Microsoft Enhances Notepad, Paint, and Snipping Tool with AI Features
Microsoft is introducing new AI-powered features to its Notepad, Paint, and Snipping Tool applications as part of the latest Windows Insider build. These updates bring significant functionality improvements to these widely used Windows apps.
Paint Updates
The Paint app now includes an AI-powered sticker generator, allowing users to create custom stickers by typing a prompt. This feature can be accessed through the Copilot menu by clicking the ‘Sticker generator’ button. Users can describe their desired sticker, such as ‘a cat wearing a hat,’ and generate it with the ‘Generate’ button. The created stickers can be used in other applications or saved for later use. Recent stickers are accessible through the ‘Sticker’ option in the Paint toolbar.
Additionally, Paint is getting a ‘smart selection tool’ that uses generative AI to isolate and edit elements within an image. This tool is found under the ‘Object select’ tool in the toolbar, where users can mark the desired element using their cursor.
Notepad Enhancements
Notepad is receiving a generative AI-powered ‘Write’ feature, allowing users to generate new content from simple prompts. Similar to AI chatbots, users can right-click where they want the content to appear and select ‘Write,’ or use the Ctrl + Q key combination. The generated text appears in a floating window with options to replace existing text or regenerate the response. This feature requires a Microsoft account sign-in and is currently limited to Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, Enterprise, and Copilot Pro subscribers.
Snipping Tool Improvements
The Snipping Tool is being updated with two new features: ‘Perfect screenshot’ and ‘color picker.’ ‘Perfect screenshot,’ available for Copilot+ PC users, automatically resizes content within the selected screenshot region. Users can access this by pressing the Print Screen button, selecting ‘Perfect screenshot’ from the toolbar in rectangle mode, or by holding the Ctrl button while selecting the region.
These updates demonstrate Microsoft’s focus on integrating AI capabilities into core Windows applications, enhancing user productivity and creativity.
