In classic Paint on Windows 10, you can invert an entire image or only a selected area. The quickest method is to open the image, select its contents, and use Paint’s Invert color command. This changes the image pixels in Paint; it is different from inverting the colors displayed across your screen.
Invert an entire image in Paint
These steps apply to the classic Microsoft Paint app included with Windows 10, including Windows 10 version 22H2.
- Open the Start menu, type Paint, and open the classic Paint app. Do not choose Paint 3D.
- Select File and choose Open, or press Ctrl+O.
- Choose the image file and select Open.
- On the Home tab, select Select.
- Choose Select all. A selection outline should appear around the image.
- Right-click inside the selected image.
- Select Invert color.
Paint immediately reverses the colors in the selected bitmap. Light areas become dark, dark areas become light, and other colors change to their opposite values. For example, white becomes black, while red becomes cyan.
You can also use Paint’s keyboard shortcut: after opening the image, press Ctrl+I. In the classic Paint interface, this is the image-inversion command. It is not a Windows-wide shortcut.
#1 Best Overall
- Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
- Ideal for Online Education: XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, Xsplit etc. Works perfect than a mouse, visually present your handwritten notes, signatures precisely
- Compact and Portable: The G640 art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it's as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go
- Chromebook Supported: XPPen G640 digital drawing tablet is ready to work seamlessly with Chromebook devices now, so you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard’s whiteboard; Take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep, and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas
- Multipurpose Use: Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes as replacement for mouse
Save the inverted image
After checking the result, press Ctrl+S to save the change to the existing file. To preserve the original, use File → Save as and give the inverted copy a different name.
For a separate copy, a typical workflow is:
- Select File → Save as.
- Choose an image format such as PNG or JPEG.
- Enter a new filename, such as photo-inverted.png.
- Select Save.
If Paint warns that the selected format may lose some image features, confirm only if that format is suitable. Saving as a different format can affect quality, particularly with JPEG.
Invert only part of an image
Paint can invert a selected region instead of the whole canvas. This is useful when you want to reverse the colors of a logo, object, or rectangular portion of a photograph.
- Open the image in classic Paint.
- Go to Home → Select.
- Drag around the area you want to invert.
- Right-click inside the selection.
- Choose Invert color.
Only the selected area changes. If the selection is not correct, press Ctrl+Z immediately to undo the inversion, then create a new selection.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #2
- Battery-free Stylus - Only COMPATIBLE to Huion Inspiroy H640P/H950P/H1060P/H610Pro V2/HS610/HS64/H420X/H580X/H610X; Never worry about pen-charging, and eco-friendly of use; Without operating battery, the pen is only 16g in weight, and its front end is made of wearable silicone for soothing feel.
- NOT COMPATIBLE with iPad, other Graphics Tablet or Huion Graphics Monitor GT Series; Huion provides one year warranty.
- Two Customizable Pen Buttons - Set the function to your reference like eraser, fasten your working efficiency; Palm rejection design of dual keys on both sides of the pen helps reduce touch frequency and realize most effective creation.
- Long-lasting Lifespan - First of Huion's products features battery-free stylus, say goodbye to charging cables; Don't need to worry about the potential battery leakage and run-out.
- 8192 Levels of Pen Pressure Sensitivity - Enjoy the accuracy and precision when drawing; Having 233 PPS report rate, 5080LPI resolution, you can paint or draw or sketch smoothly on your Huion Inspiroy series Tablets.
Paint’s selection tools are basic. A rectangular selection is generally the most predictable. If you use a free-form selection, the result follows the boundary you draw, but Paint is not a layer-based editor, so save a backup before making complex edits.
Paint inversion versus Windows display inversion
Windows has accessibility features that can make colors look inverted on the screen. Those features do not edit the image file. Use Paint when you need a permanently changed image; use Windows’ display features when you only need a temporary viewing change.
| Method | What it changes | Does it edit the image file? |
|---|---|---|
| Paint → Invert color | The selected pixels in the open image | Yes, after you save |
| Magnifier → Invert colors | The screen while Magnifier is running | No |
| Color filters → Inverted | Windows and supported apps on the display | No |
| Dark mode | The appearance of Windows and compatible apps | No |
Temporarily invert the screen with Magnifier
If you only want to view an image with inverted screen colors, turn on Magnifier first. In current Windows settings, go to Start → Settings → Accessibility → Magnifier, turn on Magnifier, and under Appearance select Invert colors.
On Windows 10, the equivalent menu is usually Start → Settings → Ease of Access → Magnifier, followed by Invert colors. You can also press Ctrl+Alt+I while Magnifier is turned on to toggle inverted colors.
