pencil and brush tools, enabling users to adjust transparency levels according to their preferences. Users can select a tool and utilize a slider on the left side of the canvas for adjustments.
Additionally, for those using the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, Microsoft is introducing a quick markup feature to simplify the annotation of screenshots. This includes tools such as a highlighter, pen, and eraser, along with an option to re-crop images easily.
Lastly, Microsoft plans to introduce AI-driven features within Notepad for Copilot Plus PC users. These include capabilities for writing, summarizing, and rewriting text. Importantly, this will not require a Microsoft 365 subscription, as users can switch between local and cloud models according to their needs. Local models will power this feature on Copilot Plus PCs.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/780287/microsoft-paint-project-files-feature-photoshop-psd