Paint Update Adds .paint Projects and Opacity Slider—A Free Photoshop-like Editor

Microsoft’s latest Paint update reframes the long‑running app as a serious low‑friction image editor by adding an editable project file format and per‑tool opacity controls — features that put Paint squarely in the conversation as a free, entry‑level alternative to Photoshop for everyday tasks. The new Save as project workflow writes .paint files that preserve layers and edit state, enabling users to pick up mid‑work exactly where they left off, while an opacity slider for the Pencil and Brush tools makes blending and layered painting far more usable. These changes are shipping to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels as a staged test that will inform broader rollout decisions.

Background​

Microsoft has been quietly rebuilding Paint over the past two years from a nostalgic utility into a modern, AI‑aware image editor. Layers, transparency support, and a suite of generative features (Image Creator, Generative Erase, background removal) arrived earlier, and recent updates have focused on making those creative workflows persistent, practical, and more expressive. The latest Insider flight bundles three small but meaningful improvements to Paint — the .paint project file, the opacity slider for drawing tools, and continued UX polish — as part of a wider package of inbox app enhancements that also touch Snipping Tool and Notepad.
These updates are being tested in flighted Insider builds (not final stable releases) and are gated by channel, device capability, and Microsoft’s feature‑flight controls. For this rollout, Paint’s changes are associated with app version 11.2508.361.0 and are initially visible to Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels.

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What’s new in Paint: Project files and opacity control​

Save as project: the .paint container​

The headline is the introduction of an editable project file format with the ".paint" extension. Instead of forcing users to export to flattened PNG/JPG or to separately export layer assets, Paint can now serialize a full composition — layers, ordering, and editing state — into a single file that reopens in Paint for continued non‑destructive editing.

• What it does: Saves canvas state, layers, and edits so a session can be resumed later without rebuilding layer structure.
• How it behaves: Use the new Save as project command to write a .paint file to File Explorer; opening that file in Paint restores your composition and state.

This is the same practical convenience long offered by professional editors (for example, Photoshop’s .PSD or Paint.NET’s .pdn), and it closes a major friction point for casual creators, students, and hobbyists who previously had to export intermediate assets or keep messy, multi‑file projects.

Opacity slider for Pencil and Brush tools​

A seemingly small usability enhancement has oversized creative impact: Paint now exposes an opacity slider for Pencil and Brush tools, letting strokes be drawn semi‑transparently and layered for richer, painterly effects.

• Why it matters: Layered, semi‑transparent strokes are foundational to sketching, shading, and compositing workflows. Before this, creators needed manual workarounds — adjusting layer opacity or blending modes — that were clumsy for quick art.
• Where it appears: The slider is presented in the canvas UI (left side) for the Pencil and Brush tools, letting artists make fine tactile adjustments while drawing.

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Why Microsoft is positioning Paint as a Photoshop alternative (and where that claim holds)​

Microsoft’s messaging and the feature trajectory make one objective clear: Paint is being transformed from a throwaway utility into a capable, accessible image editor for common creative tasks. There are pragmatic reasons behind this push.

Strengths that make Paint a viable Photoshop alternative for many users​

• Zero cost and deep Windows integration. Paint is preinstalled and updates via the Microsoft Store and inbox channels, meaning anyone on Windows 11 can try features without subscription lock‑in.
• Lower learning curve. Paint’s simplified UI and focused toolset are ideal for users who need speed and approachability over the full complexity of a professional DAW.
• Non‑destructive, persistent editing. The .paint project file brings Paint into the same user workflow category as layered editors: iterative creative sessions that require persistence and revisitability.
• Fast AI features for quick fixes. Generative erase, background removal, and Image Creator tools embedded in Paint make it easy to do creative tasks that might have required third‑party tools before. Past updates have steadily added these capabilities.

For users who perform routine image edits, quick mockups, social‑media graphics, annotations, or simple digital painting, Paint can now replace several frequent use cases that previously required stepping up to Photoshop or multiple online tools.

Where Paint still falls short compared with Photoshop​

• Feature depth and professional controls. Photoshop remains the standard for complex retouching, CMYK color management, advanced layer blending, scripting, and industry workflows.
• Third‑party plugins and ecosystem. Photoshop’s plugin ecosystem and enterprise integrations are far beyond what Paint offers.
• Interoperability and file format guarantees. There’s no public spec for the .paint container yet and no guarantee of PSD import/export parity; this limits Paint for collaborative professional pipelines. Microsoft’s blog and Insider notes make no promise about interchangeability with PSD or other editors. Users should treat .paint as Paint‑native until Microsoft publishes formal documentation.

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Technical verification and caveats​

What we can confirm​

• The Paint update being flighted to Insiders includes a Save as project workflow that writes .paint files and an opacity slider for Pencil and Brush tools. These details appear in Microsoft’s Insider rollout documentation and have been reported in recent coverage of the flight.
• The initial app version associated with the change is 11.2508.361.0, with staged availability for Canary and Dev channel Insiders.

Unverified or incomplete claims — flagged for caution​

• File internals and interchangeability. Microsoft has not published a technical specification for the .paint format. It is unknown whether .paint is an open container, whether it embeds full‑resolution raster data per layer, or whether it supports advanced blending modes or editable vector objects. Treat any claim of full PSD parity or cross‑app compatibility as unverified until Microsoft provides documentation.
• Enterprise policy controls and file governance. While Microsoft controls feature exposure via flighting and device gating, specifics on how .paint files are handled in enterprise backup, DLP, or eDiscovery workflows have not been published. Administrators should validate file behavior in test environments before assuming compatibility with existing governance processes.

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Rollout mechanics and who will see it first​

Microsoft is testing these Paint features in the Windows Insider Program, delivering them to the Canary and Dev channels first. Feature availability will be further gated by telemetry, device hardware, and regional criteria; not all Insiders will see the features immediately. Microsoft’s phased approach means general availability in stable Windows 11 builds may follow only after additional testing and feedback. For Insiders who want to try the update:

• Enroll the device in the Windows Insider Program and select Canary or Dev channel.
• Check Windows Update and update inbox apps via the Microsoft Store.
• Confirm the Paint app version is 11.2508.361.0 (or newer) to access the Save as project and opacity slider features.

Administrators who manage fleets should treat these as experimental features until Microsoft documents enterprise controls and file behavior.

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Practical recommendations for users and IT​

For creators and hobbyists​

• Start saving ongoing work as .paint files to take advantage of preserved layers and editability, but continue exporting to standard formats (PNG, JPG, PSD when possible) as a parallel archival practice until the .paint format is documented.
• Use the new opacity slider to experiment with layered brushwork and subtle blending; it significantly improves sketching workflows and reduces the need for workarounds.

For power users and professionals​

• Don’t treat .paint as a production file for multi‑person projects until you confirm import/export behavior with other tools.
• If you rely on scripted or automated workflows that assume flattened images or particular clipboard behaviors (for example, automation that captures screenshots from Snipping Tool), test the Quick markup and sharing flows — some capture behaviors have changed.