Rank #3
- Exclusive for Ugee's S640/S640W/S1060/S1060W/M708 V3 digital drawing tablets: The Ugee stylus is specifically designed to work with these devices, giving you precise and intuitive control over your artwork
- Not compatible with iPads or other graphics displays: This pen is specifically designed for digital drawing boards, so your customers won't have to worry about accidentally contaminating their devices with other pens or devices
- EMR technology: The Ugee stylus uses an EMR，which means it doesn't require a battery or charging socket. Simply place the stylus on the graphics drawing tablet and it's ready to go
- Two quick-access buttons: The Ugee stylus features two built-in buttons, allowing you to quickly switch between your pen stroke and eraser without ever having to take your hand off the tablet
- 8192 pressure sensitivity and ±60°tilt: The Ugee stylus features high-resolution pressure sensitivity and precise side peaks, allowing you to create detailed and expressive artwork
Ctrl+Alt+I is not Paint’s image-inversion shortcut. If Magnifier is not running, it will not invert the image in Paint or save changed pixels. Use Ctrl+I inside classic Paint instead.
Apply a Windows-wide inverted color filter
For a display-wide filter, open Start → Settings → Ease of Access → Color filters. Turn on Turn on color filters, then select Inverted.
Newer Windows terminology calls this page Settings → Accessibility → Color filters. The filter affects the way Windows and supported apps appear, but it does not modify or save the underlying image. Turn it off when you want to return to normal colors.
Common problems and fixes
- There is no “Invert color” command: Check that you opened classic Paint, not Paint 3D or the newer Windows 11 Paint app. The classic command is available from the right-click menu after selecting image content.
- The whole image did not change: Choose Home → Select → Select all before right-clicking. If only part of the image is selected, Paint changes only that part.
- Ctrl+Alt+I did nothing: That shortcut belongs to Magnifier. Use Ctrl+I in classic Paint, or use Home → Select → Select all → right-click → Invert color.
- Dark mode did not invert the image: Settings → Personalization → Colors → Dark changes the Windows theme. It does not reverse individual image colors.
- The original was overwritten: If you used Ctrl+S, Paint saved the edit to the open file. Use File → Save as with a new filename when you need to keep the original.
Which Paint version is in Windows 10?
Classic Paint continued to ship with Windows 10 through version 22H2, despite earlier plans to deprecate it. Microsoft’s newer Paint documentation focuses on the redesigned Windows 11 app, which includes features such as Layers and Background Removal. Those features and menus should not be assumed to exist in Windows 10’s classic Paint.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #4
- [Compatible models] Only COMPATIBLE with Inspiroy 2, Kamvas 12, Kamvas 13, Kamvas 16(2021), kamvas 22, kamvas 22 Plus, Kamvas 24, Kamvas 24 Plus. Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K),Kamvas Pro 16 (2.5K), Kamvas Pro 16 (4K), Kamvas Pro 16 (4K) Plus,Kamvas Pro 24 (4K), Inspiroy Dial 2/Keydial/Giano; NOT COMPATIBLE with iPad, other Graphics Tablet. （NOT COMPATIBLE with Kamvas 13(Gen3)）.
- [PenTech 3.0+] PenTech 3.0+ technology providing better pressure sensitivity and allowing you to control the thickness of drawing lines. With the tilt function, the strokes will appear more closely to how they would be by using a real pen.
- [Slim Pen Body] The 9.5mm diameter of the pen body makes PW550S more pencil-like and good for reducing hand fatigue. It’s highly recommended to traditional artists and people who have intensive workloads.
- [Upgraded Pen Nib] Featuring a smaller pen head, PW550S enables users to get a better view without obstruction when drawing. Also, PW550S supports felt nib replacement.
- [Long-lasting lifespan] Battery-free stylus, say goodbye to charging cables; Don't need to worry about the potential battery leakage and run-out.
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. The installed operating system and Paint app can continue to function, but Microsoft no longer provides normal free Windows Update security fixes, software updates, or technical support for Windows 10.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
What is the fastest way to invert an image in Windows 10 Paint?
Open the image in classic Paint, press Ctrl+A to select all, then press Ctrl+I. You can also use Home → Select → Select all, right-click the selection, and choose Invert color.
Can I invert only part of a picture in Paint?
Yes. Choose Home → Select, drag around the area, right-click inside the selection, and choose Invert color. Only that selected area is changed.
Does Ctrl+Alt+I invert an image in Paint?
No. Ctrl+Alt+I toggles inverted colors for Magnifier while Magnifier is running. To edit image pixels in Paint, use Ctrl+I or Paint’s Invert color command.
Best Value
- Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
- Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
- Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
- Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
- Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey
Will Windows Color filters save an inverted image?
No. Settings → Ease of Access → Color filters → Inverted, or the current Accessibility equivalent, changes the screen display only. Use Paint and save the file if you need a permanently inverted image.
Why can’t I find Invert color in Paint?
Make sure you opened classic Paint rather than Paint 3D or the newer Windows 11 Paint app. In classic Paint, the command appears after you select the image or a region and right-click inside the selection.
The Bottom Line
For a saved, inverted picture, open it in classic Paint and use Home → Select → Select all → right-click → Invert color, or press Ctrl+I. Use Magnifier or Color filters only when you want to change how the screen looks without altering the image file.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute
