Microsoft Paint
Microsoft Paint: A free Windows editor for quick image work, drawing, layers, and supported AI features. Ranked #138 of 158 in Photo Editing Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for basic free editing on Windows.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forBasic free editing on Windows
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded1975 · Redmond, Washington, USA
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and included with Windows
- Layers, background removal, and common image operations
- PNG, JPEG, BMP, and GIF import and export
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only availability
- Basic color management
- No RAW workflow for camera-focused editing
Our verdict on Microsoft Paint
Microsoft Paint is a Windows graphics and drawing application for general users and artists who need straightforward image creation or quick editing. Its toolset covers brushes, pencils, fills, text, shapes, selections, cropping, resizing, rotation, and common image formats. Current Windows 11 versions also add layers, background removal, and AI-assisted creation, giving Paint more range than a basic single-canvas drawing utility while keeping its focus on accessible editing rather than professional painting workflows.
The pricing structure is simple: Paint is free and included with Windows through the “Included with Windows” plan. That plan provides drawing and image-editing tools, plus layers and background removal in current Windows 11 versions. AI capabilities include image creation from text prompts and selected styles, as well as Cocreator, generative fill, sticker generation, and object selection on supported Copilot+ PCs. Availability varies by Windows version, device, region, and hardware, and some AI features may require a Microsoft account or internet access.
Paint’s strongest fit is quick, uncomplicated work on Windows: annotating or resizing images, making simple graphics, arranging content across layers, and exporting to familiar formats such as PNG, JPEG, BMP, and GIF. Its narrower focus is also its main boundary. Basic color management and the absence of a RAW workflow make it less suitable for photographers or users who need deeper image control. Choose Paint for free, everyday editing and drawing; choose a more specialized photo editor when camera-oriented processing or advanced color work is central.
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Microsoft Paint fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Platform | Not verified |
| RAW photo support | Not verified |
| Layer editing | Not verified |
| Masking tools | Not verified |
| Batch editing | Not verified |
| Cloud sync | Not verified |
| AI retouching | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Microsoft Paint
- Adobe PhotoshopA deep, multi-platform editor for compositing, retouching, RAW work, and AI-assisted edits.9.4
- Adobe LightroomA broad Lightroom workflow for RAW editing, masking, organization, and synchronized access.9.2
- Capture OneA deep choice for professional RAW and tethered workflows, without a free plan.9.0
See all Microsoft Paint alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Microsoft Paint is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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