For IT administrators and security teams​

• Identify which devices in your fleet are enrolled in Canary/Dev Insider channels and which are Copilot+ capable, as Microsoft increasingly gates local AI features by hardware class. Pilot local AI features on test devices to evaluate privacy and compliance implications.
• Monitor Microsoft’s documentation and enterprise guidance for Copilot+ certification, and test how .paint files are handled by backup, DLP, and eDiscovery tools before permitting broad adoption.

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Design and UX implications​

The combination of persistent project state and on‑canvas opacity control represents a UX shift: Microsoft is making Paint not just for one‑off edits but for iterative creative sessions. Small ergonomics improvements like Quick markup in Snipping Tool and opacity sliders often produce outsized productivity gains because they remove repetitive context switches that previously required multiple apps or manual steps. The net effect is a smoother creative loop for users who sketch, annotate, or touch up imagery frequently.

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Competitive context: how this matters in the broader market​

Paint’s evolution reflects a larger industry trend: embedding powerful creative features into everyday apps and democratizing AI capabilities. Microsoft is following an approach of layering capabilities — from basic editing to AI‑assisted creation — into utilities that millions of users already know.

• For consumer users who need occasional advanced edits, Paint now competes more directly with free web tools and lightweight editors (e.g., Paint.NET, GIMP, and several browser‑based editors).
• For professionals, Paint is functionally complementary rather than a replacement; it simplifies quick tasks and prototyping but lacks the depth required for studio production pipelines.
• For enterprises and education, Paint’s accessibility and no‑cost status make it attractive for student labs and casual creative tasks, but governance and interoperability questions will determine how widely it is adopted inside managed environments.

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Privacy, security, and AI considerations​

Microsoft’s rollout of AI features across Windows inbox apps has raised questions about where processing occurs (cloud vs. on‑device), account gating, and privacy controls. The Insider notes explicitly point out that some Notepad AI features can run on compatible Copilot+ hardware locally, while other AI features remain cloud‑backed and account‑gated. This hybrid approach is pragmatic but means organizations must:

• Understand which features call cloud services and whether those calls include image data or metadata.
• Assess whether local on‑device models meet their privacy and compliance requirements for sensitive content.
• Keep an eye on how capture/share flows in Snipping Tool and Paint interact with clipboard and sharing policies.

Generative AI features remain helpful assistants but are not infallible; outputs should be reviewed for accuracy and appropriateness, especially in professional contexts.

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Verdict — practical evolution, not revolution​

This Paint update is evolutionary and pragmatic: it fills glaring UX gaps (persistent project files and per‑tool opacity) and continues Microsoft’s steady push to put capable, accessible editing tools into Windows’ core utilities. For everyday creators, students, and professionals who need quick, reliable editing without subscription costs, Paint is now good enough for a far broader set of tasks. For professionals and production workflows, Paint is an efficient first pass or rapid mockup tool but not a replacement for Photoshop’s depth.
If you manage devices or workflows that depend on specific file formats or enterprise governance, treat .paint files as a Paint‑native container and validate interoperability and backup behavior before adopting them in production. The best immediate strategy for most users is to adopt .paint for in‑progress work while continuing to export final assets to standard, widely supported formats.

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What to watch next​

• Formal documentation for the .paint format and any announced PSD import/export capabilities.
• Microsoft guidance for enterprise controls around AI features, Copilot+ certification, and file governance.
• Broader rollout timelines beyond the Canary and Dev channels into the Beta and stable Windows 11 releases.
• Community feedback from Insiders that will shape UX tweaks, performance changes, and feature parity expectations.

These will determine whether Paint becomes a credible day‑to‑day alternative to subscription editors for millions of users or remains a powerful but complementary utility within the Windows ecosystem.

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Microsoft’s incremental improvements demonstrate a focused product strategy: make common creative tasks faster, keep the app accessible, and use Insider feedback to refine the experience before a wide release. The addition of editable project files and an opacity slider are pragmatic, user‑centered changes that materially improve Paint’s usefulness for everyday creators — and for many users, that will be enough to consider Paint a practical, free alternative to heavier, paid editors.

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Source: Windows Central Microsoft positions Paint as a Photoshop alternative with new project files feature

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft Paint’s long, slow transformation from a nostalgic Windows toy into a lightweight, modern image editor reached a pragmatic milestone this week with the arrival of editable Project files (.paint) and a per‑tool Opacity slider — changes that make everyday sketching, shading, and iterative work significantly less awkward for casual creators and students alike.

Background / Overview​

Microsoft has been remaking Paint in stages for more than a year: layers and transparency landed first, then a steady stream of AI features and Copilot integrations. The latest Insider release (Paint app version 11.2508.361.0) formalizes two of the most requested workflow features: a native project container that preserves editable state, and a canvas‑level opacity control for Pencil and Brush tools. Both are being flighted to Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels. (blogs.windows.com) (windowscentral.com)
Those two changes are deceptively valuable. Saving an editable, layered document — the same basic idea behind Photoshop’s .PSD — removes the usual “flatten‑to‑PNG or re‑export everything” friction for anyone doing multi‑layer work. The opacity slider, meanwhile, turns Paint’s brushes from hard stamps into tools suitable for shading and glazing, enabling richer, painterly results without awkward workarounds. Microsoft describes the feature set and the rollout in its Windows Insider post; independent coverage from industry outlets confirms the additions and places them in the wider Paint modernization effort. (blogs.windows.com) (windowscentral.com)

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What changed in Paint — the features, simply explained​

.paint Project files: what they do and what they don’t​

• What it is: A new Save as project command writes your canvas state into a single file with the .paint extension. That file preserves layers, layer order, transparency and the in‑session composition so you can reopen and continue editing later. (blogs.windows.com)
• Why it matters: Instead of exporting multiple layer PNGs or rebuilding a composition after you close Paint, the .paint file retains the editable structure — the same convenience that .PSD and .PDN formats provide for other editors. (windowscentral.com)
• What’s unclear: Microsoft has not published a technical specification for the .paint container. Important internals — whether it’s a documented, open container (like a ZIP of assets and metadata), how large files can grow, and whether advanced layer effects are preserved — remain undocumented and should be treated as unverified. Expect .paint to be a Paint‑native container until Microsoft states otherwise. (blogs.windows.com)

Opacity slider for Pencil and Brush tools​

• What it does: A slider placed on the canvas UI adjusts the transparency of strokes in real time for the Pencil and Brush tools. This control works alongside the existing size slider to let users build up tones and soft blends directly while painting. (blogs.windows.com)
• Why it matters: Semi‑transparent strokes are an essential building block for shading, highlights and layered color work. The opacity slider reduces the need for temporary layers or fiddly layer opacity edits when making subtle adjustments.

Other related updates in the same flight​

• The Insider release also bundles updates to Snipping Tool (Quick markup) and Notepad (local AI on Copilot+ PCs), indicating Microsoft’s broader strategy of elevating “inbox” apps with focused, practical improvements and hybrid AI capabilities. These changes are rolling out in Canary and Dev for testing. (blogs.windows.com)

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Hands‑on impressions and practical workflows​

The new Project workflow and opacity slider are small feature additions that punch well above their weight in everyday use.

