Paint is useful for quick Windows image work: cropping a screenshot, resizing a photo, adding labels, drawing arrows, or saving a copy in another image format. Windows 11 also includes AI-assisted Paint features, but they require supported hardware and are not available on every PC.
This guide covers opening a screenshot, making ordinary edits, using newer AI tools when supported, and choosing between Paint and Photos.
Check which Paint features your PC supports
Basic Paint tools work on supported Windows 10 and Windows 11 installations. The newer AI features are more restricted:
- Microsoft’s current AI Paint documentation applies to Windows 11.
- AI features require a Copilot+ PC and the latest Paint version from the Microsoft Store.
- You must sign in with a Microsoft account and have an internet connection for cloud safety services.
- Generative Fill additionally requires a Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PC.
If Paint is missing, install it through the Microsoft Store. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Paint may still run, but its features and interface can depend on the installed Microsoft Store app version.
#1 Best Overall
- [Wide Compatibility]-This stylus pen for touchscreen is for capacitive screen electronic product and is specially designed for Android device on the market.The iphone stylus pen is suit with suit with XiaoMi/Huawei/Vivo/Lenovo/Pixel/iPhone 6-15 ,Amazon Fire Series tablet and more other android devices. Some compatible device models- Galaxy Tab A9/A9+/S9/S23 FE/S24/S25/Z Fold5/Z Fold 6/A13 /A25/ (Note: This lenovo pen is not compatible with Microsoft devices,Apple iPad,Kindle devices,Windows,Laptop,S7+, tab s4,S10 and One note app. Please check your device model before placing an order.
- 【Smart Touch Switch & Power Save】-The touch screen pen stylus is easy to use: just double-tap the top of the android tablet capacitive stylus pen . There's no need for drivers or bluetooth settings. This iphone pen uses the USB-C charging port,just 35 minutes of charging will give you 8-10 hours of operation.Our digital pen has smart energy-saving feature, automatically turn to "sleep mode" after 5 minutes of inactivity and avoid unnecessary battery consumption.
- 【High Precise and Sensitive】-The pom tip of the stylist pen is wear-resistant,designed for professionals who need high precision and accuracy,is a great feature for anyone who uses a stylus pen android for designing work or drawing. They are very smooth and high responseon the screen, without lag or jumping.Luntak android stylus pen also a great gift for family and friends who love to create.
- 【Magnetic Absorption】-The magnetic feature is a great convenience for users who want to keep their samsung pen close at hand and prevent it from getting lost，more portable and more easier to organize.（Note: The magnetic function requires a built-in magnet on your tablet; otherwise, it cannot be attached. The magnetic surfaces of other tablets may not be a perfect fit.)
- 【What You Get】-Our tablet pens for touch screen set includes：1* stylist pens，3* Replaceable POM Tips，1* Type-C charging cable，1* User Manual.We support 1-year product warranty and 1-month free return and exchange policy for our pen with stylus tip. If you encounter any issues, please don't hesitate to contact us. Please note the apple pens does not support palm rejection, so avoid touching the screen with your hands.Does not support pressure sensitivity.
Open a picture in Paint
Open an existing picture
- Open Paint from Start by typing Paint and selecting the app.
- Open the image with Paint’s image-opening control, or drag the picture from File Explorer onto the Paint window.
- Make a copy before editing an original photo if you may need the unmodified version later.
You can also open a picture from File Explorer with Open with and select Paint when it is listed as an available app.
Send a Snipping Tool capture to Paint
This is a quick route for editing a screenshot:
- Press Windows logo key + Shift + S.
- Choose a capture mode: Rectangle, Window, Full screen, or Freeform.
- Capture the area you need.
- Select the capture notification to open it in Snipping Tool.
- Select Edit > Edit with Paint.
You can also open Snipping Tool by selecting Start, typing snipping tool, and selecting it. The Print Screen key captures a static image of the entire screen and places it on the clipboard; paste that capture into Paint to edit it there.
Crop a picture in Paint
Cropping removes unwanted edges and is usually a useful first edit.
- Open the image in Paint.
- Choose the Selection tool.
- Drag around the part of the picture you want to keep.
- Choose the crop control in the Paint toolbar.
For a screenshot, crop out empty desktop space, unrelated browser tabs, or notification areas before adding annotations. Make the selection slightly larger than the important content so labels and borders are not accidentally cut off.
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- Open the picture in Paint.
- Use Paint’s resize control in the toolbar.
- Choose whether to resize by percentage or by pixel dimensions.
- Keep the option that preserves the aspect ratio enabled when you do not want the image stretched.
- Enter the new size and apply it.
For example, reducing a 4,000 × 3,000 pixel photo to 2,000 × 1,500 pixels preserves its 4:3 shape and produces a smaller image. If you type only one dimension while maintaining the aspect ratio, Paint calculates the other dimension.
