Microsoft Enhances Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad with Generative AI Features
Microsoft is currently testing a range of new generative AI features for its Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad applications. These updates are available to Windows Insiders using the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11, with some features requiring Copilot+ PCs.
AI-Powered Sticker Creation in Paint
Users of Microsoft Paint can now leverage AI to create custom stickers by entering specific prompts on Copilot-compatible devices. To access this feature, users need to click the Sticker Generator button in the Copilot menu, type a description of the desired sticker (e.g., “monkey wearing a suit”), and hit the Generate button. Paint will then produce a set of unique stickers based on the input. All recently generated stickers can be accessed through the new Stickers option in the Paint toolbar.
It’s worth noting that Paint already includes other generative AI features such as layers, background removal, and generative erase, which are available to all users.
Enhanced Snipping Tool with Perfect Screenshot
The Snipping Tool has been improved with a new feature called Perfect Screenshot, which uses AI to resize clippings based on the content within the selected area. To use this feature, users need to activate the Snipping Tool, select the desired screen region, and then hold the Ctrl keyboard shortcut. This feature is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs.
AI-Assisted Writing in Notepad
Notepad now includes a generative AI capability that allows users to create new content by entering prompts. To use this feature, users must place their cursor where they want to insert text or select content to use as a reference. They can then right-click and choose “Write,” select “Write” from the Copilot menu, or use the Ctrl + Q keyboard shortcut. After entering their prompt and clicking Send, the AI-generated output will appear directly in the document. Users can choose to “Keep Text” to add it to their document or “Discard” if it doesn’t fit their needs. Further refinement is possible by entering follow-up prompts.
However, it’s important to note that using the “Write” feature requires a Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscription.
These new features represent Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI into its applications, though they may seem modest compared to the more ambitious AI-related announcements made by CEO Satya Nadella at Microsoft’s recent Build conference. Nadella highlighted that the tech industry is on the cusp of “another platform shift,” comparable to significant technological advancements in the past, such as the introduction of Win32 developer tools in 1991 and internet-focused development tools in 1996.