• Starting a multi‑session painting: Create sketches on separate layers (background, midtones, linework, highlights). Use File > Save as project to write a .paint file and close the app. Reopening restores layers and lets you move, rename or reorder them without reconstructing the file. This is particularly useful for classroom or collaborative settings where a work‑in‑progress needs to be handed between people.
• Shading with opacity: Pick a brush, lower opacity to 20–50% and build tone with repeated passes on the same layer, or use multiple low‑opacity layers for non‑destructive glazing. The result is a natural-looking blend that previously required layer tricks or painstaking manual opacity edits.
• Export and share: When you’re done, paint can still export to standard, shareable formats (PNG, JPG, AVIF, HEIC). Exported files remain flattened as usual, making them easy to share while .paint retains the editable master.

These workflows show how the update improves Paint’s value for quick mockups, diagrams, annotated screenshots, and casual digital art. The features don’t change the competitive landscape for professional, production‑grade editing — rather, they dramatically reduce friction for everyday tasks.

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Technical verification: what we confirmed and what remains uncertain​

I verified the headline technical claims against Microsoft’s official Windows Insider announcement and independent reporting.

• Version and rollout: Microsoft’s Windows Insider Blog lists the Paint update as version 11.2508.361.0 and explicitly documents the Save as project (.paint) workflow and the Opacity slider for Pencil and Brush tools. The blog confirms the feature appears first for Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels. (blogs.windows.com)
• Independent confirmation: Windows Central and other outlets independently reported that Paint is gaining a Photoshop‑like project file and opacity control, corroborating Microsoft’s announcement and the reported versioning. (windowscentral.com)
• Unverified internals: Microsoft has not yet published a formal specification for the .paint file format. That means:
• It is unknown whether .paint is an open, documented container or a proprietary binary format.
• There is no public guarantee that .paint will interoperate with other editors (for example, round‑trip layer fidelity with Adobe Photoshop’s .PSD).
• File size behavior, OneDrive block‑level syncing characteristics, and enterprise backup/DLP interactions require hands‑on testing before adoption at scale. These limitations should be considered unknowns until Microsoft publishes technical documentation. (blogs.windows.com)

Flag: any claim that .paint will match PSD parity or exchange richly formatted layer metadata with other editors should be treated with caution until Microsoft releases a format spec or third‑party tools add support.

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How Paint’s .paint compares to Photoshop’s .PSD (practical perspective)​

Paint’s new Project files are conceptually similar to .PSD: both store layered, editable work. But there are important, practical differences.

• Scope of features preserved
• Photoshop (.PSD): Supports adjustment layers, smart objects, masks, advanced blend modes, multiple color spaces (including CMYK profiles for print), filters, layer styles, and extensive metadata.
• Paint (.paint): Designed to preserve layers, ordering, transparency and basic tool state (brush strokes, opacity) — not the professional feature set Photoshop stores. Expect far simpler metadata and far fewer non‑destructive features.
• Ecosystem and plugins
• Photoshop: Large plugin ecosystem, scripts, and industry adoption.
• Paint: Focused on accessibility and simplicity; no plugin ecosystem of the same breadth.
• Intended audience
• Photoshop: Professionals and studios needing precise, reproducible edits.
• Paint: Casual creators, students, technical writers and those who need fast iterative edits without subscription barriers.

Bottom line: Paint’s .paint is a major usability improvement for casual and educational use but not a feature‑complete PSD replacement for professional pipelines.

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Risks, caveats, and enterprise considerations​

These updates are welcome — but there are practical risks and governance questions to weigh.

File portability and vendor lock‑in​

If .paint remains undocumented and proprietary, organizations will face friction when moving files between tools or archiving them long‑term. Until Microsoft clarifies interchange formats, treat .paint as Paint‑native and export to standard formats for archival or cross‑tool workflows.

Backup and sync behavior​

Large, layered project files can bloat backups or behave unexpectedly in differential sync systems. Test how .paint files interact with OneDrive, SharePoint, and enterprise backup tools before adopting them in shared drives.

Security and installation caution​

Third‑party reports and the community note that early builds are available only to Insiders. WindowsLatest noted that some testers extracted a Paint update from a Dev Channel machine and distributed it — but installing app packages from untrusted sources carries security and stability risks. Stick to the Microsoft Store or official Insider channels to avoid tampered packages.

AI and privacy​

The same flight that introduced .paint also expanded local AI features (Notepad on Copilot+ PCs). While local model inference can reduce cloud data egress, many features still fall back to cloud processing. Verify which operations use local models and which send data to Microsoft’s services before enabling AI tools for sensitive content in managed environments. (blogs.windows.com)

Stability and rollback​

Insider builds are experimental. If you rely on Paint for important work, maintain exports (flattened PNG/JPEG and, where possible, layered exports to other formats) and keep a parallel archive of final assets. If an Insider build causes problems, you can remove the Paint app and reinstall from the Microsoft Store to return to the stable release. WindowsLatest’s hands‑on notes this exact rollback path.

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How to try the Project (.paint) feature and Opacity slider — step by step​

• Enroll a test device in the Windows Insider Program and choose Canary or Dev channel (features are staged and may not be available to Beta/Release channels immediately). (blogs.windows.com)
• Update Windows and open the Microsoft Store to update inbox apps, or check Windows Update for versioned inbox app updates. Confirm Paint is at v11.2508.361.0 or newer. (blogs.windows.com)
• Launch Paint, create a multi‑layer composition (Layers panel → add layers), then open the app menu and choose Save as project to create a .paint file in File Explorer. Reopen the .paint to verify layers and edits persist. (blogs.windows.com)
• To test the Opacity slider: select Pencil or Brush, and use the new slider on the left side of the canvas to reduce opacity to e.g., 40%; paint repeated strokes to observe glazing and blend effects. (blogs.windows.com)

Practical tips:

• For backups, export a flattened PNG or JPG in addition to saving the .paint master. This preserves a shareable version alongside the editable file.
• Keep a few sample .paint files with known layer structures as part of a migration test so you can later check whether future Paint releases preserve compatibility and metadata.
• If you manage a fleet, pilot the build on a representative subset of devices and test DLP, OneDrive sync, and backup flows.

Caution: Avoid installing app packages from unofficial cloud storage or extracted packages unless you can validate signatures and package integrity. WindowsLatest reported testers distributing extracted updates from Insider machines, but that approach exposes devices to tampered files and security risks.

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Strengths and where Paint now shines​

• Lowered friction: Saving editable projects removes a major pain point for anyone doing multi‑layer work in Paint.
• Improved expressiveness: The opacity slider delivers immediate, tangible improvements for shading, highlights and subtle compositing.
• Accessibility: Paint remains free and installed by default on Windows 11, meaning many users get these improvements automatically over time.
• Integrated AI roadmap: The project file feature complements the AI work Microsoft has been adding — stickers, generative fill and Copilot tools — making Paint a one‑stop utility for simple creative tasks. (windowslatest.com)

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Limitations and realistic expectations​

• Not a Photoshop replacement: Paint still lacks advanced layer effects, masks, adjustment layers, and color profile management that pros need.
• Interoperability unknown: No published .paint spec means cross‑app workflows remain uncertain.
• Insider staging: The feature is experimental and could change before reaching the stable channel.
• Enterprise governance gap: Microsoft has not yet published detailed guidance on how these new file types and AI behaviors interact with enterprise DLP, eDiscovery or backup systems. Administrators must test and validate before broad deployment.

