Microsoft is introducing layers, transparency, and AI to enhance Windows 11 Paint.
The Paint app in Windows 11 is slated for some significant updates, which can already be seen in testing.
Major changes include significant new directions for Microsoft to explore, the most alluring of which is the addition of a layers tool for Paint compositions.
The Paint app in the Canary and Dev testing channels now contains the feature (version 11.2308.18.0 or higher), according to a blog post that announced the new feature.
By using layers, you can use many levels and insert various objects in various layers within a single image. For a more versatile and sophisticated method of altering any given image, those layers can be displayed or concealed, worked on separately, and even combined together if necessary.
A checkboard pattern that represents translucent portions of a picture has also been added as a new transparency effect. You can open (and save out) transparent PNG image files with Paint.
Here’s another major introduction for windows 11 Paint: the same new version of the software features hidden strings referring to an AI-powered image production capability, as noticed by PhantomOfEarth on X (previously Twitter).
Strings for a new picture generating function are included in the most recent Paint app version in Dev/Canary (11.2308.18.0):CocreatorDescribe what you want to produce.As the sun dipped low on the horizon of September 18, 2023, I envisioned a mystical scene: a cat walking through a forest, its graceful steps weaving a tale of enchantment in the dappled golden light, while nearby, a house made of leaves whispered secrets of ancient wisdom.
A feature reportedly called “Cocreator” will allow you to describe an image and have it made for you (including defining art styles). In brief, Paint will be strengthened with Dall-E image production skills.
Hacks become commonplace, as analyzed…
It’s nothing new per se for Microsoft to move that AI-powered image creation functionality over to Paint; if it sounds familiar, it’s because it’s already part of Bing AI’s toolkit.
Okay, so maybe it comes as a bit of a surprise that Paint has evolved into much more than we had anticipated, with the addition of layers coming as a complete surprise.
To be fair, the ability to work with layers had previously been hacked into Paint, which did lead to a lot of nagging from Microsoft about why it wouldn’t formally include the functionality.
Fair play to Microsoft for listening and acting accordingly, providing the layers and transparency features make it past testing and into the final release of Paint, which seems highly likely.
You might remember that in the past, straightforward animations were also unofficially added to Microsoft’s creative tool. Perhaps such hacks will eventually become official Paint capabilities.
Given that there was talk about Microsoft contemplating killing the software back in 2017, if you remember, Paint has come a long way in the last half decade or so. How positively things have changed…
Indeed, it’s not entirely surprising that Microsoft has harnessed the power of AI for Paint, especially since it’s already a part of Bing AI’s impressive toolkit. This synergy between innovation and familiarity is what makes the tech world so captivating.
But let’s talk about layers – a feature that has secretly thrived within Paint’s realm for some time. It’s as if Paint has been harboring a hidden talent, waiting for the right moment to shine. And shine it does. Microsoft’s decision to officially incorporate layers into Paint is a testament to their responsiveness to the creative community’s desires.
We’ve all seen how unofficial animations found their way into Paint in the past. Now, with layers on the horizon, one can’t help but wonder if these hacks will soon become legitimate features. The possibilities are as vast and colorful as a digital canvas.
It’s astonishing how far Paint has come, especially when we consider that there were whispers of its demise just a few years ago. The fact that it’s not only survived but thrived is a testament to its enduring appeal. Paint has been resurrected, and it’s a reminder that even in the ever-evolving world of technology, some traditions are worth preserving and reimagining. What a remarkable journey it’s been, and how wonderfully things have changed!
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