Enlarging a small image does not restore detail. It generally makes edges softer, so resize down when possible and keep the original for later use.
Rank #2
- ⇛Stylus pens for touch screens. This stylus can use on all capacitive touch screens, as long as your finger works on the screen. This stylus would free your finger and offer more high sensitive and respond on screen.
- ⇛This stylus does not need battery and no need connection before use. It design with disc tip which is simulation with human finger. You can use it just same as a real pen on drawing apps, take note, scrolling screen, read news etc.
- ⇛Compatible for all touch screens, Universal stylus, suitable for touch screen devices, A pen for all version of apple iPad/iPhone/iPod /iWatch, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7/A7, ChormeBook, Microsoft Surface, Fire HD 8 tablet, Fire HD 8 Kids Edition, Android Phone & Tablet, MatrixPad, Dragon Touch Notepad, Touch Screen Cell Phone etc
- ⇛Magnetic cap is easy to store the disc tip, and protect it in good condition. OASO stylus also offer a extra replacement disc tip inside the stylus, which is on other side. Kindly screw out the pen end, you can pour out the extra disc tip. Package also include one leather pen case for carry out.
Rotate or flip an image
- Open the picture in Paint.
- Use the image transformation controls in the toolbar.
- Choose a 90-degree rotation, a 180-degree rotation, or a horizontal or vertical flip.
Rotation is useful for correcting a sideways phone photo. A flip creates a mirrored version, which can reverse text, logos, or the apparent direction of a person—check the result before saving.
Add text, arrows, and highlights
Add text
- Choose the Text tool.
- Drag a text box over the image.
- Type the label or explanation.
- Set the font, size, color, and background treatment while the text box is still active.
- Click outside the text box when finished.
Paint text is normally committed to the image after you click away. Proofread it first; once it becomes part of the bitmap, editing individual words is not like editing text in a document.
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- Select a line, arrow, rectangle, or another shape from the toolbar.
- Choose the outline color and, where available, the fill and line thickness.
- Drag across the relevant area.
Use a contrasting color such as red or yellow for screenshots, but avoid covering the detail you are trying to identify. For a precise annotation, zoom in before drawing and zoom out to inspect the final result.
Use the pencil, brush, or eraser
The pencil and brush are suitable for freehand marks, signatures, and highlighting. The eraser removes pixels from the image rather than restoring the original photograph. If an accidental stroke is recent, undo it; otherwise, reopen the original or work from a duplicate.
Select, copy, and move part of a picture
- Choose Selection.
- Choose a rectangular or free-form selection mode if those options are shown.
- Drag around the object or area.
- Move the selection to reposition it, or copy and paste it to create a duplicate.
Selections are useful for moving a logo, duplicating a small element, or deleting a section before replacing it with a solid color. They do not automatically understand the boundary of a person or object in ordinary Paint editing; detailed cutouts may require manual selection or a different editor.
Use Paint’s AI editing tools on a supported Copilot+ PC
Do not assume that every Windows 11 computer has these controls. Update Paint through the Microsoft Store and check whether your device meets Microsoft’s Copilot+ requirements.
Rank #3
- 【Stylus for Touch Screen】This stylus can be used on touch screen, designed to replace your fingers, the stylus can free up your fingers and provide higher sensitivity and response on the screen.
- 【Capacitive stylus】This is a capacitive stylus (battery-free, requires no charging, and functions like a fingertip)—not an active stylus. It does not support pressure sensitivity or palm rejection. However, it allows for tapping, scrolling, note-taking, and drawing on touchscreens; if you require professional-grade drawing capabilities on an iPad, please choose an active stylus instead.
- 【2-in-1 Stylus Pen】This stylus features two different tips: a flexible transparent disc tip and a rubber tip. Applying moderate pressure when using the rubber tip ensures full contact with the screen—especially on screens with protective films—thereby enabling stable signal transmission. The combination of the rubber tip and the disc tip offers two distinct touch experiences.Please note that the plastic piece on the transparent disc is an integral part of the tip and cannot be removed.
- 【Works On Capacitive Touch Screens】Compatible with iPad, iPad Air/mini, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Android tablets, Kindle and smartphones. Also works over most screen protectors — glide, no scratch. The stylus is used to replace your fingers on a touchscreen, Avoid rubbing your fingers and leaving fingerprints on touchscreen devices. If it cannot be used for writing on some devices, This may be due to limitations in the settings of touchscreen devices. If you cannot find a solution, please contact us at any time, and we will help you resolve the issue.
- 【Multiple Usage Scenarios】Whether you are taking notes in class, reviewing documents at work, drawing creative designs, or enjoying mobile games, this universal stylus pen delivers a smooth and comfortable touch experience. It is ideal for writing, sketching, annotating, scrolling, and precise screen control on tablets and smartphones. From daily tasks to creative projects, this stylus helps you capture ideas anytime and anywhere.
