Microsoft Paint for Windows 11 gets long-awaited redesign [video]

Microsoft Paint is arguably one of the most iconic applications for Windows. It is sometimes derided for its basic feature set, but some people have amazed online users by creating works of art using only those very basic tools.

The app has also been criticized for remaining unchanged for years since Windows 8 was released in 2012. In Windows 11, however, the venerable but ridiculed Paint will get a visual update, as well as some features that could make it more powerful as a basic creative tool available to everyone without having to install additional (mostly paid) apps.

Here's another @Windows 11 first look. This is the beautifully redesigned Paint app, coming soon to Windows Insiders. Can't wait to see your creations! #Windows11 #WindowsInsiders pic.twitter.com/jiKyfqQFUV

- Panos Panay (@panos_panay) August 18, 2021

Microsoft Paint will get a noticeable UI change. The window header is now located at the top, and the quick action buttons have been moved to the menu bar. The color palette buttons have also been converted to circles, more in line with Windows 11 aesthetics.

The brush drop-down menu also offers a better visualization of what the strokes will look like, but the more significant change may be in how they work. From the short clip, it appears that pressure sensitivity will be supported, something the old Paint app sorely lacked even with the existence of Windows Ink.

Of course, Microsoft Paint doesn't compare to Photoshop or even something like GIMP for more complex digital work. However, for basic use the application is fine, and its advantage is that it is pre-installed on all Windows 11 PCs.

Source: Panos Panay