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What to watch next​

• Official technical documentation for the .paint format (if Microsoft publishes it, that will determine portability and long‑term archival viability).
• Any announced export/import capabilities to/from .PSD or third‑party editors.
• Enterprise guidance from Microsoft on Copilot+ certification and how local AI models are handled in managed environments.
• Community tooling or open‑source libraries that add read/write support for .paint (this is often the signal that a format is worth using in heterogeneous workflows).

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Conclusion​

Microsoft’s Paint has quietly evolved into a pragmatic, no‑friction editor for everyday creative tasks, and the addition of editable .paint project files plus an opacity slider transforms it from a one‑session toy into a workable tool for iterative art, quick mockups, and annotated screenshots. Those changes don’t threaten professional tools like Photoshop — they don’t attempt to — but they materially improve the day‑to‑day experience for millions of Windows users who need speed, simplicity and reliability.
The update is confirmed in Microsoft’s Windows Insider announcement and corroborated by independent reporting; however, the lack of a published .paint specification and unanswered questions about interoperability, sync behavior and enterprise controls mean prudent users and IT admins should adopt the new format conservatively: use .paint for in‑progress editing, continue exporting to standard formats for archives and collaboration, and test backup and DLP behavior before widespread rollout. (blogs.windows.com) (windowscentral.com)
In short: Paint is not trying to be Photoshop. It’s trying to be far better Paint — and for everyday creators, these updates are exactly what the classic app needed.

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Source: WindowsLatest Hands on with Windows 11 MS Paint's new Photoshop-like Project (.paint file) feature

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft’s Paint has quietly taken a meaningful step toward becoming a lightweight, session‑aware image editor: the latest Insider update (app version 11.2508.361.0) adds editable project files using a new .paint container and introduces a per‑tool opacity slider for the Pencil and Brush tools, both now rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels. (blogs.windows.com)

Background / Overview​

Paint has been on a steady evolution from a nostalgic utility to a more capable, low‑friction creative tool. Over recent releases Microsoft added layers, transparency, improved brush controls, and a set of AI‑assisted tools (Image Creator, generative erase, background removal) that positioned Paint as more than a doodle app. The new project file support and opacity controls close two of the most persistent workflow gaps: saving a multilayer session for later and applying semi‑transparent strokes natively. (blogs.windows.com)
These changes are explicitly part of a Windows Insider flight announced on September 17, 2025, and are currently staged to Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels. Microsoft lists Paint as version 11.2508.361.0 in the announcement. Independent reporting from mainstream outlets corroborates the release details and the intent behind the features. (blogs.windows.com) (windowscentral.com)

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What’s new in Paint — feature breakdown​

Save as project (.paint): persistent, editable sessions​

• Paint now offers a File > Save as project workflow that writes a single file with the .paint extension to disk.
• The .paint file preserves layers, ordering, and the session state so you can close Paint and later reopen the same file to pick up exactly where you left off.
• Export to standard flattened image formats (PNG, JPG, AVIF, HEIC) remains available for sharing and publishing, while .paint serves as the editable master. (blogs.windows.com)

Why this matters: previously, Paint users who relied on layers had to export each layer or keep messy workarounds to preserve a composition between sessions. The .paint container aligns Paint with entry‑level raster editors that offer native project formats (.PSD for Photoshop, .pdn for Paint.NET), enabling multi‑session workflows without third‑party tools. (blogs.windows.com)

Opacity slider for Pencil and Brush tools​

• The Pencil and Brush tools now include an opacity slider accessible from the canvas UI (positioned on the left side of the canvas).
• Stroke transparency can be adjusted in real time, enabling basic glazing, layered shading, and smoother blends when combined with the existing size slider. (blogs.windows.com)

Why this matters: per‑tool opacity turns brushes from hard, binary stamps into expressive tools. For digital sketching and light painting, the ability to lower opacity to 20–50% and build tone through repeated strokes is foundational; this update removes the need for awkward multi‑layer workarounds for common shading tasks. (blogs.windows.com)

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Technical verification: what is confirmed and what remains uncertain​

Microsoft’s Insider blog post explicitly documents the two features and the app version; this is the authoritative confirmation that the changes are shipping to Insiders now. (blogs.windows.com)
Independent coverage from outlets that follow Windows closely (including mainstream tech press) verifies the report and places the additions inside Microsoft’s broader Paint modernization strategy. Those outlets reiterate the stated version number and the gated release to Canary/Dev channels. (windowscentral.com)
That said, key technical details remain intentionally vague or unannounced:

• Microsoft has not published a technical specification for the .paint container (compression format, whether it’s an open ZIP‑style archive, whether layers are stored as per‑layer raster PNGs, embedded metadata schema, or whether advanced layer effects are supported). Treat .paint as a Paint‑native format until Microsoft documents interchange guarantees. (windowscentral.com)
• There’s no official statement yet about PSD import/export parity, cross‑app interoperability, or whether third‑party tools will be able to read .paint files. If you require long‑term portability for professional assets, export a flattened PNG/TIFF and keep separate backups until format details are published.
• The Insider flight is staged; availability will vary by Insider channel, device capabilities, and Microsoft’s feature‑flight gating. Not all devices or accounts will see the change immediately.

In short: the features are real and ship to Insiders now, but the underlying file spec and long‑term interoperability are not yet publicly documented. Plan accordingly. (blogs.windows.com)

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Hands‑on implications for creators and everyday users​

For hobbyists, students, and casual creators​

• Faster iterative work: Save a work‑in‑progress as a .paint project and reopen it later without reconstructing layer stacks.
• Improved painting workflows: Use the opacity slider to build up tones with multiple low‑opacity strokes rather than juggling multiple layers for simple shading.
• Simpler sharing: Send a flattened export when sharing externally and a .paint file for collaborators who also use Paint.

Practical tip: Save both a .paint master and an exported PNG/JPEG for each important project to ensure cross‑platform portability and archival safety.

For people who use Paint for screenshots, annotations, and quick mockups​

• The opacity slider makes it easier to add subtle annotations and overlays that don’t obscure underlying content.
• Combined with Paint’s layer support, the update simplifies producing annotated screenshots with non‑destructive overlays that can be refined in future sessions.

Quick workflow example (numbered steps)​

• Create your sketch using separate layers for background, midtones, linework, and highlights.
• For shading, select the Brush tool and set opacity to 25–40% using the new slider. Build tone in repeated passes.
• Save progress via File > Save as project to a .paint file.
• When ready to share, export a flattened PNG or JPEG via File > Save as.
• Keep the .paint file as your editable master for later revisions.

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Comparison: Where Paint now sits relative to Photoshop and other editors​

Paint is no longer the purely ephemeral tool it once was, but the gap to professional editors remains substantial.
Strengths

• Zero cost and deep Windows integration. Paint ships with Windows and updates via Microsoft’s channels, making it instantly accessible and easy to try.
• Low learning curve. The UI remains simpler than Photoshop and many advanced raster editors, which makes Paint appealing for quick tasks.
• New non‑destructive workflow elements. The .paint file and opacity slider add genuine utility for iterative work.