Object Select
- Open the image in Paint.
- Choose Object select from the Paint toolbar.
- Hover over the object and click it.
- Use the resulting selection to copy, move, erase, or edit the object with generative fill.
Object detection can fail. If the selected boundary is wrong, try a clearer image or report the problem with Paint’s Feedback button.
Generative Fill
Generative Fill inserts AI-generated content into a selected area rather than changing the entire image.
- Open or create an image in Paint.
- Choose Selection.
- Choose Rectangle or Free-form selection.
- Select the area where new content should appear.
- Choose Generative fill from the small contextual menu.
- Describe what you want in the text box.
- Select Create, or press Enter.
- Edit the prompt or choose Try again for another result.
- Select Keep to apply the chosen result to the canvas.
Generative Fill requires a Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PC. It is not the same as the background controls documented for the Photos app.
Image Creator or Cocreator
Microsoft is gradually renaming Cocreator to Image Creator, so either label may appear in Paint.
The Tool Desk
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- Select the Image Creator icon on the Paint toolbar.
- Enter a prompt.
- Choose an available style.
- Select Create.
- Choose one of the three generated variants to apply it to the Paint canvas.
Image Creator is cloud-based, requires a Microsoft account, and uses AI credits. On installations still showing Cocreator, the workflow includes entering a prompt, drawing on the canvas, adjusting the Creativity slider, choosing a Style, and selecting a generated image in the side pane. Microsoft says Cocreator is optimized for English prompts; prompts in other languages may produce weaker results.
Sticker generator
- Open the Copilot menu in Paint’s toolbar.
- Choose Sticker generator.
- Enter a description and select Generate.
- Browse the results in the side panel.
- Click a sticker to add it to the canvas, or use the panel controls to copy or save it.
Paint AI privacy and connectivity
Paint’s AI system uses a hybrid design. Microsoft says image generation runs locally through the device’s Neural Processing Unit, while Azure online services provide content filtering and safety functions. An internet connection is still required.
Rank #4
- 【New Upgraded 3-in-1 Stylus】: Building on the foundation of dual rubber tips, this new version adds a more precise and sensitive transparent disc tip, and comes with a protective cap. This 3-in-1 stylus pen meets various needs in your daily life, whether it's clicking icons, writing, drawing, or playing games, it can handle them all with ease
- 【Highly Sensitive and Accurate】: The disc tip is transparent which allows visibility of the contact point, making it highly accurate and responsive. 180° flexible writing angle for comfortable using. You can get more smooth writing or painting experience, no lag, no interruption, no screen scratching
- 【Dual-sized Rubber Tips】: The two different-sized rubber tips(0.18'' & 0.27'') are smooth and responsive, made from high-quality silicone material with excellent wear and aging resistance. The soft rubber tips won't scratch screens or leave as many fingerprints as fingers. Ideal for those with long nails or larger fingers, perfect for browsing screens, writing, note-taking, and playing games
- 【Wide Compatibility】: MEKO capacitive styluses are universally compatible with all touchscreen devices such as Apple iPad iPhone Duo/ Tablet/Nintendo Switch/ iPod/ Galaxy/ kindle & morephones, tablets, touch screen laptops & PC, e-Reders etc
- 【Easy to Use & Replaceable】: No battery or bluetooth needed, simply unscrew the pen cap to use the disc tip and use dual rubber tips directly.All 3 tips are replaceable and finish the replacement process within seconds. Package contains 2* stylus, 4* 0.18'' replacing rubber tips, 4* 0.27'' replaceable rubber tips, 2* disc tips, effectively extending the lifetime of the stylus. To find extra replacement Disc tips, please search ASIN: B016X4QJWE on Amazon.
Microsoft says the service collects device and user identifiers plus prompts for abuse prevention and monitoring, but does not store users’ input images or generated images. AI-generated images made with Cocreator contain a C2PA manifest intended to help identify AI-generated content.
Save the edited image
When the edit is complete, use Paint’s save control and choose the destination, filename, and image type offered by your installed Paint version. Saving a new copy is safer than overwriting the original.
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Use a format appropriate to the image. A lossless format is preferable for screenshots containing text and sharp interface elements, while a compressed photo format can produce a smaller file for photographs. Check the file type shown by your Paint build rather than relying on a universal default.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Paint versus Photos: which editor should you use?
