Microsoft has introduced a significant update to its Notepad application, allowing users to generate custom text based on prompts they provide. This new feature, powered by Copilot AI, is available to Microsoft 365 subscribers and Copilot Pro users. The update marks a substantial enhancement to Notepad’s capabilities, transforming it from a basic text editor to a more sophisticated tool.
To access the new feature, users can right-click where they want the generated text to appear and select ‘Write’ from the Copilot menu, or use the Ctrl + Q shortcut. This functionality builds upon the Rewrite tool introduced earlier, which allowed users to refine existing text using generative AI. Now, users can create entirely new content within Notepad.
The update is part of a broader effort by Microsoft to integrate AI features into its applications. The Paint app has also been updated with the ability to create custom stickers based on user prompts, utilizing generative AI. Additionally, Paint now includes an Object select feature that enables users to isolate and edit specific parts of an image. These features are currently available on Copilot+ PCs, such as the recently announced HP laptops.
Microsoft has also enhanced the Snipping Tool with a ‘Perfect screenshot’ feature that automatically edits screen captures. Powered by Copilot AI, this feature resizes screenshots to the optimal dimensions, saving users time. While the Perfect screenshot feature requires a Copilot+ PC, the Snipping Tool’s new Color picker tool does not. The Color picker tool provides users with the HEX, RGB, or HSL values of a color on their screen.
These AI-driven features are set to roll out to Windows Insiders users first, marking the beginning of a new era in AI-enhanced productivity for Microsoft applications.