Limitations vs. Photoshop / Affinity / Krita

• Feature depth. Photoshop retains advanced color management, blend modes, adjustment layers, scripting, and a massive plugin ecosystem that Paint does not match.
• Interoperability. Without a published .paint spec or PSD import/export guarantees, Paint cannot be relied upon for professional pipelines requiring guaranteed interchange.
• Advanced professional controls. High‑precision retouching, CMYK and prepress support, nondestructive adjustment stacks, and other studio features are still a domain of professional editors.

Verdict: Paint is now a credible, free entry‑point for quick mockups, teaching, casual digital painting, and iterative screenshots. It’s better suited as a companion or first pass in workflows rather than a full replacement for professional products.

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Enterprise and IT considerations​

Administrators and IT teams should treat this release as an Insider‑only test for now and evaluate implications before endorsing .paint in production workflows.
Key points for IT teams:

• Flighted availability. The update is rolling only to Canary and Dev Insiders; mainstream Stable and Enterprise channels will see features after broader testing. Pilot on test machines first.
• File governance. Without a published format spec, rely on standard formats (PNG, TIFF) for archival and interchange in official workflows. Don’t assume .paint files are suitable for long‑term recordkeeping.
• Data routing and AI features. Paint’s sibling updates to Notepad and Snipping Tool in the same flight introduce hybrid AI behaviors and on‑device model execution on Copilot+ hardware; administrators should audit how content is processed and whether cloud services are involved—this matters for data loss prevention (DLP) and compliance.
• Telemetry and telemetry gating. Insider flights are monitored by Microsoft; test telemetry and user feedback channels (Feedback Hub) should be used to capture enterprise‑relevant outcomes and potential policy conflicts.

Actionable checklist for IT

• Test the new Paint build on isolated systems and confirm behavior with enterprise file servers and backup solutions.
• Require users to export final assets to standardized formats for archival.
• Review DLP policies around screenshots, Visual Search, and Copilot integrations in Snipping Tool and Notepad.
• Monitor Microsoft’s documentation for any forthcoming .paint format specification or enterprise guidance.

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Privacy, security, and governance risks​

• Opaque file format: Without published internals, .paint files could contain embedded metadata or telemetry assumptions that affect storage, backup, or eDiscovery. Treat the format cautiously for regulated data.
• Cloud interactions in related tools: The Snipping Tool Quick markup flow ties into Visual Search and Ask Copilot actions that may send image content to cloud services. Organizations should verify whether and how image data leaves the device. (blogs.windows.com)
• AI hallucination and data leakage: Notepad’s new local AI features on Copilot+ devices aim to run on‑device, but cloud fallbacks and integrations can still expose content—review these for confidential data scenarios.
• Feature gating and permissions: Insider builds sometimes enable features by account or device flags; ensure role‑based deployment and communication to end users to avoid unexpected exposures.

Recommendation: Until Microsoft publishes format and model details, treat .paint as a convenience format for in‑progress work and rely on standard, auditable formats for anything that must meet compliance or long‑term archival standards.

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How to try the features now (practical steps)​

• Join the Windows Insider program and enroll a test machine in the Canary or Dev channel (be aware these channels are experimental).
• Update the Paint app from the Microsoft Store (or wait for the inbox flight). Confirm app version 11.2508.361.0 in Paint’s About dialog. (blogs.windows.com)
• Open Paint, create layers, then use File > Save as project to write a .paint file and verify that reopening restores layers and edit state. (blogs.windows.com)
• Select the Pencil or Brush tool and find the opacity slider on the left side of the canvas; test different opacity/size combinations for glazing effects. (blogs.windows.com)
• Provide feedback via Feedback Hub (WIN + F) > Apps > Paint if you hit edge cases or interoperability issues. (blogs.windows.com)

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What to watch next​

• Official .paint file specification or developer documentation from Microsoft—this will determine portability and third‑party tooling.
• Any announced PSD import/export or conversion paths that remove the interoperability friction for professional pipelines. (windowscentral.com)
• Broader rollout timelines: when the Canary/Dev flight graduates to Beta and Stable channels, and whether Microsoft will backport to older Windows versions.
• Enterprise guidance on AI features, Copilot+ device certifications, and model specifications for Notepad’s on‑device inference.

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Final analysis — practical verdict​

This Paint update is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but it is a pragmatic and well‑targeted evolution that fixes real pain points. Adding an editable .paint container and a per‑tool opacity slider turns Paint from a single‑session doodle app into a useful, session‑based creative tool for a large group of users: students, hobbyists, teachers, and anyone who values speed and simplicity over professional depth. The update is documented in Microsoft’s Insider post and corroborated by independent reporting, so the core claims are verifiable. (blogs.windows.com)
At the same time, concrete technical and governance questions remain—most importantly, whether Microsoft will publish a .paint specification and how the format will play with professional tools and enterprise policies. Until those questions are answered, sensible users should adopt .paint for iterative, in‑progress work and continue to export standard image formats for sharing, archiving, and regulatory needs.
These are the kinds of incremental, sensible improvements that make everyday computing easier without forcing users into commercial subscriptions or complex toolchains. For everyday creators, this release makes Paint a distinctly more useful app; for IT and professionals, it’s a feature to pilot carefully and integrate into policies once format and interoperability details are confirmed.

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Conclusion: Paint is no longer just a nostalgic Windows staple — with .paint project files and a per‑tool opacity slider, it now supports practical, multi‑session, non‑destructive editing for a broad audience. The features are shipping to Insiders now; verify behavior on test machines, archive finished work in standard formats, and watch Microsoft’s documentation for the formal .paint specification and any announced interoperability options. (blogs.windows.com)

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Source: Windows Report Paint app gets project files and opacity controls in v11.2508.361.0

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft has quietly given Paint a workflow upgrade that moves the app from a quick doodle tool toward a genuinely useful, session-aware image editor: Paint can now save editable project files (.paint) and offers an opacity slider for Pencil and Brush strokes — features rolling out to Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels as part of Paint version 11.2508.361.0. (blogs.windows.com)

Background / Overview​

Microsoft’s decades-old Paint has been steadily rebuilt into a modern, AI-aware creative app. Over the last two years Microsoft added layers, transparency, and several AI-driven tools (Image Creator, Cocreator, generative erase/fill) that raised Paint’s capability well beyond its nostalgic roots. The latest Insider flight formalizes two highly practical workflow features: a native project container (.paint) that preserves layers and edit state, and a per-tool opacity control that lets strokes be drawn semi-transparently. (blogs.windows.com)
Those changes address two of the most common friction points for casual creators and students: the inability to persist multilayer work in a single editable file and the lack of true brush opacity control for shading and glazing. Microsoft documents the rollout and how the features appear in the app: File > Save as project writes a .paint file to disk; the opacity slider appears in the canvas UI beside the size control for Pencil and Brush tools. (blogs.windows.com)