Paint is a straightforward bitmap editor, while Photos provides its own photo-editing controls. Choose based on the task:
| Task or feature | Paint | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Quick annotations, drawing, simple selections | Useful for labels, shapes, and basic bitmap edits. | Photos documents markup among its editing options. |
| Crop, rotate, and adjustments | Suitable for basic edits using Paint’s toolbar. | Available through Photos’ image editor. |
| Background removal and masking | Do not assume Photos’ background controls are Paint controls. | Photos documents Background, Blur, Remove, Replace, Apply, Add mask, Remove mask, Brush size, and Brush softness. |
| AI tools | Copilot+ Paint features require supported hardware and software. | Photos includes generative erase; Edit with Designer is an online experience requiring internet. |
To use Photos, search for Photos, open the image, select Edit image (Ctrl + E), and choose an editing option. Its background controls belong to Photos, not Paint. Photos’ Edit with Designer option is also an online editing experience and requires an internet connection.
Best Value
- 【Compatible with 2018-2026 iPad & iPad Pro】The stylus supports for iPad series 2018-2026 model: iPad Pro 13" (M4), iPad Pro 12.9"(3rd/4th/5th/6th), iPad Pro 11"(All Generations), iPad Air M4/M3/M2/5th/4th/3rd Gen, iPad 11th/10th/9th/8th/7th/6th, iPad Mini 7th/6th/5th Gen. Please confirm your devices before you place an order, another model is invalid
- 【Not compatible with models before 2018】The stylus doesn't support iPad pro 1st&2nd, iPad pro 10.5", iPad pro 9.7", iPad 1 to 5 Gen, iPad mini 1 to 4 Gen, iPad Air 1st/2nd Gen versions of iPad. Not Compatible With iPhone, Android, Microsoft devices.iPad 10gen cannt use magnetic attraction.
- 【Precise and Smooth】1.5mm pen tip can replace your finger to execute finer instructions, it easy to install and tear off the tips on your stylus pen without any tool. No lag/offset/breaking point！Compared with the ordinary stylus pen, it has higher sensitivity, more accurate signal, more comfortable hand. Not easy to break!【 Note 】The stylus pen no pressure-sensitive design.
- 【Palm Rejection Design】Stylus pen with palm rejection technology, rest your hand naturally on the screen while writing or drawing, effortless interaction with your screen, gives you more accuracy and control against the screen. We commend you to use this pen on the iPad with a glass screen protector.
- 【Touch Switch & Fast Charging】Activate this stylus pen with a simple touch of the cap button. A quick 5-15 minute charge provides 15 hours of work time. Please note: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad for normal use, no pairing required.
Common Paint problems
| Problem | Likely reason | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| The AI buttons are missing | The PC is not Copilot+ eligible, Paint is outdated, or the feature has not reached that installation. | Update Paint through Microsoft Store and verify the device requirements. |
| Generative Fill is unavailable | Microsoft requires a Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PC for this feature. | Use ordinary selection and drawing tools, or use another supported editor. |
| Image Creator asks you to sign in | It is a cloud service that requires Microsoft-account authentication. | Sign in and check that the PC has internet access and available AI credits. |
| AI generation does not start | The internet connection or cloud safety service is unavailable. | Check connectivity, wait, and try again. AI Paint features are not fully offline. |
| The object selection is inaccurate | The subject may be difficult for object detection. | Try a clearer image, use a simpler selection, or report the issue with Feedback. |
| The original photo was changed | The edited image was saved over the source file. | Work on a duplicate and save the finished version under a new name. |
FAQ
Can I use Paint to edit pictures on Windows 10?
Yes, the basic Paint editor can still edit pictures if it is installed. However, Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, and Paint’s interface and features may depend on the installed Microsoft Store version. Microsoft’s current AI Paint documentation is for Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs.
How do I edit a screenshot with Paint?
Press Windows logo key + Shift + S, capture the screen, open the capture in Snipping Tool, then select Edit > Edit with Paint. You can crop it, add text or shapes, draw on it, and save a copy.
Does Paint have an automatic background remover?
Do not confuse Paint with Photos. Microsoft documents Background, Remove, Replace, and masking controls for the Photos editor. Paint has its own selection and AI features on supported Copilot+ PCs, but those are not the same Photos controls.
Is Paint’s AI image generation offline?
No. Microsoft requires a Microsoft account and an internet connection for cloud safety services. Some generation work uses the PC’s NPU, but the complete AI workflow is not fully offline.
Why does Paint show Cocreator instead of Image Creator?
Microsoft renamed the feature Image Creator, but the rename is being rolled out gradually. Some Paint installations may still display Cocreator.
Where does Snipping Tool save screenshots?
Snipping Tool automatically saves captures to the Screenshots folder. Its automatic-save behavior and default folder can be changed through See More > Settings. For a specific edited capture, use Save as, choose the location and filename, and select Save.
The Bottom Line
Use Paint for fast, uncomplicated image changes: crop the edges, resize while preserving the aspect ratio, rotate, annotate, and save a separate copy. For AI editing, check the hardware, Windows version, Paint update, Microsoft-account, and internet requirements. If you need background removal or masking controls, open the image in Photos instead—its tools and menus are separate from Paint.
Quick Recap
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