MS Paint, also known as Microsoft Paint, is being updated with two new image editing features that allow users to edit images more effectively using Microsoft’s free graphics manipulation tool. Users can edit images using layers, similar to Adobe’s widely used Photoshop software. MS Paint also allows users to work with transparent images and save them once edited. The features are expected to roll out to all Windows 11 users at a later date.
In a recent Windows Insider blog post, Microsoft announced that the company’s nearly 40-year-old computer program will be updated with layering support. Users can “add, delete, and manage layers on the canvas,” according to the company. These layers can be hidden at will, allowing users to work on them without affecting the content of other layers.
Like other image manipulation tools such as Photoshop and the open-source GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP), layers are also visible in the order they are placed. Digital elements on each layer can then be organized or adjusted so that they appear behind other elements in the image. Microsoft’s blog post gives an example of an image with pixelated artwork of a cat with five layers, including a yellow background.
Another important feature that has made its way to MS Paint is transparency support. Users can now open and edit transparent images (such as PNGs) within the application, displaying a duotone checkerboard pattern as a background for parts of the image that are transparent.
With the new transparency support, MS Paint’s eraser tool can also selectively remove the background, making it transparent. When the image is ready to be saved, Paint saves it as a PNG file with the transparency. The application previously saved the image after filling the transparent areas with a white background.
There’s no word on when layering and transparency support will make its way to all users on Windows 11. Microsoft is currently testing the new functionality with Windows Insider testers on the Canary and Dev channels on version 11.2308.18.0 or newer. The company is expected to roll out the features to all users once testing is completed.
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MS Paint, Microsoft Paint, MS Paint features, MS Paint update, MS Paint layers, MS Paint transparency, Microsoft apps, Windows, Windows Insiders, Windows 11, Microsoft
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