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What’s new, explained​

Save as project — the .paint container​

• What it does: Paint adds a File > Save as project command that writes an editable file with the .paint extension. Opening that file restores your composition, layers, and session state so you can continue editing exactly where you left off. (blogs.windows.com)
• Why it matters: Until now, Paint users who relied on layers had to export flattened images (PNG/JPG) or manage multiple layer files to continue work later. A native project file means Paint can act like a conventional layered editor for iterative workflows — the same basic convenience offered by Photoshop’s .PSD or Paint.NET’s .pdn. (windowscentral.com)
• How it behaves in practice: The app saves a single .paint file visible in File Explorer; you can still export flattened copies (PNG, JPG, AVIF, HEIC) for sharing while keeping the .paint file as the editable master. The command is accessible from the File menu and writes the project into whichever folder you choose. (blogs.windows.com)

Opacity slider for Pencil and Brush​

• What it does: An opacity slider is now shown in the canvas toolbar when the Pencil or Brush tool is selected. It sits alongside the size slider and adjusts stroke transparency in real time, enabling layered strokes, soft shading, and glazing techniques without constantly changing layer properties. (blogs.windows.com)
• Why it matters: Semi‑transparent strokes are foundational to digital painting, sketching, and compositing. The slider transforms Paint’s basic stamp-like brushes into expressive drawing tools suitable for subtle shading and buildable color. This is a small UI change with outsized creative impact. (windowsreport.com)

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How to try the changes (Insider step‑by‑step)​

• Join the Windows Insider Program and select the Canary or Dev channel on the device you want to test. (blogs.windows.com)
• Update Windows 11 and then the Paint app from the Microsoft Store (or wait for the inbox update).
• Launch Paint, create or open a multilayer composition, then use File > Save as project to write a .paint file. Reopen that file later to resume editing. (blogs.windows.com)
• To test the opacity control, select the Pencil or Brush tool and use the left-side slider to set Size and Opacity; draw to see semi-transparent strokes build up. (blogs.windows.com)

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Why Microsoft is positioning Paint as a “lightweight Photoshop” — and where that framing is fair​

Microsoft’s product strategy for Paint is pragmatic: make the app useful for fast, everyday creative tasks while keeping it approachable and free. Several factors explain the positioning:

• Deep OS integration: Paint is preinstalled on Windows 11 and updates via the Microsoft Store or inbox updates, which lowers friction for millions of users.
• Lower learning curve: Paint retains a simplified UI compared with full DAWs (Digital Art Workstations) or Photoshop, making it ideal for quick edits, mockups, and learning.
• Feature set aligned with common needs: Layers + persistent project files + opacity control + integrated AI tools cover many day-to-day creative use cases without subscription costs. (windowscentral.com)

Where the “Photoshop-like” claim holds:

• Project files provide the same basic workflow affordance as .PSD: save an editable master and resume work later.
• Opacity control and layers allow simple painting and compositing techniques that previously required more advanced tools or awkward workarounds.

Where the claim overreaches:

• Paint still lacks professional features that define Photoshop: advanced layer blending modes, adjustment layers, CMYK color profiles for print, non‑destructive masks, smart objects, scripting, and the extensive plugin ecosystem professionals rely on. Expect Paint to be a free, faster tool for everyday tasks — not a full replacement for pro workflows.

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Technical verification and outstanding unknowns​

The rollout is documented and verifiable: Microsoft’s Windows Insider blog post explicitly lists Paint version 11.2508.361.0 and describes the project file and opacity slider features as part of the Canary/Dev channel flight. Independent outlets corroborate the details. (blogs.windows.com)
But several technical and governance details remain unpublished:

• .paint internals: Microsoft has not released a technical specification for the .paint container. It is unclear whether the format is an open container (e.g., a ZIP of assets and metadata), whether it stores full-resolution raster data per layer, or which layer properties (blend modes, masks, vector objects) it supports. Until Microsoft documents the format, treat .paint as Paint‑native and not a guaranteed interchange format.
• Interoperability with PSD or third‑party editors: There is no public promise of PSD parity, nor evidence of a one-to-one import/export pathway. Professionals who need cross-application compatibility should continue using industry-standard toolchains or export flattened assets for sharing.
• Enterprise governance and DLP: Microsoft has not published guidance about how .paint files interact with enterprise backup, DLP, eDiscovery, or sync systems. Administrators should validate how .paint files behave in their environments (OneDrive sync, backup solutions, endpoint DLP) before rolling the feature into production fleets.
• Rollout gating: Feature flights are phased and telemetry-gated; not all Insiders will see the features immediately. Hardware, region, and other signals may further gate availability. Expect a staged rollout before general availability on stable channels. (blogs.windows.com)

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Strengths and everyday benefits​

• Immediate productivity gains for casual creators: The .paint file eliminates intermediate export pain — you can stop, save a single editable file, and resume. That lowers friction for students, hobbyists, and anyone doing quick social‑media graphics or annotated screenshots. (windowscentral.com)
• Better native brushes: The opacity slider converts brush strokes from hard stamps into expressive tools, enabling shading techniques that were previously awkward or impossible without multiple layers. (windowsreport.com)
• Free and ubiquitous: As an inbox app on Windows 11, Paint delivers these workflow improvements without additional cost or a learning curve, making some paid tools less necessary for typical, everyday edits.
• Complementary AI features: Paint’s evolution has emphasized accessible AI tools (Cocreator, Generative Fill/Erase) that, combined with persistent project files, enable quick exploration and iterative edits in one place. That consolidates several previously separate chores (generate, edit, save, continue) into a single, integrated workflow. (theverge.com)

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Risks, limits, and enterprise considerations​

• Archival and portability risk: Without a published .paint spec, files might be difficult to open in future apps or cross-platform tools. For long-term archival or collaborative workflows, export flattened copies to standard formats or keep master files in industry-standard apps that guarantee interoperability.
• False equivalence to professional tools: Marketing language and headlines calling Paint a “Photoshop alternative” can mislead non-technical users into assuming feature parity. Paint is widening the gap between a toy app and a serious lightweight editor, but professionals still need Photoshop or other pro tools for complex, color-managed, or high-end production work.
• DLP and compliance unknowns: Enterprises should test how .paint files are indexed, scanned, and archived by existing DLP and eDiscovery tools before approving broad usage. Unknown interactions — for example, if .paint embeds assets in unexpected ways — could trip governance systems.
• Insider-risk and update distribution: Some testers have historically distributed extracted insider app packages; doing so risks introducing tampered binaries and security issues. IT teams must rely on official update channels for enterprise deployments.
• AI safety and moderation: AI tools in Paint and Photos (generative fill, erase) are powerful but rely on moderation and policy layers. On-device Copilot+ features can reduce data exposure, but enterprises and creators should still be mindful about how generated content is used and whether outputs require additional review. (theverge.com)

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Practical tips for everyday users and IT admins​

• For creators who want to experiment safely:
• Use .paint files as working masters and export flattened PNG/JPG for sharing or archiving.
• Keep a versioned folder structure (projectname_v1.paint, projectname_v1.png) to avoid accidental overwrite or compatibility surprises. (windowscentral.com)
• For teachers and students:
• Favor .paint files for in-progress assignments and exports for final submissions; it simplifies iterative work and teacher feedback cycles.
• For IT admins:
• Pilot the Insider build on a small test cohort; validate OneDrive sync, DLP scanning, backup/restore, and eDiscovery indexing for .paint files.
• Confirm update policies so test devices use official Insider channels rather than side-loaded packages.
• For power users who need compatibility:
• Continue to rely on PSD or other professional formats for cross-app collaboration until Microsoft publishes a .paint spec or adds official PSD import/export features.

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How this fits in Paint’s longer roadmap​

Paint’s evolution has been incremental and pragmatic: add features steadily, test with Insiders, and expand AI capabilities where they deliver clear everyday value. Recent phases included Cocreator improvements, generative fill/erase for Copilot+ devices, and now non-destructive workflows and per-tool expressiveness. The project-file change is significant because it changes how users work with Paint (from single-session edits to multi-session projects), while the opacity slider materially improves the app’s expressive range for drawing and painting. (blogs.windows.com)
If Microsoft publishes a formal .paint specification or adds PSD interoperability, Paint could become a true lightweight alternative for many workflows. Until then, its value proposition is clear: free, simple, increasingly capable editing for everyday users.

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Verdict — who should care, and how to adopt​

• Ideal audience: hobby artists, students, social-media creators, content editors who need a fast, free, and low-friction editor that now supports multi-session projects and basic painterly techniques. (windowsreport.com)
• Holdouts: professional designers, print shops, and teams that require strict color management, layered adjustment pipelines, or plugin ecosystems should continue to use Photoshop, Affinity Photo, or similar professional tools until interoperability and advanced features arrive.
• Adoption path: experiment on Windows Insider Canary/Dev builds first; use .paint for editable masters and continue exporting standard formats for collaboration and archiving. IT admins should pilot and validate governance flows before endorsing broad use. (blogs.windows.com)

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Conclusion​

The addition of Save as project (.paint) and a per‑tool opacity slider turns Paint from a single-session doodling app into a practical lightweight editor capable of sustaining iterative creative work. The changes are modest in code but consequential in the day-to-day creative workflow: they remove long-standing friction for multi-layer editing and make brushes useful for shading and buildable strokes. For most everyday users this update will be liberating; for professionals the change is welcome but not transformational — Paint still lacks the advanced controls necessary for production pipelines.
These features are currently rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels as part of Paint version 11.2508.361.0; users and administrators should pilot the build, export to standard formats for collaboration and archiving, and treat the .paint container as a Paint-native working format until Microsoft publishes technical details or interoperability guarantees. (blogs.windows.com)

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Source: ZDNET Windows Paint just got a major Photoshop-like upgrade you'll want to try - what's new

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft Paint has quietly gained a Photoshop‑style workflow: Windows Insiders can now save layered, editable projects as a single .paint file and reopen them later to continue exactly where they left off, while Pencil and Brush tools gain an opacity slider for semi‑transparent strokes—changes shipping in Paint app version 11.2508.361.0 to Canary and Dev channel testers. (blogs.windows.com)

Background / Overview​

Microsoft’s approach to Paint over the last two years has been incremental and pragmatic: transform a decades‑old doodle program into a lightweight, modern image editor by adding layers, transparency support, and AI‑assisted tools before addressing the practical workflow gaps that prevented extended, multi‑session editing. Those efforts culminate in this latest Insider flight, which formalizes an editable project container and direct per‑tool opacity control—features that change how everyday creators can use Paint. (blogs.windows.com) (windowscentral.com)
The update is part of a broader Insider bundle that also touches the Snipping Tool and Notepad, demonstrating Microsoft’s strategy of evolving small inbox apps into richer, Copilot‑aware productivity surfaces. The company published the announcement on the Windows Insider Blog on September 17, 2025, and independent outlets covering Windows confirmed the additions. (blogs.windows.com) (windowsreport.com)

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What changed in Paint: the essentials​

.paint project files — Save as project​

• Paint introduces a Save as project command under File that writes a single editable file with the .paint extension.
• The .paint file preserves the layers, ordering, and session state, so reopening the file restores your composition and edit context. (blogs.windows.com) (windowscentral.com)

This behavior is explicitly described by Dave Grochocki, Principal Group Product Manager — Windows Inbox Apps, in the Insider post: “You can now save your creation as an editable Paint project file and seamlessly pick up where you left off.” That phrase is the official user‑facing summary of the feature. (blogs.windows.com)
Why this matters: Until now, Paint users who used layers had to export flattened copies or export each layer separately and then reconvene them later—an awkward workaround for iterative creative work. A native project container is the same practical convenience offered by established layered editors (.PSD, .pdn, .kra) and makes Paint usable for multi‑session sketches, classroom assignments, mockups, and quick social graphics without juggling dozens of temporary files.

Opacity slider for Pencil and Brush​

• When Pencil or Brush is selected, a left‑of‑canvas opacity slider appears beside the size control.
• The slider adjusts stroke transparency in real time, enabling glazing, soft shading, and layered building of tone without constantly fiddling with layer opacity. (blogs.windows.com)

This is a deceptively powerful change: semi‑transparent strokes are foundational to digital painting techniques and can dramatically improve shading and blending workflows for hobbyists and casual artists.

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How to try it (for Insiders)​

• Join the Windows Insider Program and pick the Canary or Dev channel on the machine you want to test.
• Update Windows 11 and install the latest Paint update from the Microsoft Store or wait for the inbox update to land.
• Open Paint (app version 11.2508.361.0), create or open a multilayer composition, and choose File > Save as project to write a .paint file to disk.
• Reopen the .paint file later to restore layers, ordering, and your session state. Use the Pencil or Brush tools and adjust opacity via the left‑side slider. (blogs.windows.com) (windowsreport.com)

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Technical verification and unanswered questions​

Microsoft’s Windows Insider Blog is the authoritative confirmation for these changes and lists the app version and rollout channels. (blogs.windows.com) Independent reporting from outlets that monitor Windows also corroborates the feature set and the build number. (windowscentral.com)
That said, there are important technical details Microsoft has not publicly documented yet. These remain unverified and should be treated cautiously until Microsoft publishes formal specs:

• The internal structure of the .paint container: Microsoft has not said whether .paint is a documented, open archive (for example, a ZIP holding per‑layer PNGs and metadata) or a proprietary serialized state optimized for Paint’s internals. Interchangeability with other apps is currently unknown.
• Layer feature parity: It’s not clear whether advanced layer features—blend modes beyond simple opacity, masks, adjustment layers, or vector objects—are preserved or supported inside .paint. Early reporting and the blog text imply basic layer ordering and opacity preservation, but full parity with professional editors is unlikely at this stage. (windowsreport.com)
• Third‑party import/export: There’s no official PSD import/export or cross‑app compatibility guarantee. If you need long‑term archival or collaboration with other tools, export flattened copies (PNG, JPG, AVIF) or maintain a workflow that includes a stable interchange format until interoperability is documented.

Microsoft’s staged Insider approach means the company will gather feedback and telemetry before any wide release. The behavior described here applies to the Canary and Dev channel builds and may change before general availability. (blogs.windows.com)

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What this means for different user groups​

Casual creators, students, and hobbyists​

For the vast majority of Paint’s audience—people who need a fast, low‑friction drawing and annotation tool—the .paint project format and opacity slider are clear, immediate wins.

• Faster multi‑session workflows: Save a project mid‑work and resume later without rebuilding layers.
• Better expressive control: Per‑stroke opacity reduces the need for clumsy layer workarounds and makes shading practical.
• Zero cost and immediate availability on Windows 11 (once rolled out)—no subscription, no plugin setup. (windowscentral.com)

Power users and professionals​

Professionals and serious creatives will likely view Paint as a complementary tool, not a replacement for full raster suites. Paint’s simplicity is its strength, but several limitations remain:

• No visible plugin ecosystem or scripting support comparable to Photoshop.
• Limited color management and professional features (CMYK support, advanced retouching tools, soft proofing).
• Unclear file format guarantees for archival and cross‑app collaboration. (windowsreport.com)

IT and enterprise​

From an enterprise perspective, a few policy and governance questions arise:

• Data governance: The .paint format is likely stored locally, but any features that integrate cloud services (generative AI, Copilot actions) could have telemetry or account entanglements. Organizations should test flows on managed devices and review Microsoft‑provided compliance guidance.
• Staged rollout variability: Feature availability will vary across Insider channels, device capabilities (Copilot+ hardware differentiation in other app updates), and Microsoft’s feature‑flight gating—so expect inconsistent exposure during the testing window. (blogs.windows.com)

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Comparative analysis: Paint vs. lightweight editors and Photoshop​

Paint’s evolution positions it in a crowded market of lightweight editors. Here’s a practical comparison of where Paint now stands in 2025.

• Strengths
• Preinstalled and free: No paywall barrier to entry.
• Simplicity and speed: Lower learning curve than full‑featured editors.
• Now supports multi‑session projects: The .paint container eliminates a major historical pain point. (windowscentral.com)
• Expressive brush control: Opacity slider makes painting and shading workflows possible without complex layer juggling. (blogs.windows.com)
• Weaknesses / limitations
• Feature depth: Professional tools still outstrip Paint in advanced retouching, color management, compositing, and automation.
• Ecosystem and interchange: Lack of documented .paint specifications and plugin ecosystems limits Paint’s adoption in professional pipelines.
• Unknown long‑term format stability: Without a published format spec, .paint could change in future releases, hindering archival reliability.

For many everyday tasks—mockups, annotated screenshots, simple graphics and classroom art—Paint is now a credible one‑stop tool. For production pipelines or large‑scale design teams, Paint remains an entry‑level option that can reduce friction for quick tasks but won’t replace dedicated software.

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Practical guidance and best practices​

• Use .paint as your working master during composition, but also export a flattened PNG/JPEG (or TIFF) for sharing and archival until Microsoft publishes format details. This protects you against future format changes or incompatibilities.
• Keep multiple incremental saves of large projects. Insiders should test saving and reopening complex documents to spot any corruption or layer changes during early flights. Submit any anomalies to Feedback Hub under Apps > Paint. (blogs.windows.com)
• If you collaborate with users on other platforms, export layer assets separately and consider a PSD‑centric workflow via intermediary tools if precise interchange is required.
• For shading workflows, use the opacity slider to build tones on a single layer or combine low‑opacity strokes across multiple layers for non‑destructive effects. The left‑side size + opacity controls make touchups quick and immediate. (blogs.windows.com)

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Risks, caveats, and what to watch for​

File format lock‑in and archival risk​

The convenience of a Paint‑native .paint file is also the primary risk: if the format is proprietary or undocumented, it could create lock‑in. Users who plan to archive important creative work should export stable formats and/or maintain workflows that can recreate assets outside Paint. Until Microsoft publishes a spec for .paint or adds import/export interoperability, treat it as a Paint‑native working format.

Interoperability and collaborative workflows​

No current evidence shows Photoshop or Affinity will natively open .paint files. Collaborative teams should not assume cross‑app compatibility and should standardize on portable formats (PNG/TIFF/PSD where possible) for shared projects. (windowsreport.com)

Behavior changes across Insider channels​

Insider flights are staged by channel and may be A/B tested, gated by device, or refined based on feedback. The feature you see in Canary may differ or be temporarily disabled in Dev or Beta. Production teams and power users should not assume feature parity until Microsoft moves the update to general availability. (blogs.windows.com)

Security and AI governance questions​

Paint’s growing set of AI features (generative fill, Cocreator, sticker generator in earlier updates) introduces content moderation, telemetry, and privacy considerations. While the .paint feature itself is local, adjacent AI workflows may involve local or cloud models depending on device capabilities and account state; those flows require reviewing Microsoft’s Copilot and AI data handling docs for enterprise compliance. (theverge.com)

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Why Microsoft is doing this — strategy and implications​

Microsoft’s gradual upgrades to Paint reflect a larger product strategy:

• Use inbox apps as low‑friction testbeds for Copilot and hybrid AI features. These apps reach billions of Windows devices and allow Microsoft to trial new interactions without forcing a third‑party install.
• Tighten the Windows ecosystem: improving preinstalled apps reduces friction for users and keeps common tasks inside Windows rather than sending users to web apps or third‑party editors.
• Demonstrate incremental value without alienating classic‑app users: small, practical improvements (a project file and an opacity slider) create outsized improvements in daily workflows.

The approach is methodical: add valuable primitives (layers, opacity control, persistent projects), then layer on convenience features (AI tools, Copilot shortcuts) and measure engagement. If Insiders react positively, Microsoft can push these to broader channels. (blogs.windows.com)

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Hands‑on scenarios: real world examples​

Classroom assignments​

A teacher asks students to sketch diagrams across multiple sessions. Before: students exported several PNGs or risked losing layer context. Now: students save a single .paint master, continue work later, and export a flattened PDF or PNG for submission.

Quick product mockups​

A product manager drafts UI ideas in Paint during a meeting, saves the .paint project mid‑session, and later revisits to add notes or export a high‑quality PNG for the design review.

Social content creation​

A hobbyist composes layered stickers and uses the opacity slider to soften shadows—then saves as .paint to continue tweaks the next day, exporting a flattened image for social sharing at the end.
These workflows are simpler and faster with a native project container and direct stroke opacity control—especially for users who don’t want to learn full Photoshop or install third‑party editors. (windowscentral.com)

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Final verdict: incremental, practical, and meaningful​

The introduction of .paint project files and an opacity slider marks a watershed moment for Microsoft Paint: pragmatic changes that remove long‑standing friction and let it act as a bona fide lightweight, session‑aware image editor for everyday creators. The move doesn’t suddenly replace professional tools, but it closes one of the biggest gaps in Paint’s utility—persistent multilayer projects—and gives casual artists better expressive control.
The most important caveats are interoperability and long‑term format stability: users who depend on cross‑app workflows or archival guarantees should continue using portable exports until Microsoft publishes technical details about .paint or adds import/export bridges. Microsoft’s staged Insider rollout means behavior could change, but the company’s published release notes and corroborating coverage show the feature is real and rolling to testers now. (blogs.windows.com)
For Windows users who want a faster, simpler way to do layered editing without cost or subscription, Paint is suddenly that much more useful—and that alone is worth paying attention to.

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Source: PC Gamer Microsoft's Paint now lets you save projects as layered files in the latest Insider build, as part of its continued efforts to make the default image editor great again